RES 20-21-LCU013 ALL SIGNED LAS CRUCES UTILITIES BOARD RESOLUTION NO. 20-21-LCU013
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LAS CRUCES UTILITIES STAFF TO MAKE
ADMINISTRATIVE REVISIONS TO THE LAS CRUCES UTILITIES BILLING AND
SERVICE REGULATIONS, TO MEET AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
REQUIREMENTS.
The Board of Commissioners for the City of Las Cruces Utilities, on behalf of the City
of Las Cruces, is informed that:
WHEREAS, on December 12, 2019, the Las Cruces Utilities ("LCU") Board of
Commissioners ("Board") approved Resolution No. 19-20-LCU011, which authorized
LCU staff to make additional administrative and clarifying revisions to the tariff
language in the "Deposit, Refunds and Collections" Sheet No. DRC-2020 regarding
the deposit required for a customer applying for utility service and to language
regarding interest on deposits and the refunds on deposits; and
WHEREAS, LCU staff recommends approval and authorization to make
administrative revisions to the document structure to the Billing and Service
Regulations. This revision is needed to meet Americans with Disabilities Act
requirements for posting on the City of Las Cruces website; and
WHEREAS, furthermore, LCU recommends approval and authorization to
revise sections in this tariff made obsolete with the implementation of the
department's Advanced Metering Infrastructure network and Solid Waste operation's
efficiencies by its Routeware system. Specifically, staff recommends the deletion of
the tariff's Field Service and/or Solid Waste processing fees and the associated
administrative language for these fees; and
WHEREAS, LCU staff is also recommending the LCU Board approve the
implementation of the revised Billing and Service Regulations as attached in Exhibit
LCU FY20 06/20 Rev. 4
LCU Board Resolution No. 20-21-LCU013
Page 2 of 3
"A"; a n d
WHEREAS, the Billing and Service Regulations will be effective on December
1, 2020.
NOW, THEREFORE, Be it Resolved by the Board of Commissioners for the
City of Las Cruces Utilities, on behalf of the City of Las Cruces:
(I)
THAT the proposed Billing and Service Regulations, attached hereto as Exhibit
"A", and made part of this Resolution is hereby accepted and approved.
(II)
THAT City staff is hereby authorized to do all deeds necessary in the
accomplishment of the herein above.
DONE AND APPROVED this 12th day of November 2020.
APPROVED:
By
Board Chair
ATTEST:
Secretary
VOTE:
Chair Little:
Moved by Vice-Chair Archuleta:
Commissioner Bencomo:
Seconded by Commissioner Carmichael:
Commissioner Hardee:
Commissioner Johnson:
Commissioner Sorg:
LCU FY20 06/20 Rev. 4
LCU Board Resolution No. 20-21-LCU013
Page 3 of 3
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
Sr. Assistant City Attorney
LCU FY20 06/20 Rev. 4
EXHIBIT ""A"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: BSR-TOC
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Billing Adjustments-------------------------------------------------------------------------------Sheet BA-2021 (Pages 2-5)
Customer Central Fees and Charges-----------------------------------------------------Sheet CSF-2021 (Pages 6-8)
Deposits, Refunds and Collections-------------------------------------------------------Sheet DRC-2021 (Pages 9-13)
Application, Billing and Payment for Service_____________________________________Sheet ABP-2021 (Pages 14-18)
Requirement to Provide Utility Service------------------------------------------------Sheet RUS-202 I(Page 19)
Residential AMI Opt-Out----------------------------------------------------------------------Sheet AMR-2021 (Page 20)
Water Conservation Administrative Fees---------------------------------------------Sheet WC-2021 (Page 21)
Rental Property Administration............................................................Sheet RPA-2021 (Page 22)
Page 1 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: BA-2021
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
BILL ADJUSTMENTS
Adjustment of a utility bill must be requested by the customer by contacting Las Cruces Utilities (LCU)
Customer Central to initiate the evaluation and processing of a bill adjustment. Adjustments involving
documented extenuating circumstances, exceeding the standard twelve-month period for retroactive
billing or refund adjustments are defined as non-standard adjustments,and may be considered and applied
at the discretion of the Utilities Department Director. Adjustments to utility billing will be considered
and/or assessed for the following conditions:
METERED SERVICE ERROR
Where a customer has been undercharged or overcharged for metered service (natural gas and/or water
service) due to a reading or billing error, the period to be retroactively billed or refunded shall not exceed
twelve-months.
Where the customer believes that the water or gas meter is not functioning properly, the customer may
request a meter test be conducted. Should the meter test show the meter to be accurate, a service charge
will be applied as provided in LCU Customer Central Fees and Charges schedule.
HIGH CONSUMPTION ISSUES
It is the customer's responsibility to maintain their lines and equipment in a reasonable condition to
minimize the billing impact of leaks and/or line breaks. However, in the event leaks and line breaks do
occur:
The customer must notify Customer Central within three-months of the leak and/or the corresponding
billing impact to process a billing adjustment. The request for a leak billing adjustment will be evaluated,
applied, and limited to one adjustment within a twelve-month period.
A customer with high water or gas bill due to a leak requesting a billing adjustment must verify that the
leak has been repaired and must provide documented evidence of the repair to LCU Customer Central
representatives. Where a customer has made the repairs, and in the absence of receipts for supplies used,
a field check conducted by Field Service personnel will verify that the leak has been repaired. The repair
may also be verified through LCU's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System.
The adjustment will be 50% of the difference between the consumption based on:
1. the customer's normal three-year average (or the available customer's consumption history) of the
month where the leak occurred, and
Page 2 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
2. the month of the measured consumption caused by the water or gas leak, or non-recurring
consumption level.
Established operating and safety procedures regulating natural gas service, generally limit gas leaks that
would register a level that would affect a billing adjustment defined in this section. However, in the event
that a gas leak on a customer's side of the metered service does occur, the same adjustment criteria
described above shall apply.
WASTEWATER ADJUSTMENTS
Wastewater discharge billing volume for Residential and Small Commercial service is updated yearly
using the Winter Quarter Average (WQA) calculation based on potable water consumption measured in
the billing months of December, January, and February.
In the event a potable water leak affects the WQA calculation,the customer must notify Customer Central
within three-months of the affected wastewater billing. A request for a billing adjustment beyond the
notification deadline will not be processed. The adjustment will be applied to the applicable billing months
that were initially billed based on the affected WQA calculation.
In the event that a customer initiates new service after the WQA amount has been calculated, the account
will be billed the existing route average at the service location until the next WQA is calculated.
Wastewater discharge billing volume may be adjusted in the event the new service has significantly
different potable water consumption in the first year the account-initiated service between WQA
calculating periods but shall not be less than 1,000 gallons of discharge billing volume.
SEASONAL SERVICE ADJUSTMENT
The Seasonal Service Adjustment is a customer requested bill adjustment available only to Residential
service customers that temporarily or seasonally vacate their residence. The adjustment accommodates
the minimal/non-use of unmetered services, specifically, solid waste and wastewater service while a
residence is unoccupied.
The length of the unoccupied period allowed under the Seasonal Service Adjustment is no less than three-
months and no greater than six-months during a consecutive twelve-month period. The duration the
residence is unoccupied is defined as the "unoccupied period"for the purposes of this adjustment.
Residential customers must apply and annually renew for the Seasonal Service Adjustment providing the
start and end date of the unoccupied period of the residence. The application and renewal for this
adjustment is processed by completing and submitting the on-Line "Request for Seasonal Service
Adjustment Form"on LCU's Customer Central website. Requests submitted for periods less than three or
more than six-months will not be processed.
During the residence's unoccupied period,the billing and billing statement for utility services is processed
and presented in the standard manner.
Definitions:
Avoided Cost Charge (ACC): the cost not incurred when unoccupied residences have no solid waste and
no container placed for pick-up. The total operational avoided cost calculated for residential solid waste
Page 3 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
is six percent. The ACC monthly charge for solid waste during the unoccupied period is 94% of the
standard monthly charge stated in the Residential Service Solid Waste tariff schedule.
No Wastewater Billing Unit (NWBU): Wastewater billing will be based on zero billing units for the
volumetric charge during the unoccupied period.
Active Service-account status indicating LCU utility services are open and all applicable monthly access
and volumetric charges are billed.
Inactive Service - account status indicating LCU utility services are closed. Applicable monthly access
and volumetric charges are not billed.
The Seasonal Service Adjustment will be credited on the account's regularly scheduled billing month
following the end date of the residence's unoccupied period. The adjustment will be based on the total
difference between standard billing and billing based on one of the customer selected options stated below:
1. Active Service Option:
a. The total billing for seasonal service for solid waste based on the ACC and, if applicable, the
NWBU for wastewater during the unoccupied period.
b. Solid waste collection drivers reporting containers curbed for pick-up during the unoccupied
period will terminate the adjustment and revert to standard billing,
2. Inactive Service Option:
a. All applicable utility services inactivated during the unoccupied period except landscape
irrigation water meter. The sole billing under this option will be for landscape irrigation
service.
b. Utility services will be activated immediately after the end date of the unoccupied period
c. Availability of this option requires a separately metered landscape meter or the installation of
a landscape water meter to separately meter and bill landscape irrigation use.
d. Any recorded consumption of metered services and/or report of container curbed for pick-up
during the residence's unoccupied period,will result in the cancellation of the Seasonal Service
Adjustment and revert to standard billing of all utility services.
METERING ACCURACY ERROR
In the event of either an LCU or customer initiated accuracy test, or a meter is found to register more than
two percent fast, LCU will refund the customer the overcharge based upon the corrected meter readings
for the period the meter was in use,or twelve-months,whichever is less. Any applicable late payment will
be waived.
In the event a customer's meter is found not to register, or to register erratically more than two percent
slow, LCU will bill the customer for the undercharge based on an average billing, if this estimated
undercharge amount exceeds $100.00. The bill will be computed based on an estimate of the customer's
consumption during the prior month in the same season or the consumption in the same period of prior
years that were not affected by the meter failure.
Page 4 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
UNMETERED/UNBILLED SERVICE ERROR
Where a customer has not been billed, undercharged, or overcharged for applicable utility service (gas,
water, wastewater, and solid waste), the period to be retroactively billed or refunded shall not exceed
twelve-months when metered data is available.
Where metered data is not available, estimated consumption based on similar type utility service will be
the basis of estimating volumetric amounts.
THEFT OF SERVICE
Per LCMC 28-6, the City shall have the right to disconnect or refuse to connect or reconnect any utility
service where there is evidence that theft of utility service(i.e.gas,water or illegal wastewater connection)
has occurred, LCU will retroactively bill, and collect any underpayment or nonpayment of charges. The
applicable period to assess charges shall commence from the date it can be reasonably established the theft
began to the date in which the underpayment or non-payment was discovered and initially established. All
underpayments or non-payments shall become immediately due and payable plus a security deposit before
service is reactivated or reconnected. Customers committing theft of utility service will be subject to legal
action.
METER TAMPERING, DAMAGE AND/OR THEFT OF METERING OR MONITORING
EQUIPMENT
Per LCMC 28-6,the City shall have the right to disconnect or refuse to connect or reconnect any existing
utility service where there is evidence that LCU metering or monitoring devices, cabling and/or sensors
have been tampered, damaged, stolen or where services are by-passed (straight lined). LCU shall
immediately disconnect water and/or gas metering.
