As a Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) customer, your opinion counts. In fact, if you have opinions about gas rates, the Utility Customer Advisory Group (UCAG) wants to hear from you. The UCAG is an ad hoc committee created by resolution in 2016. The five volunteer members are tasked with reviewing LCU rates for all four services (gas, water, wastewater, and solid waste). A panel of customers, the UCAG is uniquely qualified to gather customer input because they themselves are customers. Now the UCAG wants your input on the gas rate review and its recommendations. The committee will gather customer feedback and inform the LCU Board of Commissioners, which will submit their recommendation to the City Council.
In May, the UCAG conducted virtual meetings with customers regarding the LCU gas rate review. This summer, UCAG is holding two in person public meetings due to the relaxed COVID-19 restrictions. The deadline to provide feedback on the gas rate review options is July 31, 2021. During the meetings, UCAG will present information provided by Stantec Consulting, the firm responsible for evaluating current gas rates, revenue requirements, and the cost of providing services. To review all documents associated with the rate review process, visit
https://www.las-cruces.org/2065/Utility-Customer-Advisory-Group-UCAG.
Public Meetings:
- Tuesday, July 20, 2021, 5:30 p.m., Las Cruces Utilities Board Room, 680 N. Motel Boulevard
- Wednesday, July 28, 2021, 5:30 p.m., City Hall Council Chambers, 700 N. Main Street
According to Paul Royalty, UCAG Chair, “LCU customers have an opportunity to provide input to the Utility Board and the City Council concerning the proposed rate increases. The Utility Customer Advisory Group is here to help customers voice their opinions and concerns." The last time LCU reviewed natural gas rates was 10 years ago. The current gas rate review reflects cost increases in every aspect of running a public utility from employee wages and benefits to equipment maintenance and replacement.
The three rate options under consideration are:
- A full cost implementation of new rates in one year;
- A limited phased-in cost increase for the two most impacted customer classes (small and large commercial) over three years;
- A full phased-in cost increase for all customer classes over three years.
The facts about gas rate review:
- LCU must increase overall revenue by $2.4 million annually. The last gas rate increase was in 2011.
- The average residential monthly gas bill today is $26.87, including the access charge. A full-cost increase would raise the average residential bill to $29.33.
- The average small commercial monthly gas bill today is $75.15, including the access charge. A full-cost increase would raise the average small commercial bill to $107.24.
“I urge the public to take advantage of the opportunity to voice their opinion in person, city utilities affect everyone,” said Royalty.
LCU Customer Central can be reached at 575-541-2111 from 8 a.m. - 6p.m. Monday through Friday. LCU provides services to approximately 100,000 Las Cruces residents and businesses.