Xcel Energy review: Electric

I am writing to formally file a complaint against Xcel Energy of New Mexico regarding the transfer of electric service at 4024 W Smith Lane, Unit B. The previous tenant, Jamie Taylor, was the account holder and was on a medical waiver. Unfortunately, Mr. Taylor has since passed away, and the property has been rented to a new tenant. However, we are encountering difficulties transferring the electric service to the new tenant due to the outstanding balance on Mr. Taylor’s account.
“Under New Mexico’s landlord-tenant laws, specifically the Uniform Owner-Resident Relations Act (UORRA) outlined in New Mexico Statutes Annotated (NMSA) Sections 47-8-1 through 47-8-52, landlords cannot be held responsible for a tenant’s financial obligations, including unpaid utility bills or debts, unless a formal agreement dictates otherwise. The law stipulates the following:
• Landlords are required to provide habitable housing and maintain essential services such as plumbing and heating.
• Tenants are responsible for paying rent and utilities unless the lease specifies that the landlord covers those costs.
• Landlords cannot be held liable for a tenant’s outstanding debts, including utility bills, unless they are listed as the account holder”
Despite this, Xcel Energy has stated that I, Wanda Ryan, was listed on the account as a tenant. However, I was not a tenant, and legally, only Mr. Taylor could have authorized users on the account. Any record of my association with the account was solely the result of Mr. Taylor’s actions, not mine. I have proof of landlord-tenant status, including receipts of rent paid by Mr. Taylor to me.
Additionally, it is important to clarify that I do not reside at the property. The property contains three electric meters, listed under Xcel Energy as Units A, B, and C. Mr. Taylor previously rented Unit B, while I lived in Unit A. Due to Xcel Energy’s unlawful attempt to collect on me as the landlord, we are currently unable to establish electric service for Unit B.
Furthermore, according to Xcel Energy’s records, the electric bill has increased by approximately $700 over the past two months. This discrepancy is concerning, as the meters were terminated at the top of the pole nearly three months ago. This raises serious concerns regarding the accuracy of prior billing statements issued to Mr. Taylor.
Given these issues, I kindly request that Xcel Energy remove the outstanding debt from my responsibility as the landlord and proceed with transferring service to the new tenant. Additionally, I urge an immediate review of billing accuracy for the affected account.