For existing metering equipment - $250 will be assessed per meter for tampering, damage, theft of
equipment and/or service bypass.
For metering equipment at new construction sites - $550 will be assessed per meter for damage,
unauthorized relocation, theft of equipment and/or service bypass.
The tampering, damage and/or theft assessment shall be paid in full and any delinquent balance paid plus
the applicable security deposit for prior unpaid balances before service is reactivated or reconnected.
Meter tampering, damage and/or theft of metering or monitoring equipment apply to the following, but
not limited to:
• meter lock broken
• curb stop damaged or broken
• register damaged or disconnected
• meter lock removed
• meter broken
• meter stolen
• unauthorized connection inserted or connected to the system
damage and/or theft of AMI devices, or sensors, cutting or disconnecting cabling from meter or
sensors
Page 5 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: CSF-2021
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
CUSTOMER CENTRAL FEES AND CHARGES
CUSTOMER CENTRAL FEES
Applicability
• New Service Activation: Customer request for utility service or services to establish, process and
activate new utility account.
• Service Deactivation: Customer request provided in writing to deactivate utility service account.
• Account Record Name Change: Account name change on an existing utility service account
requested by the customer in writing due to and with proof of marriage,death of spouse,or divorce.
• Delinquent Account Service Deactivation: Deactivation (shut-off) of utility services due to non-
payment of service.
• Delinquent Account Service Activation: Activation of a utility service account that has been shut-
off due to non-payment of service. Utility service will not be reactivated until all balances in arrears
have been paid in full or other financial arrangements have been agreed to by Las Cruces Utilities
(LCU) and the customer by 2:00 p.m. Only when a delinquent customer has made financial
arrangements for their account will service be scheduled for activation. Settlement of unpaid
balances conducted after 2:00 p.m. will be processed for next business day activation.
• Field Service Activation: The dispatch of Field Service technicians to physically activate or
deactivate utility services. Field Service Activation is fulfilled by work orders submitted at least
one business day in advance. Work orders submitted will be scheduled for completion the
following business day, Monday through Friday, during regular business hours, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00
p.m., excluding holidays. However, from time to time, seasonal demand for service activations
and other Field Service work may extend the following business day service order activation
timeline by two to three days.
Utility service accounts will be charged applicable fees and taxes for the following services, plus the
monthly access charge for all months elapsed during the period of temporary deactivation, if any:
New Service Application
Utility Service Application Processing Fee, per request__________________________________________________________$22.00
Account Record Name Change
Record Name Change request will be processed as a courtesy at no charge to the customer.
Page 6 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
Delinquent Account Deactivation and Reactivation
Field Service Processing Fee for each separate transaction requiring dispatch of Field Service personnel
to deactivate(shut-off)an account for non-payment and a separate transaction to activate an account upon
the settlement of an account's delinquent balance, per transaction------------------------------------------$26.00
Service Orders submitted for processing the above listed services requiring the dispatch of Field Service
personnel are scheduled for following day completion during regular business hours Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays, and subject to seasonal demands as identified above.
Premium Field Activation Service
An additional applicable fee will be charged for same day service activation of service as requested by the
customer that dispatches or re-dispatches Field Service technicians under one of the following
circumstances:
• Premium Field Service Activation charge requested for same day completion within or outside of
regular business hours, Monday through Friday, (except holidays),per request__________________$52.00
• Premium Field Service Activation charge requested for Saturday, Sunday or holiday activation,
perrequest--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $65.00
Instances involving extenuating circumstances involving a documented medical condition requiring
Premium Field Service Activation service may be reviewed at the discretion of the Director of Utilities
for the ultimate assessment of the above stated charges. The charges stated above will be billed separately
on the customer's next scheduled monthly utility bill.
Furnace Gas Pilot Relight, per request------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- $0.00
Customers requesting gas pilot relight service shall be required to indemnify the City from potential loss,
damage or future liability associated with the providing of gas pilot relight service. The terms of
indemnification shall be formalized in writing with the customer's signature of the Gas Pilot Relight
Indemnification Agreement at the time of the scheduled gas pilot relight procedure.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES
If applicable, the following fees will be charged in addition to the Customer Central Fees listed above:
Late Payment PenaltyFee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- --------------- 2.5%per month
Accounts in arrears will be assessed a late payment penalty fee before credits are applied.
Bank Returned Items Fee $30.00
Any payment returned for insufficient or uncollectible funds will be subject to a Bank Returned Items
Fee. Payment of the insufficient or uncollectible funds and the Bank Returned Items Fee may be made
with cash,cashier's check or checks, check or checks,credit/debit card or cards, or money order or money
orders. Payment for chronically returned payments for insufficient or uncollectible funds and the Bank
Returned Items Fee must be made with cash, cashier's check or checks, credit/debit card or cards, or
money order or orders. Related utility accounts may be subject to deactivation (shut-off) due to
delinquency.
Page 7 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
StopPayment Fee ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------------- $30.00
Checks returned due to a stop payment request will be subject to a Stop Payment Fee. Payment of the
check and the Stop Payment Fee must be made with cash, cashier's check or checks, or money order or
orders. Related utility accounts may be subject to deactivation (shut-off)due to delinquency.
Meter.Testing Fee------------------------------------------------ --------- ---------- ----------- ----------- ----------------------- $50.00
A meter testing fee per meter plus applicable taxes will be charged for customer requested meter tests.
There is no charge if a meter is tested and found to be outside metering accuracy standards. LCU base its
meter accuracy testing standards and specifications set forth by:
• the American Water Works Association (AWWA) M6 Manual of Water Supply Practices, Chapter
5, Testing of Meters—Test Procedures and Equipment for water metering, and
• the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), Title 17 for Public Utilities and Utility Services,
Chapter 10-Gas Services, Part 650-Service Standards for Gas Utilities, Section 13-Inspections and
Tests for gas metering.
Lien Processing Fee $56.00
Accounts in arrears for $500.00 or more will have a lien placed upon their property and will be assessed
a Lien Processing Fee. This includes balances for Utility Service and Developmental Impact Fees.
Residential Solid Waste Container Replacement Fee (per container)---.- _-------- --------- -------$51.00
The poly container or containers providing solid waste service are the property of the City. At the
determination of the Solid Waste Deputy Director, containers repeatedly lost or sustaining damage
resulting from burning, will be assessed the solid waste container replacement fee. Containers damaged
due to normal wear and tear will be repaired at no charge.
SPECIAL CUSTOMER REQUESTS
LCU can provide other utility-related services, not specifically listed above, which will be charged based
on labor, equipment, materials, and overhead plus applicable taxes.
Page 8 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: DRC-2021
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
DEPOSITS, REFUNDS AND COLLECTIONS
DEPOSITS
Requests for new utility service connections with City of Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) will be verified to
ensure that the prospective new customer does not have an unpaid LCU utility account balance from
another address. Additionally, if a prospective new customer was the beneficiary of LCU service at the
new address or at another address,and there is a delinquent balance on the utility account at either address,
the new utility service application will not be activated until the previous account balance or balances are
paid in full unless the delinquent balance has been discharged in bankruptcy.
A security deposit may not be required as a condition of new or continued utility service for a customer
with acceptable credit.
However, a security deposit may be required for customers who:
• have not previously had utility service with LCU, and/or
• have not established an acceptable utility payment credit history, and/or
• have a history of late payments on record with LCU.
The following information will be used to determine whether a security deposit will be required for the
new service:
• Documentation that the Residential customer owns or is purchasing the residence where
requesting/ordering utility service, or
• Documentation that the Residential or Commercial customer has an adequate credit reference from
a utility where the customer had prior utility service, or
• Documentation obtained by LCU from a commercial credit source.
A copy of the documentation noted above with the customer's name and prior utility service address
information may be submitted by:
• by e-mail (customers ervice(alas-cruces.org), or
• in person when processing the application for utility service at LCU's Customer Central office,
located on the first floor in City Hall at 700 North Main Street, the satellite office, located at 5195
Bataan Memorial West, or
• by our secure portal: ( http://cic-intranet/utilityconnect), or
• mail to City of Las Cruces, c/o Customer Central, P.O. Box 20000, Las Cruces, NM 88004-9002,
or
• by facsimile at 575-541-2052.
Page 9 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
LCU reserves the right to refuse any visibly altered document submitted by a customer for the purpose of
initiating or activating utility service and/or establishing deposit requirement.
The amount of the security deposit for each LCU service being provided to the service address is as
follows:
Deposit Amounts Gas Water Wastewater Solid Waste All Services
Residential Service $28.00 $24.00 $15.00 $18.00 $85.00
Small Commercial $89.00 $40.00 $31.00 $65.00 $225.00
Service
Large Commercial and $2,440.00 $336.00 $268.00 $276.00 $3,320.00
Industrial
Example:
• A residential customer applying for new utility service with no utility history or an unsatisfactory
credit history will be charged an initial deposit of$85.00 for all four LCU utility services, or
• A small commercial customer applying for new utility service with no utility history or an
unsatisfactory credit history will be charged an initial deposit of$185.00 if the customer's gas,
wastewater, and solid waste services are to be provided by LCU but the customer's water service
is to be provided by another water company.
In the event a customer's newly established utility service (a customer account that has not previously
been established with LCU) is disconnected(shut-off) for non-payment within the first twelve-months of
their service, a new deposit based on two times the initial applicable deposit will be required to reactivate
service.
Chronically delinquent accounts (i.e. accounts that have previously had utility services shut-off for non-
payment three times in a twelve-month period) will require a deposit based on three times the standard
deposit, or the total of the three highest, total utility monthly bills on record for the customer's account,
whichever is greater.
A customer applying for utility service found to have unpaid balance or balances for utility service from
prior periods will be required to pay a deposit based on three times the initial applicable deposit to activate
service. The deposit requirement, plus any delinquent utility service balance, must be paid in full before
services are activated.
Activation of service or services following shut-off of service involving non-compliance with Section 366
of the Bankruptcy Code, meter tampering and/or theft of service shall require original supporting
documentation and a deposit to reestablish service or services based on the total of the three highest
monthly bills on record for the customer.
INTEREST ON DEPOSITS
Simple interest at a rate determined by the process stated in LCU Board Resolution Number: 09-10-009,
or as amended, shall be set annually on the first business day of the calendar year and will be accrued
Page 10 of 22
EXHIBIT "'A"
monthly on deposits for the time the deposit is held by LCU. The deposit shall cease to draw interest on
the date service is terminated or on the date the refund is processed.
REFUNDS
Refunds on Deposits
A customer who has at least twelve consecutive on time payments or a customer who has been at one
location for at least four-years and not assessed a Field Service Processing Fee to shut-off services, are
eligible to receive a credit in the amount of the deposit and the accrued interest. This credit amount will
be applied to their current bill. If the amount of the credit exceeds the amount of the current bill, the
customer may request a refund in the amount of the excess if such excess exceeds $25.00.
Refunds on Bill Overpayments
If a customer overpays their account in an amount that exceeds the balance due, and the overpayment
causes a credit balance on the customer's account that is less than $500.00, the credit will be applied to
the customer's next bill or bills until the credit balance is extinguished. If the credit balance is more than
$500.00,the customer's credit balance will be refunded by check within thirty-days to the mailing address
on record for the utility service account.
