COUNTY NEWS

With the recent snowfall in Los Alamos, officials with the Department of Public Utilities would like to remind customers to maintain access to and clear snow and ice off meters.  This will ensure that DPU can bill customers on actual meter reads rather than estimating reads.

Meter Technician Supervisor Edgar Castillo asks customers to please check gates if meters are in the backyard.  “Make sure your gate can open and close without obstruction of snow and ice.”   He further added, “Clearing your meters of snow and ice assists the meter reader to get an actual read for an accurate bill.”

More importantly, snow and ice on the natural gas meter can be dangerous. Castillo points out that if snow and ice block the vent on the meter’s regulator, gas could be expelled back into the home. “Use a broom instead of a shovel to clear snow off the regulator, meter, and associated piping.” If customers smell gas, Castillo instructs them to immediately call the Customer Care Center at 505 662 8333 Mon. – Fri. from 8 – 4 p.m. and after hours the Police Department at 505 662 8222.

The Department of Public Utilities (DPU) operates the county-owned electric, gas, water & wastewater systems under the jurisdiction of the Board of Public Utilities. The Board meets in Council Chambers at 1000 Central Ave., Los Alamos, NM every third Wednesday of the month at 5:30 p.m. The DPU is funded by rates paid for electric, gas, water and wastewater services and auxiliary fees, and has provided the community with these services for more than 50 years. CustomerCare@lacnm.us | 505.662.8333 | www.losalamosnm.us/government/departments/UTILITIES.