Gas rate increase fails; utilities ballot measures advance
Los Alamos County
Summary
The Board of Public Utilities voted unanimously to send a gas rate increase to council — roughly 16% effective on bills in year one and 11% in year two — driven by warm winters cutting sales, infrastructure and compliance costs, and historical underpricing.
At a glance
- Total mentions
- 4
- Last 30 days
- 0
Last discussed Jun 17, 2026.
Impact analysis
About a 16% effective increase on gas bills in year one and 11% in year two.
The gas utility fund, which needs revenue to cover infrastructure, compliance, and inflation costs.
Every household and business that heats with natural gas will pay more.
Mentions & discussions (4)
Board of Public Utilities — June 17, 2026
The gas fund is projected to lose about $760,000 this year, and Council asked the board to come back with a one-year (single-step) rate increase instead of the rejected two-year version. A resident worried about stacking it on the July electric increase. The ordinance comes back July 22 for formal consideration.
Historic Preservation Advisory Board — June 10, 2026
Council rejected a proposed gas rate increase on a four-vote opposition tally, but the Board of Public Utilities must still balance its books as fixed costs rise while gas usage falls, so the increase may return. Council also advanced November ballot items on board term lengths and political-affiliation rules.
County Council - Regular Session — June 9, 2026
The proposed two-year gas rate increase would have raised typical bills about 17% this July and 11% next year to fix a $1.7 million gas fund deficit. The council rejected it 3-4, and residents testified bills are already unaffordable. The utility fund deficit and required PRC compliance remain unresolved.
Environmental Sustainability Board — May 21, 2026
The Board of Public Utilities voted unanimously to send a gas rate increase to council — roughly 16% effective on bills in year one and 11% in year two — driven by warm winters cutting sales, infrastructure and compliance costs, and historical underpricing.
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