WRITE OFF OF UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS
LCU staff will use all reasonable efforts to collect delinquent accounts including, but not limited to,
turning such accounts over to a collection agency. Delinquent LCU accounts that have been uncollectable
for a period of more than four-years may be deemed uncollectable by the City's Finance Director, and the
City Council by resolution may remove the uncollectable utility accounts from the list of accounts
receivable in compliance with NMSA 1978 Section 3-37-7 and as amended, or as otherwise approved by
the City Attorney's Office.
Inactive Accounts with Credit Balances
Inactive accounts with credit balances may be presumed abandoned in compliance with NMSA 1978
Section 7-8A-2(A)(13) and as amended if unclaimed by the apparent owner for more than one-year after
the account deposit or refund becomes payable, and may be disposed of in compliance with the New
Mexico Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (1995) and as amended, or as otherwise approved by the City
Attorney's Office.
DELINQUENT ACCOUNT COLLECTION AND PROCESSING
When a customer fails to pay their account balance by the due date the customer will be assessed a Late
Payment Penalty Fee approximately twenty-three days after the date the bill was initially issued.
The total amount shown as "Past Due" plus a Late Payment Penalty Fee must be paid approximately
thirty-seven days after the initial bill. Actual shut-off of utility services will be performed, subject to
availability of Field Service technicians.
Customers with medical conditions that have been notified that utility service is scheduled for shut-off are
advised to provide medical certification from a health care provider (i.e. licensed physician, physician's
assistant, or home health care provider)to the Billing and Receivables program before service is shut-off.
Delinquent account balances must be paid in full or payment arrangements must be made prior to the shut-
Page 11 of 22
EXHIBIT "'A"
off date to avoid deactivation of services. Otherwise, service will be shut-off and service restoration will
follow the standard process for a delinquent account shut-off plus all applicable fees and charges.
DELINQUENT ACCOUNT SETTLEMENT
Payment Plan
In the event a customer is unable to pay the delinquent balance in full, a Payment Plan may be initiated to
settle a delinquent balance. The customer will be required to meet with an LCU Receivables
Representative for an account review and will be advised of agencies that may provide financial assistance
for utility bills. A Payment Plan will be developed under the following conditions:
1. A Payment Plan will be initiated one time in a twelve-month period.
2. The customer must pay 50%of the delinquent amount due plus all applicable fees before executing
a Payment Plan. Refer to LCU Customer Central Fees and Charges schedule for applicable fees.
3. The balance of the delinquent amount may be amortized over a three-month installment period,
and the installments will be due on the agreed upon dates stated in the Payment Plan agreement.
Payment Plan terms and conditions may be modified under special or extenuating circumstances
with written supervisory approval. However, under no circumstances shall a Payment Plan term
exceed six-months.
4. The customer must pay and be current on their regular monthly billing and the Payment Plan
installment.
5. Payment Plans will not be extended to Chronically Delinquent customer accounts (i.e. accounts
that have previously had utility services shut-off for non-payment three times in a twelve-month
period).
If a customer fails to comply with the Payment Plan agreement or pay his regular monthly bill, service or
services will be shut-off without further notice on the next business day following the Payment Plan due
date.
Delinquent Account Service Shut-off and Activation
If a customer does not pay delinquent balances or make payment arrangements prior to the shut-off date,
approximately thirty-seven days after the past due bill, the customer's account will be charged a Field
Service Processing Fee to dispatch personnel to shut-off service. Refer to LCU Customer Central Fees
and Charges schedule for applicable fees.
For delinquent accounts that have been shut-off, activation of services will require the customer to pay
the entire delinquent balance, Late Payment Penalty Fee, and Delinquent Deactivation and Reactivation
Fees before a work order for next day activation of services is submitted. Refer to LCU Customer Central
Fees and Charges schedule for applicable fees.
Shut-off of utility services due to nonpayment of delinquent balance will result in an initial or additional
security deposit as stated in the "Deposits" section above and must be paid in full before services are
activated.
Final Billing of Delinquent Accounts
If the customer has not paid all delinquent balances approximately sixty-days after the initial bill, LCU
will process a Final Bill for the account.
Page 12 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
DELINQUENT ACCOUNT REFERRAL TO COLLECTION AGENCY
When an account is over ninety-six days delinquent,the account will be turned over to a collection agency.
Once an account has been shut-off and sent to a collection agency,installment payments must be arranged
by the customer directly with the collection agency. The City cannot make Payment Plans or other
arrangements for accounts that have been sent to the collection agency. Payment arrangements made with
a collection agency do not constitute payment of a delinquent account to LCU. A delinquent account will
not be reactivated, or a new service will not be activated until the amount due to the collection agency is
paid in full.
Page 13 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: ABP-2021
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
APPLICATION, BILLING AND PAYMENT FOR SERVICE
APPLICATION FOR UTILITY SERVICE
A customer shall be required to complete and sign a Utility Service Application in person at City Hall, by
mail or by acceptable electronic means of transaction (e-mail, facsimile) with government issued photo
identification (or photocopy), in order for Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) to activate utility service. The
customer is required to prove ownership of the service address property such as a deed or authorization
for use of the service address property such as a lease. All individuals listed on the ownership or lease
documents shall be accountable for the payment of the utility service or services and for fees and charges
provided for service whether or not they are the customer of record.
Terms of Service
• Per LCMC Section 28-9, the City may decline, fail, or cease to furnish utility service at the service
address being applied for to any person or household member in the same premises who may be in
debt to the City for any reason, except for ad-valorem taxes and special assessments. A customer's
failure to establish identity or the inability to verify payment of past due amounts may result in denial
of utility service.
• In the event a customer is discovered to be receiving utility service and has no Utility Service
Application on record,the customer shall be notified and required to immediately complete and sign
an application for service and will be subject to any unbilled account processing and service
activation fees as well as any unbilled utility service charges pursuant to the applicable utility service
schedules and LCU Billing and Service Regulations as if an application had been completed and
signed.
• An application for utility service will be verified to ensure that the prospective customer does not
have an unpaid utility account balance from another address or addressees within the LCD's service
area. An application for utility service will not be processed for activation until all unpaid account
balance or balances are paid in full unless the delinquent balance or balances have been discharged
in bankruptcy. Furthermore, in the event that an unpaid utility account balance or balances are
discovered in the name of the applicant after utility service has been activated, the unpaid balance
or balances will be transferred to the active service account and will be due and payable upon notice.
The customer agrees to pay LCU for any damage or damages to or loss of any meter caused by the
customer's negligence or the negligence of their agents, employees, any member of their household,
or any person on the premises. The customer shall be liable for such payment whether or not the
Page 14 of 22
EXHIBIT '"A"
customer is the owner of the service address property. The City may discontinue utility service or
deny new service to the service address until such payment is made.
• City personnel shall have access to the customer's premises for the purpose of reading meters,
installing or removing the City's equipment and property, activating and deactivating utility service
and other purposes incidental to providing utility service by the City. In the event LCU personnel or
authorized agents are denied access City equipment and/or meters for two successive months due to
locked gates, obstructive vehicles, equipment, vegetation, hostile pets, and/or other impediments,
LCU will notify the customer by registered mail that meter or meters access has not been possible
for the prior two months. If the customer does not acknowledge receipt of the registered mail within
a two-week period, and indicate an intention to provide access, then a notice of relocation of meter
or meters will be sent and/or delivered to the customer's service address. Such acknowledgement by
the customer shall be in writing or by calling LCU Customer Central. In approximately three to five
business days LCU personnel will relocate the equipment and/or meter or meters. The customer will
be required to connect the customer owned service lines to the relocated utility service point at their
own expense in order to reinitiate utility service.
• LCU's ownership and responsibility of distribution lines, meter, and where applicable, enclosures,
for gas and water service points terminates at the outflow side of the customers' meter connection.
For wastewater service points, the ownership and responsibility terminate at the property line stub-
out connection.
• LCU's authorized agents shall have full and unobstructed access to LCU meters and service lines
for inspection purposes, meter readings, activations and service shut-offs, repairs, and any other
reasonable purpose. The customer authorizes such agents to enter the premises to conduct official
LCU business. The customer also agrees that no construction will be performed over service lines
or meters without prior approval from LCU.
• In the case of new utility connection or connections or existing utility connection or connections
requiring permits and inspections, LCU is prohibited by ordinance from activating utility services
until all permits and inspections have been obtained from issuing authorities.
• Customers shall not use utility service unless from metered water, and/or gas service connection,
and/or sewer connection, and/or solid waste container furnished and owned by LCU without an
account activated by an approved Utility Service Application. If it is determined that a customer has
obtained unmetered and/or unbilled utility service or services, LCU will retroactively bill for these
services pursuant to LCU Bill Adjustments schedule.
• Application for utility service is fulfilled with activation of all applicable services, pursuant to
Billing and Service regulation, Sheet Number: RUS "Requirement to Provide Utility Service".
Partial, selected activation or suspension of utility services is prohibited. Customer or customer's
agent over the age of 18 must be present for the completion of the activation of gas service which
includes shut-in test and pilot re-lighting inside a customer's residence at the scheduled appointment
time for activation of services. If the customer or the customer's agent is not at the residence at the
scheduled appointment time for activation of services, then the following will occur: 1.) the gas
service will be closed and pin-locked until a LCU Field Services technician can complete the entire
activation process and, 2.) water service will be closed and unlocked, at the meter.
Page 15 of 22
EXHIBIT ""A"
• Pursuant to LCMC Section 28.11,all active utility accounts,regardless if services are flowing(Field
Service technician unable to activate services) will be billed under the applicable utility Tariff
Schedule or schedules and Billing and Service Regulations. Billing will commence for all services
at time of application regardless of physical activation.
• LCU shall not be liable for damages caused by interruptions or fluctuations in services caused by
acts of God or the public enemy, strikes,riots,diminution,or failure of supply of water and/or natural
gas or other unavoidable contingencies which could not in the course of commercially prudent
management have been foreseen or prevented by LCU.
• LCU is not responsible for any damage or loss which may arise from any gas or water leak on the
customer's side of the metered service.
• Immediate notice must be given to LCU if any leaking gas or water is discovered.
• The customer must communicate their request to discontinue service or services with LCU Customer
Central, either in person at 700 N. Main Street, in writing (mailing address City of Las Cruces, c/o
Customer Central, P.O. Box 20000,Las Cruces,NM 88004),facsimile(575-541-2052),or by e-mail
(customerservice(alas-cruces.org . Requests must include customer's name, service account number
and contact information and date to discontinue service. The customer is responsible for utility
service provided until such request to discontinue is received and finalized. Actual deactivation of
service will be completed within two to three business days from the receipt of the request to
discontinue service or services.
BILLING FOR UTILITY SERVICE
LCU and Utility General Billing will bill on a cyclical billing basis based on a billing period of
approximately thirty days "or a standard billing month" and based on the customer's applicable service
tariff. Utility General Billing will administer all applicable fees, penalty fees, shut-off notice fees and
procedures in compliance with LCU's Billing and Service Regulations. Gas and water meters will be read
as nearly as possible at regular intervals on a monthly basis.
