Vasquez Sends Letter Demanding Answers and Action on High Gas Bills in Deming
As gas prices skyrocket, Vasquez looks for long-term solutions.
Washington, D.C. – In response to the high gas bills residents have been facing in Deming and Las Cruces, Rep. Gabe Vasquez (NM-02) sent a letter to Symmetry Energy Solutions to urge the company to take immediate action to help bring down the cost of utility bills for struggling New Mexicans.
“Access to natural gas is essential for New Mexicans, especially during the coldest months of the year,”said Rep. Vasquez. “Families shouldn’t have to choose between keeping their house warm and putting food on the table. Cooking food and boiling water, taking warm showers, and heating our homes in the winter aren’t luxuries, they’re necessities. Without heat, some of our most vulnerable residents are put at risk, including the elderly and the sick. I am asking for answers and action from Symmetry Energy Solutions to work with our local municipalities to bring these costs down.”
More than 1 in 5 New Mexicans live below the poverty line, and even a 10 percent increase is difficult for many to afford. For most New Mexicans, a 350 percent increase in their natural gas costs is untenable. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the average income in Deming, NM is $18,545 pre-tax. The increased utility bill could take more than half of residents’ daily income.
The City of Deming announced a natural gas relief program that will help residents cover these costs, greatly eroding its utilities fund, but Congressman Vasquez is looking for long-term solutions.
The gas provider has cited supply issues as the main contributor for the price increase. This letter aims to get more specific answers on what Symmetry Energy Solutions proposes to do to ensure those affected maintain access to the energy source needed for daily necessities and how they intend to lower the costs.
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Background
The City of Deming receives its gas from the San Juan Basin through the gas provider, Symmetry Energy Solutions. Customers began seeing the rising costs in December when natural gas prices increased by 70 percent from the previous month. The most recent utility bill for Deming and Las Cruces residents skyrcketed compared to past bills, some reaching almost $800. Over 6,000 customers in the area are affected by the rising costs.