These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Read the notice together
You can ask"Can I see the notice? Which company is it?"
Write down the company, the amount due and the shut-off date.
You can ask"Does anyone in the home use medical equipment that needs power?"
If they smell gas, they must leave the home now and call from outside.
New Mexico Gas Company
24/7 gas leak and emergency line
1-888-664-2726
· 24/7
2Call the company today and ask for a payment plan
You can say"Let's call now. Ask for more time or a payment plan."
PNM (electric):
NM Gas (heat):
New Mexico Gas Company
Customer service (billing, start/stop service)
888-664-2726
· Mon-Fri 7:30am-6pm
Town water, sewer and trash:
Town of Silver City - Utility Billing
Water, sewer and trash billing and payment arrangements
575-538-3731
City Hall, 101 W Broadway, Silver City · Town Hall weekday hours
3Apply for LIHEAP energy help
LIHEAP helps pay heating and cooling bills once a year.
Apply online at yes.state.nm.us or at the Income Support office, 3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A.
NM Health Care Authority - Income Support Division (Grant County office)
LIHEAP energy assistance
1-800-283-4465
3088 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City · Lobby Mon-Fri 8:00 am-4:30 pm, closed 12:00-1:30 pm for lunch. Phone line (1-800-283-4465) Mon-Fri 7:00 am-6:30 pm.
Bring
- Recent utility bill
- photo ID
- proof of income
4PNM bill: Good Neighbor Fund
For PNM customers who get LIHEAP or SNAP this year and have a past-due or disconnect notice.
It gives up to $120 a year. Seniors 60+ do not need to be past due.
Apply by appointment through St. Francis Newman Center or HMS Family Support (114 W. 11th St.).
PNM Good Neighbor Fund
Emergency help paying a PNM electric bill
833-848-6086
114 W. 11th St. (HMS Family Support), Silver City · By appointment
Bring
- Proof of LIHEAP or SNAP this year
- the disconnect notice
- photo ID that matches the name on the PNM account
5Gas bill: HEAT New Mexico (winter)
Help for income-qualified NM Gas customers. It usually opens in January and runs until money is gone.
Apply for LIHEAP first.
New Mexico Gas Company - HEAT New Mexico
Winter help paying a gas heating bill
888-664-2726
· Seasonal, starting January
Bring
- ID for adults in the home
- LIHEAP letter
- proof of income
- current NM Gas bill
6Ask local churches and groups for help
St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church
Utility bill help
575-538-9373
414 N. Bayard St., Silver City · Tuesdays 1:00-2:00 pm (one listing says 1-3)
St. Francis Newman Center (Catholic parish)
Associates emergency help (rent, utilities, medicine)
575-388-4933
914 W. 13th St. (south side ramp), Silver City · 2nd and 4th Saturday, 8:00 am
The Salvation Army - Silver City Service Unit
Local emergency assistance
575-534-9509
22 Kirkland Rd., Silver City
Bring
- Photo ID
- the bill
- proof of income
7If the company will not work with them
The state Public Regulation Commission takes complaints about shut-offs.
NM Public Regulation Commission - Consumer Relations Division
Utility complaints and shutoff help (electric, gas, water, phone)
888-427-5772
Bring
- Account number
- shut-off notice
- bills
- notes from calls with the company
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.