Title
Introduction of Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-365; An Ordinance Amending Chapter 40, Article III, Sections 40-121, 40-122 and 40-123 Relating to Electric Rate Schedules, Electric Customer Service Charges and Electric Energy Charges
Recommended Action
I introduce, without prejudice, Incorporated County of Los Alamos Code Ordinance No. 02-365 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 approved this ordinance at their regular meeting of April 16, 2025 and recommends that Council introduce as presented.
Body
Staff has made a series of presentations to the Board of Public Utilities (BPU) providing financial snapshots of the Electric Distribution Fund and the need for increased rates for FY2026 and FY2027. Staff presented to the BPU on February 5th and March 5th. Utah Associated Municipal Power Systems (*UAMPS) staff also presented a Financial Assessment of the Electric Fund and made rate observations which included 1) "the utility doesn't seem to have consistent rate adjustments, resulting in operating losses" and 2) "National average (residential customer) service charges range from $15 and $25 per month." (*Note: Los Alamos County is a member of UAMPS. This full-service interlocal agency provides comprehensive wholesale electric energy services on a non-profit basis to community-owned power systems throughout the Intermountain West.)
The proposed FY2026 budget includes a 9% increase in FY2026 and an 8% increase in FY2027. The changes to the existing electric rates would be in effect on July 1, 2025 and July 1, 2026.
The Board of Public Utilities and staff have also had a series of public meetings discussing residential time of use and residential demand rate designs. The Board directed staff to ...
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