News Release

Mar. 31, 2014
PNM Good Neighbor Fund Poised for Growth

Albuquerque: New changes to the PNM Good Neighbor Fund are aimed at ensuring the long-term sustainability of the fund as well as improving access for those that need it.

PNM shareholders contributed an additional $500,000 to the low income assistance fund at the end of 2013.  That amount, in addition to the historical annual gift by shareholders of $350,000 will help reach more low income customers who can't afford electricity bills due to unforeseen emergency circumstances.  In conjunction with the increased funding in 2013, the company also is changing qualification guidelines so that extenuating circumstances can be considered.

The program is funded by customer donations as well as shareholder funding. In 2013, the PNM Good Neighbor Fund provided $294,966 to families in need.

"Like our customers, PNM recognizes that New Mexico continues to have families that struggle to make ends meet, and the PNM Good Neighbor Fund is one way we can help," said Maddie Martinez, PNM project manager for Low-Income Outreach. "In 2013, the generosity of our customers, employees and shareholders helped 3,610 families."

Another change is that the funds now will be administered by Rio Grande Food Project, headquartered in Albuquerque, N.M. PNM periodically solicits proposals from nonprofit organizations to administer the funds, and the Rio Grande Food Project was granted the contract in the most recent review of proposals.

For customers in Albuquerque, the new fund administrator means two more changes. First, in-person application interviews are now being done at the Rio Grande Food Project's offices, located at 600 Coors Blvd NW. The fund administrators in non-Albuquerque locations have not changed. Also, to help customers get straight to the assistance they need, customers in Albuquerque are now asked to set up appointments in advance so they don't have to wait in line. Customers can request an appointment by calling (505) 967-8045.

"The Rio Grande Food Project is pleased to be part of this long-time program that has made a big difference for thousands of New Mexicans," said David Whiteley, Executive Director of the Rio Grande Food Project.

More information is available at PNM.com/gnf-applying-for-help.

With headquarters in Albuquerque, PNM is the largest electricity provider in New Mexico, serving 500,000 customers in dozens of communities across the state. PNM is a subsidiary of PNM Resources, an energy holding company also headquartered in Albuquerque. For more information, visit PNM.com.