In the event that gas and/or water meters cannot be read due to inaccessibility, register failures, damage,
tampering, bypassing, or other causes, the metered values will be estimated based on the following:
• Previous consumption by metered service to the premises;
• Average consumption for the corresponding billing periods during which the meter or meters are
known to have registered correctly;
• Consumption as registered by a secondary meter if installed; or
• Estimation based on the nature of use,volume or business, seasonal consumption, and/or any other
factors that may assist in determining consumption.
Proration of Bills
Utility service rate schedules are based on a monthly basis and on an approximate thirty-day consumption
period. Whenever an activation or tennination of service date differs from the standard thirty-day meter
read interval,monthly charges will be prorated applied only to the non-volumetric, fixed charges stated in
utility service rate schedules.
Page 16 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
Readings of Separate Gas and Water Meters For the purpose of computing charges, each water and/or
gas meter on the customer's premises shall be read separately, and readings of two or more similar service
meters shall not be combined as equivalent to measurement through one meter.
BILL DUE DATE AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
Bills are due and payable in full twenty-two days after the date of mailing or electronic transmission and
will be considered past due the day after the due date stated on the bill. All payments must be received by
the due date and paid by 5:00 PM or electronically by 11:59 PM to be recorded as paid on time.
Budget Plan
LCU may establish a Budget Plan for Residential customers as an alternative method of paying monthly
utility bills. This method averages high and low consumption over a twelve-month period.
The Budget Plan is available only to Residential customers who are current on their payments for utility
service and agree to the terms and conditions for a Budget Plan. In determining an annual budget payment
plan, the computation will be unique for each Residential customer.
Determination for establishing a customer's Budget Plan:
• If the customer has had utility service or services at the same location for the previous twelve-month
period, the average monthly payment will be based on the customer's actual consumption for that
time period. If the service location has no established consumption history, it is recommended that
the service location wait until at least nine billing months of historical consumption have been
recorded before requesting to be billed on a Budget Plan.
• The customer will pay approximately one-twelfth of the total estimated annual bill with minor
variation.
• A customer must request renewal of their Budget Plan billing annually in May for the purpose of
recalculating and estimating the customer's charges for utility service for the next Budget Plan year.
Following the annual review and as needed, the new Budget Plan account will be adjusted to
moderate the potential of an outstanding debit or credit balance.
Termination of a Budget Plan may occur under the following circumstances:
• Customer requests to terminate the Budget Plan, or
• Customer fails to make the monthly Budget Plan payment by the due date three times in the twelve-
month Budget Plan period where the account will be subject to the past due and delinquent account
process defined in this schedule.
If a Budget Plan is discontinued or terminated for any reason, any outstanding balance will become due
and payable in full within twenty-two days of processing the final bill and any credit balance will be
applied to future billing.
PAST DUE AND DELINQUENT ACCOUNT PROCESS
Payments not received by 5:00 PM or electronically by 11:59 PM on the due date stated on the bill will
be deemed past due and assessed a Late Payment Penalty Fee, if the amount due is over $25.00.
A customer's second billing that is past due and with an unpaid balance over $25.00 will be deemed
delinquent and is subject to the Late Payment Penalty Fee, if the amount is over$25.00.
Page 17 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
The process outlining each pertinent phase of customer billing, payment due date, application of late
payment penalty fees, past due notification, delinquent classification, shut-off of service notification and
eventual shut-off of service is presented in the sample timeline below:
• A customer's monthly bill (the initial bill) is mailed or electronically sent for payment, and
• 22 days later,the customer's bill is due by the payment due by date printed on the bill.
• If payment is not received by the due by date, then one day later;
• 23 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, any past due amount over $25.00 will
be assessed the Late Payment Penalty Fee and a shut-off notice will be mailed to the customer
providing the approximate service shut-off date.
• 30 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent,the customer will receive the second bill
for utility service. If the initial bill remains unpaid, then on about;
• 37 days, the account is eligible for scheduled shut-off by Field Services personnel within the work
week.
• 52 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent,the second bill is due which includes all
past due fees and charges, then one day after the due date and about;
• 53 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the second bill and the unpaid balance
is past due along with the Late Payment Penalty Fee assessed on the total balance. If the balance
remains unpaid, then on or about;
• 60 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the customer will be sent the third
month's bill with the total unpaid balance plus Late Payment Penalty Fees that are due. If the account
balance remains unpaid, then;
• 82 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the account's Final Bill is due, and if -
the account balance remains unpaid, then one day after the due date;
• 83 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the account's final bill is Past Due and
the Late Payment Penalty Fee is assessed. At this time, the account will be processed for final billing.
• 96 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the account is eligible to be transferred
to the City's contract collection agency.
RETURN CHECK OR DRAFT
LCU will assess a return item charge for a check, draft, or credit card payment that is returned from the
bank for any reason pursuant to LCU Billing and Service Regulations as stated in the Customer Central
Fees and Charges schedule.
LATE PAYMENT PENALTY FEE
LCU will assess a late payment penalty fee for nonpayment one day after the stated due date on the
customer's bill if not received by 5:00 PM or electronically by 11:59 PM on the due date. The late payment
penalty fee percentage factor will be applied to past due balances pursuant to LCU Billing and Service
Regulations as stated in the Customer Central Fees and Charges schedule.
Page 18 of 22
EXHIBIT "'A"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: RUS-2021
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE UTILITY SERVICE 71
Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) provides natural gas, water, wastewater, and solid waste utility service to
customers inside city limits and, with City Council authorization,to customers located outside city limits.
LCU plans, designs, constructs, operates, and maintains its facilities to meet its utility service
requirements. Pursuant to LCMC Section 28-11, all active utility accounts shall be charged and billed for
all services under the applicable utility tariff schedule or schedules and Billing and Service Regulations.
Except for the specific exceptions noted herein, temporary suspension of selected city utility services is
prohibited.
SUSPENSION OF UTILITIES FOR DEPLOYED MILITARY PERSONNEL
Pursuant to New Mexico Senate Bill 574 and House Bill 175,a member of the U. S. armed forces,reserves,
or the New Mexico National Guard may suspend some or all utility services without penalty and
reconnect/reactivate utility services without having to pay reactivation fees. The qualifying military
customer requesting suspension of all or some of their utility services provided by LCU must submit
his/her request to Customer Central and certify that:
1. He/she has orders and provides copy of the orders to Customer Central to deploy or to be temporarily
assigned outside the qualifying customer's community for more than thirty days, and
2. The service account is in the qualifying customer's name, and
3. The qualifying customer owns the home or has a lease that does not preclude the suspension of
municipal utility services, and
4. Family members or other persons will not be residing in the home while the qualifying customer is
deployed or temporarily assigned.
LCU will suspend/deactivate some or all utility services at the service address as requested by the
qualifying customer at no penalty and, will not charge a fee to reactivate or establish service or services
upon notifying Customer Central of their return from deployment or temporary assignment. It is the
qualifying customer's responsibility to notify Customer Central of their return from deployment to activate
suspended utility service or services.
In the event the qualifying customer suspends/deactivates all or some of the utility services provided by
LCU and during the period the qualifying customer is deployed or on temporary assignment outside their
community, or does not notify LCU Customer Central of his/her return from deployment, and monthly
consumption records indicate that the residence is occupied,LCU will resume billing all suspended service
or services without notice.
Page 19 of 22
EXHIBIT ""A"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: AMI-2021
Approval Date: November 12,2020
Effective Billing Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
RESIDENTIAL AMI OPT-OUT
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) devices are utility industry standard advanced meters with
integrated electronic register transponders that record metered consumption and billing information and
transmit to receiving units in use by Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) personnel.
Pursuant to LCU Board Resolution Number: 14-15-LCU012, AMI Opt-Out is available only for
Residential service customers and must be initiated and requested by the customer informing LCU
Customer Central representative of their preference to exclude their residence from AMI enabled metering
at their residence.
LCU will reasonably accommodate customer AMI Opt-Out request subject to the following criteria:
• The customer's utility service account is in good standing,which is defined as a customer who has not
been chronically delinquent for payment of utility services for the twelve-month period,
• LCU utility personnel must have clear and unimpeded access to meters (i.e. no locked gates, no dogs
in the yard, no obstruction to LCU meters such as temporary or permanent structures, plants, and/or
vehicles),
• The service location is a single-family dwelling unit (i.e. multi-unit dwellings, duplexes, or units in
mobile home parks are excluded from AMI Opt-Out), and
• AMI Opt-Out will apply to all LCU metered services at the service location (gas and/or water).
Requests for the AMI Opt-Out alternative will be verified to ensure that the requirements listed above are
met before processing the AMI Opt-Out Application and Agreement. Subsequent events or situations that
obstruct and/or impede access to LCU meters will result in the termination of the Opt-Out Agreement by
LCU and enable LCU to install AMI metering at the residence.
Customers meeting the criteria for the Opt-Out alternative and signing the Opt-Out Application, will be
charged all applicable fees, monthly charges, and taxes for the Opt-Out alternative:
Opt-Out Initiation and Activation
Initial one-time set-up fee for opt-out account--------------------------------------------------------------------------$76.90
Monthly Opt-Out charge for opt-out account----------------------------------------------------------------------------$7.60
Page 20 of 22
EXHIBIT ""A"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: WC-2021
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
WATER CONSERVATION ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
Pursuant to Ordinance 2722,the Water Conservation Ordinance, and LCU Board Resolution Number: 14-
15-LCU020, administrative fees are applicable to violators of the Water Conservation Regulations.
Violators are subject to progressively higher administrative fees until the violation ceases or until a
variance is granted.
Fees assessed on active City of Las Cruces(City)utility accounts shall be paid within the normal payment
period for the billing system. The responsible party from whom compliance is sought will be sent a written
notice that their City utility account will be or has been assessed an administrative fee.
In lieu of paying the first administrative fee, the responsible person may have a landscape water audit
performed by a landscape irrigation auditor certified by an organization recognized by the City's Water
Conservation Coordinator. Documentation of the audit and subsequent changes to correct the violation
need to be submitted to compliance staff before the normal billing payment due date for the account.
No administrative fees will be assessed for reported violations unless the reporter leaves contact
information and signs an affidavit documenting the time, date, and nature of the violation hereafter
referred to as a "Documented Reported Violation." Water Conservation Administrative Fees are subject
to all other applicable fees and taxes.
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
FirstViolation--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No Charge
First observed violation and/or first reported violation whether or not documented.
Second Violation $20.00
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Second observed violation and/or second Documented Reported Violation.
Third Violation $30.00
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Third observed violation and/or third Documented Reported Violation.
Fourth Violation $40.00
Fourth observed violation and/or fourth Documented Reported Violation.
Fifth Violation $50.00
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Fifth and subsequent observed violation and/or Documented Reported Violation.
Page 21 of 22
EXHIBIT "A"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: RPA-2021
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
RENTAL PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION
LANDLORD UTILITY TRANSFER AGREEMENT
A Landlord Utility Transfer Agreement (LUT Agreement) is available to rental property management
entities or property owners that provides continuous City of Las Cruces (City) utility service to rental
properties and consolidates account administration as specified by the landlord in the LUT Agreement.
The LUT Agreement authorizes the Las Cruces Utilities (LCU)to transfer gas, water, wastewater, and/or
solid waste without interruption in service to the landlord or property manager, as rental properties
transition between tenant occupancy. In the event that a tenant is delinquent, LCU will deactivate services
pursuant to the process stated in LCU's Billing and Service Regulations.
