Updated:  May 2009
Why Read This:  Find here the nuts and bolts of interacting with the DPU including setting up or disconnecting an account, rate structures, billing choices, payment channels, underground locate requests, and safety information.
Also of Note: Did you know that the Dept of Public Utilities is mandated by the 1968 charter to keep our rates comparable with neighboring communities?  And we do.  Check out our 4th Quarterly Performance Report for 2008 in the LA Scores section.

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Connect or Disconnect

To connect or disconnect utilities’ services please call the 311Customer Care Center.  Dial 311 or  505-662-8333.  If you prefer, please click here to complete your utilities "Connect" or "Disconnect" request online.

Rates

Residential Rates or Commercial Rates
Our mandate requires that Los Alamos' local electric, water, gas & wastewater rates remain comparable with neighboring communities, based on the 1968 Charter's Chapter 5, "The Dept. of Public Utilities."  We have achieved regional rate parity throughout our 40 year history, delivering 24/7 utility infrastructure and services while planning for the future. We created greater self-sufficiency and cost control by building our own hydroelectric plants.We continually analyze natural gas contracts and spot prices for the best balance of price and flexibility,  and we continue to enhance energy and water efficiency through intelligent resource and equipment aquisition, promulgation of conservation practices, and most recently, the addition of a low-flow turbine at our Abiquiu Plant that optimizes our ability to produce more power from water flows and qualifies the DPU as producer of Renewable Energy Credits (RECs).

Billing Options and Help

Get control of your utility bill with our Budget Billing plan.  Budget Billing is a great way for residential customers to manage energy costs all year.  If you have been a DPU customer for at least a year, we can average your 12 month's bills and even out the amount we charge you for the coming year, based on estimates derived from your previous year's usage, current rates, and other factors.  This means less fluctuation in your monthly bills. You can also sign up for the Automatic Payment Plan, which allows your monthly utility bill to be automatically paid from your bank account. You can terminate the Budget Billing or Automatic Payment at any time. Call the Dept. of Public Utilities at 662-8333 to sign up.

Trouble paying your bill on time due to personal crisis?  There are several public and private nonprofit programs in place ot lend a hand. 

Payment Options: 14 Ways to Pay

Here at the DPU our Customer Service professionals have learned a few lessons from our ratepayers; namely, the more convenient it is to pay a bill, the greater the opportunity for getting it paid on time.  Reducing overdue and missed payments is one of the many benefits experienced by DPU's ratepayers, for offering convenient payment channels. This practice reduces the number of collections and aged, past due accounts, which helps keep our community's utilities rates under control.  Following are 14 ways to pay a utility bill via 6 payment channels. Pay your electric, gas,  water and wastewater utilities in the way that best fits your lifestyle.  Here at the Los Alamos Dept. of Public Utilities -- We're on the job 4U.

1.  By Mail - check
2. In Person at the 311Customer Care Center - check
3. In Person at the 311Customer Care Center - cash
4. In Person at the 311Customer Care Center via Paymentus - credit card
5. By Telephone using Paymentus  - Echeck
6. By Telephone using Paymentus  - Credit Card
7. By Telephone using Paymentus  - Debit Card
8. Online using Paymentus - Echeck
9. Online using Paymentus - Credit Card
10. Online using Paymentus - Debit Card
11. At LANB with bank teller (check or cash)
12. At LANB Night Drop Depository box (check)
13. At LANB ATM - for LANB customers only (check recommended)
14. Via Regularly Scheduled Automated Bank Withdrawal (ACH)

Locate Requests

Planning a project that involves digging in your yard? Call Before You Dig (English) or Llame Antes De Excavar (Español) to find out where our underground electric, gas, water, sewer, cable television and telephone lines are located before you begin. It's free and it's the law.

Safety Information

New Mexico One Call at 811 or 1-800-321-2537
Maintenance Responsibility of Customer-Owned Gas Piping
Call Before You Dig

 Rules & Regulations Download Rules & Regulations of the Department of Public Utilities