COUNTY News:

Customer protections from utility disconnects during the heating season is afforded to those current on their utility bill or current on a payment plan as of Nov. 15, according to Los Alamos Department of Public Utilities (DPU) Rule GR-13-06 C. (1) a.

Electricity for these qualifying DPU customers will not be turned off during the winter moratorium, specifically between Nov. 15 through March 15.

“We recommend customers who have fallen behind to contact the Customer Care Center to explore utility assistance options or set up a payment plan before November 15,” said Acting Deputy Utilities Manager for Finance Heather Garcia. “We are here to help customers meet the winter moratorium criteria.”

Customer Care representatives are available 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday in the lobby of the Municipal Building at 1000 Central Ave., by calling 505.662.8333 or emailing CustomerCare@lacnm.us.

Garcia adds that once customers qualify, they should still try to keep up with bills as the winter moratorium only provides protection through March 15.

“Customers don’t want to find themselves four months in arrears once the moratorium is lifted,” Garcia said. “The key is to keep our staff informed so we can continue to assist.”

A complete set of the DPU Rules and Regulations is available on the department’s website at https://ladpu.com/Rules-Regs.