Property management entities that do not want to execute an LUT Agreement to administer City utility
services for rental properties and want the utility account in the name of the property owner, will be
required to provide the same information for a City utility service application as stated in Application,
Billing, and Payment for Service Section of LCU's Billing and Service Regulations and, a tax
identification number if applicable, before service to tenants will be processed and activated. Failure of
the property management entity to provide the property owner's information as stated above, may result
in LCU placing a hold on the tenant's activation of utility services.
UTILITY LIENS
The City will place municipal utility liens on rental properties that accumulate chronic delinquent balances
in aggregate and in excess of$500.00 from one or more tenants with utility accounts at the rental property.
All associated fees for preparing and recording the lien will be assessed, as well as the tenant or tenants'
delinquent balances in accordance with the municipal code and state statutes. Upon the filing of the lien,
the property owner will be notified of such action, as well as informing the property owner of the chronic
delinquent activity by a tenant or tenants at the rental property, and the notification that future utility
service will be denied to the rental property until a mutually acceptable resolution between the property
owner and LCU is reached, at which time the lien will be removed.
Page 22 of 22
EXHIBIT "B"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: BSR-TOC
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective BillinLy Date: December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Billing Adjustments --___ Sheet BA-�0-2021 (Pages
---------------------------------------
2-6�)
Customer Serwiee Central Fees and Charges____________________________________________________ Sheet CSF-2019-2021
(Pages 4-46-8
Deposits, Refunds and Collections_______________________________________________________ Sheet DRC-2020 2021
(Pages 4--69-13
Application, Billing and Payment for Service_____________________________________ Sheet ABP-20482021 (Pages
4—�14-18)
Requirement to Provide Utility Service________________________________________________ Sheet RUS-4-2021(Page 119)
Residential AMR AMI Opt-Out__________________________ __________ _________________________________ Sheet AMR-241-5
2021 (Page-f20
Water Conservation Administrative Fees_____________________________________________ Sheet WC-2015 2021 (Page
+21)
Rental Property Administration------------------------------------------------------------ Sheet RPA-204-5-2021 (Page
422)
Page 1 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet NeNumber:: BA-2017.1 2021
Approval Date: Oes-mbe. 8 ovember 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: '-'ember° 20 6December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution NoNumber: -1647-
j C�20-21-LCU013
BILL ADJUSTMENTS
Adjustment of a utility bill must be requested by the customer by contacting Las Cruces Utilities (LCU)
Customer Setiee Central to initiate the evaluation and processing of a bill adjustment. Adjustments
involving documented extenuating circumstances, exceeding the standard twelve=-(1-2}month period for
retroactive billing or refund adjustments are defined as non-standard adjustments, and may be considered
and applied at the discretion of the Utilities Department Director. Adjustments to utility billing will be
considered and/or assessed for the following conditions:
METERED SERVICE ERROR
Where a customer has been undercharged or overcharged for metered service (natural gas and/or water
service) due to a reading or billing error, the period to be retroactively billed or refunded shall not exceed
twelve=42}months.
Where the customer believes that the water or gas meter is not functioning properly, the customer may
request a meter test be conducted. Should the meter test show the meter to be accurate, a service charge
will be applied as provided in LCU Customer Service Central Fees and Charges schedule.
HIGH CONSUMPTION ISSUES
It is the customer's responsibility to maintain their lines and equipment in a reasonable condition so that
leaks do not oeoun to minimize the billing impact of leaks and/or line breaks. However, in the event leaks
and line breaks do occur:
The customer must notify Customer Central within three-months of the leak and/or the corresponding
billing impact to process a billing adjustment. The request for a leak billing adjustment will be evaluated,
applied, and limited to one adjustment within a twelve-month period.
A customer with high water or gas bill due to a leak requesting a billing adjustment must verify that the
leak has been repaired and must provide documented evidence of the repair to LCU Customer Service
Central representatives. Where a customer has made the repairs,and in the absence of receipts for supplies
used, a field check conducted by Field Service staff-personnel will verify that the leak has been repaired.
The repair may also be verified through LCD's Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) System.
as a Excess constimption due to a leak or-n 2ensumptien level as r-eeer-ded by the meteF is defined
Page 2 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
The eustonier must netif�,Customer Gentfal Within thFee (3) months of the leak anEtlef the ear-fesponding
billing impaet to pr-E)eess a billing adjustment. A fequest fef a biNing adjustment beyond the notifieation
deadline will not be pfoeessed. On!), a one (1) nionth leak adjustment f6r-the 6ustemer-'s pr-efnise will
eonsidefed and applied, and limited to one leak adjustment within a twenty feuf(24) Fflonth period.
The adjustment will be 50% of the difference between the consumption based on:
1. the customer's normal three_--(3)-year average (or the available customer's-consumption history) of
the month where the leak occurred, and
2. the month of the measured consumption caused by the water or gas leak, or non-recurring
consumption level,
Ems-established operating and safety procedures that-+regulateing natural gas service, generally limiti4
is extFeniely T^Fe that^gas leaks that would register an aceumulation to alevel that would affect'-e subjeet,
to a billing adjustment defined in this section. However, in the event that a gas leak on a customer's side
of the metered service does occur, the same adjustment criteria described above-_were app4ed� hall
apply.
WASTEWATER ADJUSTMENTS
Wastewater discharge billing volume for Residential and Small Commercial Semiee service is updated
yearly using the Winter Quarter Average (WQA) calculation based on potable water consumption
measured in the billing months of December, January, and February.
In the event a potable water leak affects the WQA calculation,the customer must notify Customer Ser-viee
Central within three--(3*months of the affected wastewater billing. A request for a billing adjustment
beyond the notification deadline will not be processed. The adjustment will be applied to the applicable
billing months that were initially billed based on the affected WQA calculation.
In the event that a customer initiates new service after the WQA amount has been calculated, the account
will be billed the existing route average at the service location until the next WQA is calculated.
Wastewater discharge billing volume may be adjusted in the event the new service has significantly
different potable water consumption in the first year the aeeo nt initia"^'account-initiated service between
WQA calculating periods;but shall not be less than 1,000 gallons of discharge billing volume.
SEASONAL SERVICE ADJUSTMENT
The Seasonal Service Adjustment is a customer requested bill adjustment available only to residential
Residential service customers that temporarily/ or seasonally vacate their residence. The adjustment
accommodates the minimal/non-use of unmetered services, specifically, solid waste and wastewater
service while a residence is unoccupied.
The length of the unoccupied period allowed under the Seasonal Service Adjustment is no less than three-
{}months and no greater than six--months during a consecutive twelve--(Wmonth period. The duration
the residence is unoccupied is defined as the "unoccupied period" for the purposes of this adjustment.
Residential customers must apply and annually renew for the Seasonal Service Adjustment providing the
start and end date of the unoccupied period of the residence. The application and renewal for this
Page 3 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
adjustment is processed by completing and submitting the on-line "Request for Seasonal Service
Adjustment Form"on LCU's Customer Sen,iee Central website. Requests submitted for periods less than
three (3)-or more than six--(6}months swill not be processed.
During the residence's unoccupied period,the billing and billing statement for utility services is processed
and presented in the standard manner.
Definitions:
Avoided Cost Charge (ACC): the cost not incurred when unoccupied residences have no solid waste and
no container placed for pick-up. The total operational avoided cost calculated for residential solid waste
is six percent{6VO. The ACC monthly charge for solid waste during the unoccupied period is 94% of the
standard monthly charge stated in the Residential Service Solid Waste tariff schedule.
No Wastewater Billing Unit (NWBU): Wastewater billing will be based on zero {9}billing units for the
volumetric charge during the unoccupied period.
Active Service-account status indicating LCU utility services are open and all applicable monthly access
and volumetric charges are billed.
B116hING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet No BA 2018
Appr-ovalvaT ' —
Effeetive BillingDate! Septe,Y.>,
T CUB Resolution No; 17 18 T f T fn I n
BILL ADjUSTMENTS
Inactive Service - account status indicating LCU utility services are closed. Applicable monthly access
and volumetric charges are not billed.
The Seasonal Service Adjustment will be credited on the account's regularly scheduled billing month
following the end date of the residence's unoccupied period. The Aadjustment will be based on the total
difference between standard billing and billing based on one of the customer selected options stated below:
1. Active Service Option:
a. Me total billing for seasonal service for solid waste based on the ACC and, if applicable, the
NWBU for wastewater during the unoccupied period.
b. Solid Waste waste collections drivers reporting containers curbed for pick-up during the
unoccupied period will terminate the adjustment and revert to standard billing,
2. Inactive Service Option:
a. Aall applicable utility services inactivated during the unoccupied period except landscape
irrigation water meter. The sole billing under this option will be for landscape irrigation
service.
b. Uutility services will be activated immediately after the end date of the unoccupied period
Page 4 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
c. Availability of this option requires a separately metered landscape meter or the installation of
a landscape water meter to separately meter and bill landscape irrigation use.
d. Any recorded consumption of metered services and/or report of container curbed for pick-up
during the residence's unoccupied period,will result in the cancellation of the Seasonal Service
Adjustment and revert to standard billing of all utility services.
METERING ACCURACY ERROR
In the event of either an LCU or customer initiated accuracy test, or a meter is found to register more than
two percent {2%}-fast, LCU will refund the customer the overcharge based upon the corrected meter
readings for the period the meter was in use, or twelve--{}-months, whichever is less. Any applicable
late payment will be waived.
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet No.BA 2020
E ec�a Billing Date! OF.Ceber- 11, 2017
r CUB Resolution No! 19 20 r C 009
BILL ADiUSTMENTS
In the event a customer's meter is found not to register, or to register erratically regi-ster-more than two
percent (2%)-slow, LCU will bill the customer for the undercharge based on an average billing, if this
estimated undercharge amount exceeds $100.00. The bill will be computed based on an estimate of the
customer's consumption during the prior month in the same season or errthe consumption in the same
period of prior years that were not affected by the meter failure.
UNMETERED/UNBILLED SERVICE ERROR
Where a customer has not been billed, undercharged,or overcharged for applicable utility service (gas,
water, wastewater, and solid waste), the period to be retroactively billed or refunded shall not exceed
twelve- }months when metered data is available.
Where metered data is not available, estimated consumption based on similar type utility service will be
the basis of estimating volumetric amounts.
THEFT OF SERVICE
Per LCMC 28-6, the City shall have the right to disconnect or refuse to connect or reconnect any utility
service where there is evidence that theft of utility service(i.e. gas,water or illegal wastewater connection)
has occurred, LCU will retroactively bill, and collect any underpayment or nonpayment of charges. The
Pale 5 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
applicable period to assess charges shall commence from the date it can be reasonably established the theft
began to the date in which the underpayment or non-payment was discovered and initially established.All
underpayments or non-payments shall become immediately due and payable plus a security deposit before
service is reactivated or reconnected. Customers committing theft of utility service will be subject to legal
action.
METER TAMPERING, DAMAGE AND/OR THEFT OF METERING OR MONITORING
EQUIPMENT
Per LCMC 28-6, the City shall have the right to disconnect or refuse to connect or reconnect any existing
utility service where there is evidence that LCU metering or monitoring devices, cabling and/or sensors
have been tampered, damaged, stolen or where services are by-passed (straight lined). LCU shall
immediately disconnect water and/or gas metering.
