Title
Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-385; An Ordinance Amending Chapter 40, Article III, Sections 40-151, and 40-152 of the Code of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Pertaining to Gas Service Rates
Recommended Action
I move that Council adopt Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-385; An Ordinance Amending Chapter 40, Article III, Sections 40-151, and 40-152 of the Code of the Incorporated County of Los Alamos Pertaining to Gas Service Rates, and ask staff to assure that it is published in summary form.
Utilities Manager's Recommendation
The Utilities Manager recommends that Council adopt the Code Ordinance as presented.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Board of Public Utilities recommended adoption of this Code Ordinance at their regular session on July 22, 2026.
Body
On June 9, 2026 Council rejected the proposed two year gas rate increase recommended by BPU. The Council Chair suggested to the Utilities Manager to get back with BPU for a single gas rate increase recommendation. At this same meeting, County Council considered and recommended to the County Manager to draft an ordinance to amend the Utilities Charter section to remove profit transfer paragraph that the community will consider on the November ballot. Since Ordinance 758 has been adopted, there will be a ballot question for the community to consider in this November's election. Depending on the outcome of the election, it could change how DPU recommends future gas and electric rates. Therefore, there is a reason to proceed with a single rate increase for gas services.
In addition, Council ask to pull together more information that would support the recommended gas rate increase. During the June 17, 2026 BPU meeting, staff provided a recent budget-to-actual analysis that was completed through May 2026. FY2026 sales revenue is projected at $5.6 million, with a net loss of about $760,000. Also, Staff researched and found the U.S. Energy Information Administration (eia.gov) report and the average cost of gas in calendar year 2025 for the State of New Mexico was $1.15 per therm delivered to residential customers.
Citizens are welcome to attend and provide public comment regarding the proposed Gas Service Rates at these scheduled meetings:
Council Public Hearing: August 25, 2026
Alternatives
As noted above, rate increases will be necessary to support essential operations, infrastructure replacement, and the restoration of cash reserves. Without taking action, DPU would be forced to curtail maintenance and replacement activities, which would ultimately impact system reliability.
Fiscal and Staff Impact/Planned Item
The proposed increases are expected to restore our gas fund to a positive gas flow in FY2029 as well as fund our long-term cash reserves. There are no staff changes related to this rate increase.
Attachments
A - LAC Code Ordinance 02-385 - Gas Rates
B - Gas Rate Ordinance Presentation
C - Publication Notice