County of Los Alamos - File #: CO0760-26

• File #: CO0760-26
• Version: 1
• Type: Code Ordinance
• Status: Introduction of Ordinance
• File created: 6/10/2026
• In control: County Council - Regular Session
• On agenda: 8/4/2026
• Title: Introduction of 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
• Presenters: Joann Gentry; Philo Shelton
• Indexes (Council Goals): Quality Excellence - Effective, Efficient, and Reliable Services, Quality Governance - Fiscal Stewardship, DPU FY26 - 1.0 Provide Safe and Reliable Utility Services, DPU FY26 - 2.0 Achieve and Maintain Excellence in Financial Performance
• Related files: CO0760-26.2

Title
Introduction of 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 introduce, without prejudice, 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 the staff to assure that it is published as provided in the County Charter.
Utilities Manager's Recommendation
The Utilities Manager recommends that Council introduce this Code Ordinance.
Board, Commission or Committee Recommendation
The Board of Public Utilities reviewed this request at their regular session on July 22, 2026 and recommends that Council introduce this Code Ordinance.
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...