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet No BA 2M
Approval Date: Oete
E eetive Billing Date Oetebirr1c0 19
BILL ADjUSTAIENTS—
For existing metering equipment - $250 will be assessed per meter for tampering, damage, theft of
equipment and/or service bypass.
For metering equipment at new construction sites - $550 will be assessed per meter for damage,
unauthorized relocation, theft of equipment and/or service bypass.
The tampering, damage and/or theft assessment shall be paid in full and any delinquent balance paid plus
the applicable security deposit for prior unpaid balances before service is reactivated or reconnected.
Meter tampering, damage and/or theft of metering or monitoring equipment apply to the following, but
not limited to:
• meter lock broken uth ^a eonne ^�
• curb stop damaged or broken inseFted ^ eeted to the system
• register damaged or disconnected —
• meter lock removed
• meter broken
• meter stolen
• unauthorized connection inserted or connected to the system
damage and/or theft of AMI devices, or sensors, cutting or disconnectingc abling from rneter or
sensors-
Pa e 6 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
eutting or disconnecting eabling
ftom meter-
Page 7 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: CSF-2021
Approval Date: November 12,9 2020
Effective Billing Date: 'December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-2 1-
L42U***LCU0 13
CUSTOMER SERs
qCE CENTRAL FEES AND CHARGES
CUSTOMER SERA CENTRAL FEES
Applicability:
• New Service Activation: -Customer request for utility service or services to establish, process and
activate new utility account.
• Service Deactivation: -Customer request provided in writing to deactivate utility service account.
• Account Record Name Change: —Account name change on an existing utility service account
requested by the customer in writing due to and with proof of marriage,death of spouse,or divorce.
• Delinquent Account Service Deactivation: -Deactivation (shut-off) of utility services due to non-
payment of service.
• Delinquent Account Service Activation: -Activation of a utility service account that has been shut-
off due to non-payment of service.Utility service will not be reactivated until all balances in arrears
have been paid in full or other financial arrangements have been agreed to by Las Cruces Utilities
LCU and the customer by 2:00 p.m. Only when a delinquent customer has made financial
arrangements for their account will service be scheduled for activation. Settlement of unpaid
balances conducted after 2:00 p.m. will be processed for next business day activation.
• Field Service Activation: —The dispatch of€Field sService technicians to physically activate or
deactivate utility services. Field sService aActivation is fulfilled by sefviee-work orders submitted
at least one business day in advance. Ser-viee-Work orders submitted will be scheduled for
completion the following business day, Monday through Friday, during regular business hours,
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays. However, from time to time, seasonal demand for
service activations and other €Field sService work may extend the following business day service
order activation timeline by two to three days.
Utility service accounts will be charged applicable fees and taxes for the following services, plus the
monthly access charge for all months elapsed during the period of temporary deactivation, if any:
New Service Application
Utility Service Application Processing Fee, per request ......................................
$22.00
Account Record Name Change
Record Name Change request will be processed as a courtesy at no charge to the customer.
Page 8 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
Field Sef-,4ee andler- Solid Waste Pr-eeessing Fee for- eaeh tf:ansaetien requiring the dispatch of Field
Service „dle f Solid Waste personnel, p r+,-.,.,saetion $26 nn
Delinquent Account Deactivation and Reactivation
Field Service Processing Fee for each separate transaction requiring dispatch of Field Service personnel
to deactivate(shut-off) an account for non-payment and a separate transaction to activate an account upon
the settlement of an account's delinquent balance, per transaction ..........................
$26.00
Solid Waste Pr-eeessing Fee, whefe only solid wast- Mr, pfevided, for- eaeh separate tFansaetieft
sepafate tfansaetion to deliver- (activate) a eantainef upon the settlement of an aeeount's delinque
balanc-e,peftr-ansaetie ............................................................................ $26 nn
Service Orders submitted for processing the above listed services requiring the dispatch of€Field sService
personnel are scheduled for following day completion during regular business hours Monday through
Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., excluding holidays, and subject to seasonal demands as identified above.
Premium Field Activation Service
An additional applicable fee will be charged for same day service activation of service as requested by the
customer that dispatches or re-dispatches €Field sService technicians under one of the following
circumstances:
• Premium Field Service Activation charge requested for same day completion within or outside of
regular business hours, Monday through Friday, (except holidays), per request ....... $52.00
• Premium Field Service Activation charge requested for Saturday, Sunday or holiday activation,
perrequest ........................................................................................
$65.00
Instances involving extenuating circumstances involving a documented medical condition requiring
Premium Field Service Activation service may be reviewed at the discretion of the Director of Utilities
Depar t-for the ultimate assessment of the above stated charges.
The charges stated above will be billed separately on the customer's next scheduled monthly utility bill.
Furnace Gas Pilot Relight, per request .........................................................
$0.00
Page 9 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
Customers requesting gas pilot relight service shall be required to indemnify the City from potential loss,
damage or future liability associated with the providing of gas pilot relight service. The terms of
indemnification shall be formalized in writing with the customer's signature of the Gas Pilot Relight
Indemnification Agreement at the time of the scheduled gas pilot relight procedure.
MISCELLANEOUS FEES
If applicable, the following fees will be charged in addition to the Customer SeR,iee-Central Fees listed
above:
Late Payment Penalt�Fee
2.50% per month
Accounts in arrears will be assessed a late payment penalty fee before credits are applied.
Bank Returned Items Fee ......................................................................
$30.00
Any payment returned for insufficient or uncollectible funds will be subject to a Bank Returned Items
Fee. Payment of the insufficient or uncollectible funds and the Bank Returned Items Fee may be made
with cash, cashier's check{#, or checks, check(#};or checks,credit/debit card or cards, or money orders)
or money orders. Payment for chronically returned payments for insufficient or uncollectible funds and
the Bank Returned Items Fee must be made with cash, cashier's checks)-, or-efeditchecks, credit/debit
card or cards, -0r money order(#)or orders. Related utility accounts may be subject to deactivation (shut-
off) due to delinquency.
StopPayment r ..............................................................................Fee
$30.00
Checks returned due to a stop payment request will be subject to a Stop Payment Fee. Payment of the
check and the Stop Payment Fee must be made with cash, cashier's check(#},or-efchecks, or money order
or orders(#). Related utility accounts may be subject to deactivation (shut-off) due to delinquency.
MeterTesting Fee .............................................................................. $50.00
A meter testing fee per meter plus applicable taxes will be charged for customer requested meter tests.
There is no charge if a meter is tested and found to be outside metering accuracy standards. Las e#
Utilities LCU basis i-tsbase its meter accuracy testing standards and specifications set forth by:
• the American Water Works Association (AWWA) M6 Manual of Water Supply Practices, Chapter
5, Testing of Meters—Test Procedures and Equipment for water metering, and
• the New Mexico Administrative Code (NMAC), Title 17 for Public Utilities and Utility Services,
Chapter 10-Gas Services, Part 650-Service Standards for Gas Utilities, Section 13-Inspections and
Tests for gas metering.
Lien Processing Fee ..............................................................................
$56.00
Accounts in arrears for $500.00 or more will have a lien placed upon their property and will be assessed
a Lien Processing Fee. This includes balances for Utility Service and Developmental Impact Fees.
Page 10 of 26
EXHIBIT"B"
-Residential Solid Waste Container Replacement Fee (per container) ...... ............. $51.00
The poly container_-(or containers) providing solid waste service are the property of the City.=At the
determination of the Solid Waste ^aministr- taf Deputy Director, containers repeatedly lost or sustaining
damage resulting from burning, will be assessed the solid waste container replacement fee. Containers
damaged due to normal wear and tear will be repaired at no charge.
SPECIAL CUSTOMER REQUESTS
Las G-uees Utilities LCU can provide other utility-related services, not specifically listed above, which
will be charged based on labor, equipment, materials, and overhead plus applicable taxes.
Page 11 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: C—SEDRC-2021
Approval Date: Oetebe"November 12,;2020
Effective Billing Date: ' December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-
r rLCU013
DEPOSITS, REFUNDS AND COLLECTIONS
DEPOSITS
Requests for new utility service connections with City of Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) will be verified to
ensure that the prospective new customer does not have an unpaid LCU utility account balance from
another address. Additionally, if a prospective new customer was the beneficiary of LCU service at the
new address or at another address,and there is a delinquent balance on the utility account at either address,
the new utility service application will not be activated until the previous account balance(s) or balances
Ire-is-paid in full unless the delinquent balance has been discharged in bankruptcy.
A security deposit may not be required as a condition of new or continued utility service for a customer
with acceptable credit.
However, a security deposit may be required for customers who:
• have not previously had utility service with LCU, and/or
• have not established an acceptable utility payment credit history, and/or
• have a history of late payments on record with LCU.
The following information will be used to determine whether a security deposit will be required for the
new service:
• Documentation that the rResidential customer owns or is purchasing the residence where
requesting/ordering utility service, or
• Documentation that the rResidential or eCommercial customer has an adequate credit reference
from a utility where the customer had prior utility service, or
• Documentation obtained by LCU from a commercial credit source.
A copy of the documentation noted above with the customer's name and prior utility service address
information may be submitted by:
• by e-mail (customerservice(a,las-cruces.org), or
• in person when processing the application for utility service at LCU's Customer Serviee Central
office, located on the first floor in City Hall at 700 North Main Street, the satellite office, located
at 5195 Bataan Memorial West,or
• by our secure portal: ( http://cic-intranet/utilityconnect), or
• mail to City of Las Cruces,c/o Customer Sen,ieeCentral, P.O. Box 20000, Las Cruces,NM 88004-
9002, or
• by facsimile at 575-541-2052.
Page 12 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
LCU reserves the right to refuse any visibly altered document submitted by a customer for the purpose of
initiating or activating utility service and/or establishing deposit requirement.
The amount of the security deposit for each LCU service being provided to the service address is as
follows:
Deposit Amounts Gas Water Wastewater Solid Waste All Services
Residential Service $28.00 $24.00 $15.00 $18.00 $85.00
Small Commercial $89.00 $40.00 $31.00 $65.00 $225.00
Service
6
Large Commercial and $2,440.00 $336.00 $268.00 $276.00 $3,320.00
Industrial
Example:
• A residential customer applying for new utility service with no utility history or an unsatisfactory
credit history will be charged an initial deposit of$85.00 for all four LCU utility services, or
• A small commercial customer applying for new utility service with no utility history or an
unsatisfactory credit history will be charged an initial deposit of$185.00 if the customer's gas,
wastewater, and solid waste services are to be provided by LCU but the customer's water service
is to be provided by another water company.
In the event a customer's newly established utility service (a customer account that has not previously
been established with LCU) is disconnected (shut-off) for non-payment within the first etwelve-
(Wmonths of their service, a new deposit based on two (2}times the initial applicable deposit will be
required to reactivate service.
Chronically delinquent accounts (i.e. accounts that have previously had utility services shut-off for non-
payment three(3*times in a twelve--(Wmonth period)will require a deposit based on three(3)-times the
standard deposit, or the total of the three(3)-highest1 total utility monthly bills on record for the customer's
account, whichever is greater.
