Public Power Advocacy in Action
At Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD), we’re living our core value of sustainability by proactively planning for the future to preserve and proclaim the values of public power. Earlier this year, we joined our public power friends and neighbors in legislative discussions at the state and national levels. Our goal was simple: ensure our lawmakers understand the unique challenges facing rural communities and advocate for policies that balance affordability with reliability and wildfire preparedness. We shared how rising market prices and wildfire risks affect our customers and emphasized that well-crafted policies must recognize that one size does not fit all.
These conversations matter because they lead to tangible results. A great example is Assembly Bill 1945, introduced by Assemblymember Heather Hadwick. Through meaningful conversations with our representatives, we championed support for modifications to the Public Utility Code to modernize how we do business with our customers. AB 1945 removes outdated barriers, expands customer billing choices, and makes energy more affordable for you. That’s exactly why we pushed for it. You can read the bill text on the LegiScan website.
Last fall, LMUD wrote to federal officials seeking relief from a 50% tariff imposed on the Skedaddle phase-shifting transformer imported from Brazil. The added cost could have exceeded nearly $3 million, more than 10% of LMUD’s annual operating budget. Since then, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the broad tariffs imposed through the International Emergency Economic Powers Act. While this ruling may ease the burden, the implications for LMUD remain unclear. We recently discussed the situation with state and federal representatives and stressed the importance of ensuring LMUD’s customers aren’t unfairly impacted. We will continue to navigate this uncertainty carefully and provide updates.
Participating in legislative forums ensures our community’s voice is heard by policymakers who help shape the energy landscape. It also allows us to build alliances with other public power providers and learn from their experiences. We’re committed to keeping you informed about AB 1945 and our continued advocacy for solutions that allow us to provide our community with safe, reliable, and affordable electric service.
April 6: Join Me at Blue Ox Bistro
Lastly, I invite you to our first Coffee With the LMUD General Manager at the Blue Ox Bistro in Uptown Susanville from 7-8 a.m. on Monday, April 6. This informal gathering is a chance to ask questions, share ideas, and learn more about how we serve our community. For future dates and locations, check lmud.org and our social media channels.
Your engagement makes us stronger. Thank you for your trust and participation as we work together to protect our community’s energy future.
Nick Dominguez
General Manager