Big Numbers, Bigger Impact: LMUD’s Budget Powers the Future
Every light that stays on during a storm, every upgrade to aging equipment, and every mile of cleared vegetation starts with a plan. This year, Lassen Municipal Utility District’s (LMUD) $30,100,000 operating budget isn’t just about numbers; it’s about people. It protects our community from wildfire, strengthens the grid that powers our lives, and honors the trust our community places in us every day. With an unprecedented plan for $45,000,000 investment in infrastructure over the next 4 years, we’re not just maintaining the system—we’re building a stronger, safer future for Lassen County together.
On June 24, during its regular monthly meeting, the LMUD Board of Directors approved the $30,100,000 operating budget for fiscal year 2025-26. The budget reflects changing energy market conditions and includes significant investments in infrastructure and reliability.
Leading up to the approval, the board held 3 public budget workshops. The May 13 session focused on the importance of purchased power. On June 5, the discussion turned to capital investment planning. Finally, on June 19, the board reviewed the full budget.
As expected, purchased power remains LMUD’s largest annual expense. This includes energy bought on the open market and through long-term contracts to serve our customers. The new budget projects a 14.5% decrease in purchased power costs compared to last year.
Other highlights include a conservative 1% projected growth in electricity sales and a $1,000,000 allocation for vegetation management for wildfire prevention and system reliability.
The budget also launches an unprecedented 4-year, $45,000,000 capital investment program. This initiative focuses on wildfire mitigation, system hardening, equipment upgrades, and long-term reliability improvements. It reflects the board’s strong confidence in the LMUD team and our shared mission to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable power to the communities we serve.
Maintaining the long-term financial health of the district is essential to our mission. This budget provides a transparent path forward, and we’re committed to keeping you informed every step of the way. Look for quarterly updates on capital improvements, system upgrades, and other key milestones. Find detailed budget information at lmud.org under the “About Us” tab.
During the June 19 special board meeting, we welcomed Charity Moore to the LMUD board. Charity represents Ward 2, filling the unexpired seat left vacant with the retirement of longtime board member H.W. “Bud” Bowden.
Director Bowden served from 2008 through 2025 and played a pivotal role in shaping LMUD’s direction. His leadership helped secure a $20,000,000 bond to fund the Skedaddle Substation and establish key performance indicators to guide our financial strength. His steady hand and deep commitment to public service have left a lasting legacy. Join us in thanking Bud for his years of service and in welcoming Charity to the board.
Together, we look forward to continuing LMUD’s mission: Connecting and supporting the community we serve by providing safe, reliable, and sustainable service.
Nick Dominguez
General Manager