As an LMUD customer, you have a say in your electric utility
By Theresa Phillips
Lassen County voters know what a privilege it is to have a say in whom they elect to local, state and federal offices. What they may not realize is they also have a voice in who runs their electric utility.
Lassen Municipal Utility District is governed by a board of directors elected at large by Lassen County residents—meaning all registered voters who live within LMUD’s boundaries are eligible to vote for directors in all areas served by the utility.
You may vote for all candidates, regardless of the ward they are campaigning to represent or the ward you live in.
This voting process is different than electing a county supervisor or a member of the state assembly. In those instances, you must reside in the district the candidate is campaigning to represent to vote for that candidate.
LMUD is divided into five wards. Each has one representative on the board of directors. Board members serve four-year terms. There is no limit to the number of terms a board member may serve. Candidates for the LMUD board must live and be registered to vote in the ward they are campaigning to represent.
The board of directors is the legislative body of the utility district. It is the board’s job to determine the policies by which the district operates.
It is not only your right to elect the board, but it is your right to be informed and included in how the board is running your utility. Members of the community—you, your friends and neighbors—have a direct and powerful voice in utility decisions and policies, both at the ballot box and in open meetings where business is conducted.
Electing the board of directors is not the only benefit to being part of a public power system. Research shows customers of investor-owned utilities pay an average of 10% more for electricity than public power customers. LMUD’s residential, commercial and agricultural customers enjoy rates more than 20% lower then the closest IOU, Pacific Gas and Electric.
Public power utilities have a different motivation than IOUs, which are driven by the need to achieve a profit. Unlike publicly owned utilities, their boards are comprised not of customers, but investors. Motivated by a desire to make money, decisions often are geared toward maximizing profits rather then serving customers.
Public power has been in existence since 1882. Every state has at least one public power system. The goal of publicly owned utilities is to provide reliable power at a fair price while contributing to the communities they serve.
Recently, LMUD’s board of directors adopted a 5-year strategic plan and updated LMUD’s mission statement.
The mission statement reflects the core values of LMUD: “Striving to provide reliable service at the most reasonable cost with a focus on safety and sustainability, LMUD will continue to work toward being an integral part of the community we serve while maintaining a skilled and valued workforce.”
As a public power customer, you are part of more than 2,000 publicly owned utilities serving millions of homes and businesses throughout the United States.
When you cast your vote in November, think about how fortunate you are to be part of the future of LMUD.
Remember: You are part of the democracy that is public power.
To learn more about LMUD, and to make your voice heard, you are encouraged to attend a monthly board meeting. The LMUD Board of Directors meets the fourth Tuesday of each month at 5:30 p.m. in the boardroom at 65 South Roop Street Public comment is welcomed.
Visit our website to find board agendas and minutes, the latest LMUD news and much more.