Op-Ed: Beyond Compassion: Gas Company Profits Means Kids Freeze
March 7, 2015
Op-Ed Submitted by Senator Cisco McSorley (D-16-Bernalillo)
Santa Fe, NM – Last Monday at 1:00 p.m. an unannounced representative of the New Mexico Gas Company arrived at one of my constituent’s homes and abruptly turned off their gas. There was no advanced warning and no compassion for a family with two elementary aged children. According to Dwight Lamberson of the New Mexico Public Relation’s Utility Division, this act was illegal. Law states that the New Mexico Gas Company is obligated to give a 15 day written notice, followed by a two-day notice, if the gas bill has not been paid.
My constituent did not receive any notices or calls from the gas company warning them that their gas would be shut off. There was absolutely no compassion from the little white, unmarked pick-up that pulled up, walked to the gas meter, turned off the gas and was gone in less than five minutes.
My concern is that since the New Mexico Gas Company was brought in by an outside entity, the safety of children, the elderly and homebound New Mexicans is threatened. The nighttime temperature in Albuquerque this week was 21 degrees; that means more than no heat. That means frozen pipes and thousands in plumbing bills to people who can barely afford to get by.
It is my understanding that thousands of Albuquerque homes are without gas in the coldest of the winter months, due to daily gas shut-offs. At one time, the gas company never turned off the gas on Fridays to prevent freezing weekends. Sadly, that consideration is now gone.
In order for customers in New Mexico to be exempt from gas shut-offs, they must present an official medical exemption form or financial certificate. But, I believe New Mexico should seriously consider additional laws to protect its most fragile citizens. For example, in Wisconsin, it is unlawful for the gas to be turned off during the cold winter months for those unable to pay and also to prevent extensive damage to vacant homes.
This issue needs serious attention and should be addressed immediately. After all, if we don’t put pressure on those who control our most essential needs to act with consideration, compassion and responsibility, we are leaving our most vulnerable without a voice. As a state senator, it is my job to speak out for those who do not have the platform I do. I sincerely believe that everybody does better, when everybody does better.
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