A customer applying for utility service found to have unpaid balances)or balances for utility service from
prior periods will be required to pay a deposit based on three (3)-times the initial applicable deposit to
activate service. The deposit requirement, plus any delinquent utility service balance, must be paid in full
before services are activated.
Activation of service(s�or services following shut-off of service involving non-compliance with Section
366 of the Bankruptcy Code, meter tampering and/or theft of service shall require original supporting
documentation and a deposit to reestablish services}or services based on the total of the three(3)highest
monthly bills on record for the customer.
INTEREST ON DEPOSITS
Simple interest at a rate determined by the process stated in LCU Board Resolution Number: 09-10-009,
or as amended, shall be set annually on the first business day of the calendar year and will be accrued
Page 13 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
monthly on deposits for the time the deposit is held by LCU. The deposit shall cease to draw interest on
the date service is terminated or on the date the refund is -processed.
REFUNDS
Refunds on Deposits
A customer who has at least twelve(- consecutive on time payments or a customer who has been at one
location for at least f6ur-(4)-years and not assessed a Field Service Processing Fee to shut-off services,
are eligible to receive a credit in the amount of the deposit and the accrued interest. This credit amount
will be applied to their current bill. If the amount of the credit exceeds the amount of the current bill, the
customer may request a refund in the amount of the excess if such excess exceeds $25.00.
Refunds on Bill Overpayments
If a customer overpays their account in an amount that exceeds the balance due, and the overpayment
causes a credit balance on the customer's account that is less than $500.00, the credit will be applied to
the customer's next bill(s) or bills until the credit balance is extinguished. If the credit balance is more
than $500.00, the customer's credit balance will be refunded by check within thirty--days to the
mailing address on record for the utility service account.
WRITE OFF OF UNCOLLECTIBLE ACCOUNTS
LCU staff will use all reasonable efforts to collect delinquent accounts including, but not limited to,
turning such accounts over to a collection agency. Delinquent LCU accounts that have been uncollectable
for a period of more than f6ur{4)-years may be deemed uncollectable by the City's finanee officef Finance
Director, and the City Council by resolution may remove the uncollectable utility accounts from the list
of accounts receivable in compliance with NMSA 1978 Section 3-37-7 and as amended, or as otherwise
approved by the City Attorney's Office.
Inactive Accounts with Credit Balances
Inactive accounts with credit balances may be presumed abandoned in compliance with NMSA 1978
Section 7-8A-2(A)(13) and as amended if unclaimed by the apparent owner for more than one--year after
the account deposit or refund becomes payable, and may be disposed of in compliance with the New
Mexico Uniform Unclaimed Property Act (1995) and as amended, or as otherwise approved by the City
Attorney's Office.
DELINQUENT ACCOUNT COLLECTION AND PROCESSING
When a customer fails to pay their account balance by the due date the customer will be assessed a Late
Payment Penalty Fee approximately twenty-three(23)-days after the date the bill was initially issued.
The total amount shown as "Past Due" plus a Late Payment Penalty Fee must be paid qpproximately
thirty-seven (37}-days after the initial bill. Actual shut-off of utility services will be performed, subject to
availability of€Field sService technicians.
Customers with medical conditions that have been notified that utility service is scheduled for shut-off are
advised to provide medical certification from a health care provider (i.e. licensed physician, physician's
assistant, or home health care provider)to the Billing and Receivablesr'^' s seetie+-program before
Page 14 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
service is shut--off. Delinquent account balances must be paid in full or payment arrangements must be
made prior to the shut--off date to avoid deactivation of services. Otherwise, service will be shut--off and
service restoration will follow the standard process for a delinquent account shut--off plus all applicable
fees and charges.
DELINQUENT ACCOUNT SETTLEMENT
Payment Plan
In the event a customer is unable to pay the delinquent balance in full, a Payment Plan may be initiated to
settle a delinquent balance. The customer will be required to meet with aan LCU r'^' sReceivables
Representative for an account review and will be advised of agencies that may provide financial assistance
for utility bills. A Payment Plan will be developed under the following conditions:
1. A Payment Plan will be initiated one (4}time in a twelve=-(Wmonth period.
2. The customer must pay 50%of the delinquent amount due plus all applicable fees before executing
a Payment Plan. Refer to LCU Customer SeRiee Central Fees and Charges schedule for applicable
fees.
3. The balance of the delinquent amount maybe amortized over a three_{*month installment period,
and the installments will be due on the agreed upon dates stated in the Payment Plan agreement.
Payment Plan terms and conditions may be modified under special or extenuating circumstances
with written supervisory approval. However, under no circumstances shall a Payment Plan term
exceed six--months.
4. The customer must pay and be current on their regular monthly billing and the Payment Plan
installment.
5. Payment Plans will not be extended to Chronically Delinquent customer accounts (i.e. accounts
that have previously had utility services shut--off for non-payment three Whines in a twelve-+12)
month period).
If a customer fails to comply with the Payment Plan agreement or pay his regular monthly bill, service(s)
or services will be shut--off without further notice on the next business day following the Payment Plan
due date.
Delinquent Account Service Shut-off and Activation
If a customer does not pay delinquent balances or make payment arrangements prior to the slfshut-
off date, approximately thirty-seven (37)—days after the past due bill, the customer's account will be
charged a Field Service Processing Fee to dispatch personnel to shut--off service. Refer to LCU Customer
Service Central Fees and Charges schedule for applicable fees.
For delinquent accounts that have been shut--off, activation of services will require the customer to pay
the entire delinquent balance, Late Payment Penalty Fee, and Delinquent Deactivation and Reactivation
Fees before a service work order for next day activation of services is submitted. Refer to LCU Customer
Ser-vice Central Fees and Charges schedule for applicable fees.
Shut-off of utility services due to nonpayment of delinquent balance will result in an initial or additional
security deposit as stated in the "Deposits" section above and must be paid in full before services are
activated.
Page 15 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
Final Billing of Delinquent Accounts
If the customer has not paid all delinquent balances approximately sixty_-(60)-days after the initial bill,
LCU will process a Final Bill for the account.
DELINQUENT ACCOUNT REFERRAL TO COLLECTION AGENCY
When an account is over ninety-six (96)-days delinquent, the account twill be turned over to a
collection agency.
Once an account has been shut--off and sent to a collection agency, installment payments must be arranged
by the customer directly with the collection agency. The City cannot make Payment Plans or other
arrangements for accounts that have been sent to the collection agency. Payment arrangements made with
a collection agency do not constitute payment of a delinquent account to LCU. A delinquent account will
not be r-e�atedreactivated,or a new service will not be activated until the amount due to the collection
agency is paid in full.
Page 16 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: B8R=T-0OABP-2021
Approval Date: Oetebe"November 12,;2020
Effective Billing Date: ' December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-
LCU013
APPLICATION, BILLING AND PAYMENT FOR SERVICE
APPLICATION FOR UTILITY SERVICE
A customer shall be required to complete and sign a Utility Service Application in person at City Hall,by
mail or by acceptable electronic means of transaction (e-mail, facsimile) with government issued photo
identification (or photocopy), in order for Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) to activate utility service. The
customer is required to prove ownership of the service address property such as a deed or authorization
for use of the service address property such as a lease. All individuals listed on the ownership or lease
documents shall be accountable for the payment of the utility service(-+ or services and for fees and
charges provided for service whether or not they are the customer of record.
Terms of Service
• Per LCMC Section 28-9, the City may decline, fail, or cease to furnish utility service at the service
address being applied for to any person or household member in the same premises who may be in
debt to the City for any reason, except for ad-valorem taxes and special assessments. A customer's
failure to establish identity or the inability to verify payment of past due amounts may result in denial
of utility service.
• In the event a customer is discovered to be receiving utility service and has no Utility Service
Application on record,the customer shall be notified and required to immediately complete and sign
an application for service and will be subject to any unbilled account processing and service
activation fees as well as any unbilled utility service charges pursuant to the applicable utility service
schedules and LCU Billing and Service Regulations as if an application had been completed and
signed.
• An application for utility service will be verified to ensure that the prospective customer does not
have an unpaid utility account balance from another address or addressees within the LCU's service
area. An application for utility service will not be processed for activation until all unpaid account
balance(s) or balances are paid in full unless the delinquent balances} or balances hashave been
discharged in bankruptcy. Furthermore, in the event that an unpaid utility account balance(s-) or
balances areas discovered in the name of the applicant after utility service has been activated, the
unpaid balance(s) or balances will be transferred to the active service account and will be due and
payable upon notice.
The customer agrees to pay LCU for any damage(s) or damages to or loss of any meter caused by
the customer's negligence or the negligence of their agents, employees, any member of their
Page 17 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
household, or any person on the premises. The customer shall be liable for such payment whether
or not the customer is the owner of the service address property. The City may discontinue utility
service or deny new service to the service address until such payment is made.
• City personnel shall have access to the customer's premises for the purpose of reading meters,
installing or removing the City's equipment and property, activating and deactivating utility service
and other purposes incidental to providing utility service by the City. In the event LCU personnel or
authorized agents are denied access City equipment and/or meters for two successive months due to
locked gates, obstructive vehicles, equipment, vegetation, hostile pets, and/or other impediments,
LCU will notify the customer by registered mail that meter(s)or meters access has not been possible
for the prior two months. If the customer does not acknowledge receipt of the registered mail within
a two=week period,and indicate an intention to provide access,then a notice of relocation of meter(s)
or meters will be sent and/or delivered to the customer's service address. Such acknowledgement by
the customer shall be in writing or by calling LCU Customer SenieeCentral. In approximately three
to five business days LCU personnel will relocate the equipment and/or meters} or meters. The
customer will be required to connect the customer owned service lines to the relocated utility service
point at their own expense in order to reinitiate utility service.
• The gser-viee line to the fnete..and the R meter-are the p „eFty of C . LCU's ownership and
responsibility of distribution lines,meter,and where applicable,enclosures,for gas and water service
points terminates at the outflow side of the customers' meter connection. For wastewater service
points,the ownership and responsibility terminate at the property line stub-out connection.
• LCU's authorized agents shall have full and unobstructed access to LCU meters and service lines
for inspection purposes, meter readings, activations and service shut_—offs, repairs, and any other
reasonable purpose. The customer authorizes such agents to enter the premises to conduct official
LCU business. The customer also agrees that no construction will be performed over service lines
or meters without prior approval from LCU.
• In the case of new utility connection or connections(s) or existing utility connection or
connections(s)requiring permits and inspections, LCU is prohibited by ordinance from activating
utility services until all permits and inspections have been obtained from issuing authorities.
• Customers shall not use utility service unless from metered water, and/or gas service connection,
and/or sewer connection, and/or solid waste container furnished and owned by LCU without an
account activated by an approved Utility Service Application. If it is determined that a customer has
obtained unmeteredand/or unbilled utility service(s)or services,LCU will retroactively bill for these
services pursuant to LCU Bill Adjustments schedule.
• Application for utility service is fulfilled with activation of all applicable services, pursuant to
Billing and Service regulation, Sheet Number: RUS4"Requirement to Provide Utility Service".
Partial, selected activation or suspension of utility services is prohibited. Customer or customer's
agent over the age of 18 must be present for the completion of the activation of gas service which
includes shut-in test and pilot re-lighting inside a customer's residence at the scheduled appointment
time for activation of services. If the customer or the customer's agent is not at the residence at the
scheduled appointment time for activation of services, then the following will occur: 1) the gas
service will be closed and pin-locked until a LCU Field Services Ttechnician can complete the entire
activation process and, 2)water service will be closed and unlocked, at the meter.
