At its Tuesday, October 28 meeting, the Lassen Municipal Utility District Board of Directors approved a new three-year rate plan aimed at modernizing the way customer bills are calculated. The plan, developed under new General Manager Nick Dominguez, passed by a 3-2 vote, with Directors David Ernaga, Daren Hagata, and Jess Urionaguena voting in favor, and Directors Fred Nagel and Charity Moore voting no.
Key Changes in the Rate Plan:
- 2026: Customers continue to pay 19.5 cents per kWh, a $30 facilities charge, plus an additional 2.85% public benefits charge.
- 2027: Rates adjust to a 15-cent power and delivery charge per kWh, a 5.5-cent transmission charge per kWh, the $30 facility charge, and the 2.85% public benefits charge.
- 2028: Power and delivery charge increases to 16 cents per kWh, with the transmission charge, facility charge, and public benefits charge remaining the same.
Impact on Customers: According to General Manager Dominguez, the average LMUD customer using 800 kWh per month can expect monthly bill increases of approximately $4.45 in 2026, $6.97 in 2027, and $8.23 in 2028.
Board Discussion and Public Feedback:
- Susanville City Councilmember Curtis Bortle praised the forward-looking approach taken by the new management, highlighting its focus on reliability and continued power distribution.
- Councilmember Patrick Parrish inquired about the effect on monthly bills, which Dominguez addressed with detailed projections.
- Lassen County senior statesman Jim Chapman voiced opposition to the plan, citing concerns over high current rates despite falling purchased power costs and inadequate public information before the hearing. Chapman emphasized the need to revisit 2023 rate adjustments due to improved market conditions.
- Chapman also criticized the presentation of information, noting that some details were only shared during the meeting rather than in advance, limiting public review. Concerns Over Rate History and Capital Projects: Chapman challenged the baseline kWh rate used by management, arguing it should be closer to 13.5 to 14 cents rather than 19.5
- General Counsel Eugene Chittock clarified that certain reporting requirements cited by Chapman do not apply to LMUD due to its customer base size.
