PNM Good Neighbor Fund helps more families in 2012

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — New Mexico's largest electric utility says more than 10,200 families were helped last year by the Good Neighbor Fund.

That marks a record for the fund, which began three decades ago as a way to help Public Service Company of New Mexico customers who are low-income senior citizens and those who are facing unexpected financial hardships.

In all, more than $986,000 was used to help customers in 2012.

That came from the donations of other customers, PNM employees and a shareholder match of $350,000.

PNM provided more than $1.2 million to help 9,900 customers in 2011. That year, the program was expanded by raising the annual income level a household can have and still be eligible for help. The move was in response to record cold temperatures that winter.