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; 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.
Utilities Manager's Recommendation
The Utilities Manager recommends that the Board introduce this Code Ordinance as presented.
Background
Staff has made a series of presentations to the Board providing financial snapshots of the Electric Distribution Fund and the need for increased rates for FY2026 and FY2027. Staff presented to the Board of Public Utilities on February 5th and March 5th. UAMPS 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) charges range from $15 and $25 per month.
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 most recent meetings being on February 5th and March 5th, 2025. The Board directed staff to implement both time of use and residential demand billing capabilities either in the existing or new billing software program. Staff included $250,000 in the FY2026 budget to update the existing software to allow for the new rate designs. There is a minimum of 12 months for the implementation. The new ra...
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