New Mexico Disclosure

Propane (also called LPG—liquefied petroleum gas—or LP gas) is a liquid fuel stored under pressure. In most systems, propane is vaporized to a gas before it leaves the tank. Propane is flammable when mixed with air (oxygen) and can be ignited by many sources, including open flames, smoking materials, electrical sparks, and static electricity. Severe “freeze burn” or frostbite can result if propane liquid comes in contact with your skin.  As a user of LP-Gas (propane) in New Mexico, you have certain choices available to you. The New Mexico Public Regulation Commission wants to ensure that you know about the options that are available in the event a question or problem arises.

IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS OR COMPLAINTS PLEASE….

• Contact the propane dealer with whom you have a complaint or
• If you are not satisfied with your dealer’s response and you wish to pursue a complaint, contact the Consumer Relations Division (CRD) of the New Mexico Public Regulation Commission (NMPRC) at 1-888-4-ASK-PRC (1-888-427-5772)
• The CRD staff will help you with your
• Members of New Mexico tribes or pueblos requesting help with translation or with other matters may also contact the Commission’s Native American Liaison at (505) 476-0319, who will contact the appropriate tribal or pueblo official for

TIPS FOR NEW AND EXISTING CONSUMERS

• A consumer may change propane dealers for any reason, unless the consumer has a contract to the contrary.
• A consumer’s best protection is to become an informed A consumer should shop among competing dealers for a dealer who gives the consumer the best price and service for that particular consumer’s circumstances and location.
• A consumer may request the current price for propane and any additional charges that may apply to its
• A dealer may charge different prices to different types of customers or for different types of delivery (for example, differences in frequency of fills or volume per fill).
• A dealer may adjust pricing with individual consumers as it deems
• Although a dealer is not required to advise all consumers about a pending rate change, a dealer shall disclose it to those consumers who
• Propane prices often change When a consumer places an order for propane, the dealer shall honor the quoted price for that delivery, even if the actual delivery is at some other date for reasons not caused by the consumer.
• A propane dealer may charge more for non-scheduled or irregular deliveries. A consumer should ask the propane dealer to explain all charges that may apply to a
• A dealer shall disclose in writing the annual tank rental fee if a consumer is renting a tank from a dealer, including fees for tank removal, propane pump-out, minimum fills, and partial
• A consumer may use his/her own tank and
• A dealer shall not require a consumer to make a minimum purchase of more than 100 gallons at a time, but the consumer should ask the dealer if there are additional charges for these minimum
• To avoid the stopping of deliveries for non-payment, consumers and dealers shall try to agree on a payment plan providing at least 45 days to pay the balance
• A consumer should verify that the person or company working on his/her LP-Gas equipment is licensed by the LP-Gas Bureau of the Construction Industries Division (CID) of the New Mexico Regulation and Licensing
• The CID requires that dealers follow its safety rules. A dealer cannot put propane into any system that is found unsafe. A dealer may be required to inspect the premises and test the system if the dealer reasonably believes there is a safety issue or in order for the dealer to comply with regulations or insurance requirements. Consumers may call the CID at these numbers with safety-related questions: Santa Fe (505) 476-4700; Albuquerque (505) 222-9800; and Las Cruces (575) 524-6320.
• A consumer may apply for exemption from State taxation if the consumer is a tribal member residing on tribal land. The Native American Exemption Form may be obtained at the Commission’s website (http://www.nmprc.state.nm.us/) under the heading “Native American Tax Exemptions,” or by calling the Commission’s Native American Liaison at (505) 476-0319.

IT IS RECOMMENDED THAT ALL PROPANE CONSUMERS REGULARLY ASK THE FOLLOWING…

NOTE: Because rates and policies differ among dealers, all consumers, including consumers considering switching to a new dealer, should be informed enough to ask a few key questions when negotiating propane contracts and billing arrangements:

• What am I being charged for propane delivery and services?
• Is there a written description of services that will be provided?
• Is there a deposit to initiate service?
• Does the dealer require a credit check?
• What is the most economical method of purchasing propane?
• Is this the best price available to me through your dealership?
• Are there any purchase options, discounts, promotions, payment plans or arrangements available to me?
• Is the price based on my annual usage, the area I live in, the quantity per delivery or other special circumstances or considerations?
• What is the minimum amount of propane that I can purchase?
• How long after delivery do I have to pay my bill?
• Is there a penalty for late payment?
• Is there an increase in the tank rental fee if I don’t use as much gas as anticipated?
• Is there a penalty fee charged if I don’t use as much gas as anticipated?
• Do I have to call when I need gas or will a dealer schedule my deliveries? If I need to call, when do I need to call?
• How often and on what days will I receive a delivery?
• Do I have to be home when you deliver?
• Does the dealer offer 24 hour emergency service?
• How much will it cost to receive a delivery outside of my normal schedule?
• Will my location present any special difficulties for deliveries in the winter months? If so, what should I do to make sure that I don’t run out of propane during the winter months?
• Are there any surcharges or additional charges added to my delivery?
• How do I know how much propane I have left in my tank?