New Mexico Attorney General takes on New Mexico Gas Company, defends customers

Gary King

Farmington Daily Times - New Mexico Attorney General Gary King filed a petition Wednesday asking the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission to stop New Mexico Gas Company from cutting service to 71 customers in San Juan County. The petition says that New Mexico Gas Company violated state law by not hosting abandonment hearings prior to informing customers that natural gas services were going to be canceled, said Phil Sisneros, the director of communications for the attorney general's office. "We want them to follow the law," he said.

In his letter, King asks the PRC to order the gas company not to stop services to the customers and to schedule the necessary abandonment hearings. Last month, New Mexico Gas Company told 71 customers in unincorporated parts of San Juan County the gas company was cutting service to them beginning Sept. 30. The notice prompted businesses and residents to contact the attorney generals office, San Juan County and other governmental agencies asking them to intervene. "That's great news," Jay Walden, the manager of Abe's Motel and Fly Shop, said of King's petition. "I was hoping some government intervention would happen." The fly fishing business in Navajo Dam was one business affected by the gas company's decision. The business operates a 60-room hotel, restaurant and fishing store, and has been in business for more than 50 years, Walden said. Read More News New Mexico

New Mexico Attorney General takes on New Mexico Gas Company, defends customers