Page 18 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
• Pursuant to LCMC Section 28.11,all active utility accounts,regardless if services are flowing(Field
Service Ttechnician unable to activate services) will be billed under the applicable utility Tariff
Schedule(s) or schedules and Billing and Service Regulations. -Billing will commence for all
services at time of application regardless of physical activation.
• LCU shall not be liable for damages caused by interruptions or fluctuations in services caused by
acts of God or the public enemy, strikes,riots,diminution,or failure of supply of water and/or natural
gas or other unavoidable contingencies which could not in the course of commercially prudent
management have been foreseen or prevented by LCU.
• LCU is not responsible for any damage or loss which may arise from any gas or water leak on the
customer's side of the metered service.
• Immediate notice must be given to LCU if any leaking gas or water is discovered.
• The customer must communicate their request to discontinue service(s) or services with LCU
Customer sservieeCentral, either in person at 700 N. Main Street, in writing(mailing address City of
Las Cruces,c/o Customer Sef=�,ie Central, P.O. Box 20000, Las Cruces,NM 88004),facsimile(575-
541-2052),or by e-mail(customerservice(alas-cruces.org). Requests must include customer's name,
service account number and contact information and date to discontinue service. The customer is
responsible for utility service provided until such request to discontinue is received and finalized.
Actual deactivation of service will be completed within two to three business days from the receipt
of the request to discontinue service or services.
BILLING FOR UTILITY SERVICE
LCU and Utility General Billing will bill on a cyclical billing basis based on a billing period of
approximately thirty (39)-days "or a standard billing month" and based on the customer's applicable
service tariff. Utility General Billing will administer all applicable fees, penalty fees, shut-off notice fees
and procedures in compliance with LCU's Billing and Service Regulations. Gas and water meters will be
read as nearly as possible at regular intervals on a monthly basis.
In the event that gas and/or water meters cannot be read due to inaccessibility, register failures, damage,
tampering, bypassing, or other causes, the metered values will be estimated based on the following:
• Previous consumption by metered service to the premises;
• Average consumption for the corresponding billing periods during which the meter(s)or meters
are known to have registered correctly;
• Consumption as registered by a secondary meter if installedi;or
• Estimation based on the nature of use,volume or business,seasonal consumption,and/or any other
factors that may assist in determining consumption.
Proration of Bills
Utility service rate schedules are based on a monthly basis and on an approximate thirty30-day
consumption period. Whenever an activation or termination of service date differs from the standard
3Othirty-day meter read interval, monthly charges will be prorated applied only to the non-volumetric,
fixed charges stated in utility service rate schedules.
Page 19 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
Readings of Separate Gas and Water Meters
For the purpose of computing charges, each water and/or gas meter on the customer's premises shall be
read separately,and readings of two(2+or more similar service meters shall not be combined as equivalent
to measurement through one 0)-meter.
BILL DUE DATE AND PAYMENT OF BILLS
Bills are due and payable in full twenty-two {}days after the date of mailing or electronic transmission
and will be considered past due the day after the due date stated on the bill.All payments must be received
by the due date and paid by 5:00 PM or electronically by 11:59 PM to be recorded as paid on time.
Budget Plan
LCU may establish a Budget Plan for rResidential customers as an alternative method of paying monthly
utility bills. This method averages high and low consumption over a twelve_ -month period.
The Budget Plan is available only to rResidential customers and-who are current on their payments for
utility service and agree to the terms and conditions for a Budget Plan. In determining an annual budget
payment plan, the computation will be unique for each rResidential customer.
Determination for establishing a customer's Budget Plan:
• If the customer has had utility service or services at the same location for the previous twelve-+1�)
month period, the average monthly payment will be based on the customer's actual consumption for
that time period. If the service location has no established consumption history, it is recommended
that the service location wait until at least nine (-gybilling months of historical consumption have
been recorded before requesting to be billed on a Budget Plan_
• The customer will pay approximately one-twelfth of the total estimated annual bill with minor
variation.
• A customer must request renewal of their Budget Plan billing annually in May for the purpose of
recalculating and estimating the customer's charges for utility service for the next Budget Plan year.
Following the annual review and as needed, the new Budget Plan account will be adjusted to
moderate the potential of an outstanding debit or credit balance.
Termination of a Budget Plan may occur under the following circumstances:
• Customer requests to terminate the Budget Plan, or
• Customer fails to make the monthly Budget Plan payment by the due date three (3}times in the
twelve--(-1-2-)-month Budget Plan period where the account will be subject to the past due and
delinquent account process defined in this schedule.
If a Budget Plan is discontinued or terminated for any reason, any outstanding balance will become due
and payable in full within twenty-two (}days of processing the final bill and any credit balance will be
applied to future billing.
PAST DUE AND DELINQUENT ACCOUNT PROCESS
Payments not received by 5:00 PM or electronically by 11:59 PM on the due date stated on the bill will
be deemed past due and will be noted y a water-- a the next bill-a "Past D*e—and assessed a Late
Payment Penalty Fee,if the amount due is over$25.00.
Pave 20 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
A customer's second billing that is past due and with an unpaid balance over $25.00 will be deemed
delinquent and is subject to the Late Payment Penalty Fee, if the amount is over $25.00.will be noted 1-
a watei=Fnar-k on the next bill as "Past Due and Subject to Shut off!'.
The process outlining each pertinent phase of customer billing, payment due date, application of late
payment penalty fees, past due notification, delinquent classification, shut-off of service notification and
eventual shut-off of service is presented in the sample timeline below:
• A customer's monthly bill (the initial bill) is mailed or electronically sent for payment, and
• 22 days later, the customer's bill is due by the payment due by date printed on the bill.
• If payment is not received by the due by date, then one-(4)day later;
• 23 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, any past due amount over $25.00 will
be assessed the Late Payment Penalty Fee and a shut-off notice will be mailed to the customer
providing the approximate service shut-off date.
• 30 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent,the customer will receive the second bill
for utility service. with a wateFmar& on the billstating-i-t is "Past Due and Subjeet to Shut off- If
the initial bill remains unpaid, then on about;
• 37 days, the account is eligible for scheduled shut-off by Field Services personnel within the work
week.
• 52 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent,the second bill is due which includes all
past due fees and charges, then one-)day after the due date and about;
• 53 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the second bill and the unpaid balance
is past due along with the Late Payment Penalty Fee assessed on the total balance. If the balance
remains unpaid, then on or about;
• 60 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the customer will be sent the third
month's bill with the total unpaid balance plus Late Payment Penalty Fees that are due. If the account
balance remains unpaid, then;
• 82 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the account's Final Bill is due, and if
the account balance remains unpaid, then one44)day after the due date;
• 83 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the account's final bill is Past Due and
the Late Payment Penalty Fee is assessed. At this time, the account will be processed for final billing.
• 96 days after the initial bill was mailed or electronically sent, the account is eligible to be transferred
to the City's contract collection agency.
RETURN CHECK OR DRAFT
LCU will assess a return item charge for a check, draft, or credit card payment that is returned from the
bank for any reason pursuant to LCU Billing and Service Regulations as stated in the Customer Ser-viee
Central Fees and Charges schedule.
LATE PAYMENT PENALTY FEE
LCU will assess a late payment penalty fee for nonpayment one day after the stated due date on the
customer's bill if not received by 5:00 PM or electronically by 11:59 PM on the due date. The late payment
Page 21 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
penalty fee percentage factor will be applied to past due balances pursuant to LCU Billing and Service
Regulations as stated in the Customer Serviee Central Fees and Charges schedule.
Page 22 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: A4gRUS-2021
Approval Date: Oeteber-B,November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: ' December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
REQUIREMENT TO PROVIDE UTILITY SERVICE
Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) provides natural gas, water, wastewater, and solid waste utility service to
customers inside city limits and, with City Council authorization, to customers located outside city limits.
LCU plans, designs, constructs, operates, and maintains its facilities to meet its utility service
requirements. Pursuant to LCMC Section 28-11, all active utility accounts shall be charged and billed for
all services under the applicable utility Ttariff -Sschedule or schedules(s) and Billing and Service
Regulations. Except for the specific exceptions noted herein,temporary suspension of selected city utility
services is prohibited.
SUSPENSION OF UTILITIES FOR DEPLOYED MILITARY PERSONNEL
Pursuant to New Mexico Senate Bill 574 and House Bill 175,a member of the U. S. armed forces,reserves,
or the New Mexico National Guard may suspend some or all utility services without penalty and
reconnect/reactivate utility services without having to pay reactivation fees. The qualifying military
customer requesting suspension of all or some of their utility services provided by LCU must submit
his/her request to Customer SerN'iee Central and certify that:
1. He/she has orders and provides copy of the orders to Customer Servi-ee-Central to deploy or to be
temporarily assigned outside the qualifying customer's community for more than thirty days,and;
2. The service account is in the qualifying customer's name,and;
3. The qualifying customer owns the home or has a lease that does not preclude the suspension of
municipal utility services, and;
4. Family members or other persons will not be residing in the home while the qualifying customer is
deployed or temporarily assigned.
LCU will suspend/deactivate some or all utility services at the service address as requested by the
qualifying customer at no penalty and,will not charge a fee to reactivate or establish service(-a)-or services
upon notifying Customer Ser-iee Central of their return from deployment or temporary assignment. -It is
the qualifying customer's responsibility to notify Customer SeB,iee-Central of their return from
deployment to activate suspended utility services)or services.
In the event the qualifying customer suspends/deactivates all or some of the utility services provided by
LCU and during the period the qualifying customer is deployed or on temporary assignment outside their
community, or does not notify LCU Customer Serviee Central of his/her return from deployment, and
monthly consumption records indicate that the residence is occupied, LCU will resume billing all
suspended services}or services without notice.
Page 23 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: RUSAMI-2021
Approval Date: 9efebeF- November 12,2020
Effective Billing Date: ' ef-December 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
RESIDENTIAL AA4R AMI OPT-OUT
Automated Boa repo Reading in r rn)Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) devices are utility industry
standard advanced meteriegs with integrated electronic register transponders that record metered
consumption and billing information and transmit to receiving units in use by Las Cruces Utilities (LCU)
personnel.
Pursuant to LCU Board Resolution No-.umber: 14-15-LCU012, AMR-AMI Opt-Out is available only for
rResidential service customers and must be initiated and requested by the customer informing LCU
Customer Central Depat4mentrepresentative of their preference to exclude their residence from AMRI
enabled metering at their residence.
LCU will reasonably accommodate customer AMR-AMI Opt-Out request subject to the following criteria:
• The customer's utility service account is in good standing,which is defined as a customer who has not
been chronically delinquent for payment of utility services for the twelve--O,"Ymonth period,
• LCU utility personnel must have clear and unimpeded access to meters (i.e. no locked gates, no dogs
in the yard,no obstruction to LCU meters such as-,as temporary or permanent structures,plants, and/or
vehicles),
• The service location is a si�lysingle-family dwelling unit(i.e. multi-unit dwellings,duplexes,
or units in mobile home parks are excluded from AMRI Opt-Out), and
• AN4-R AMI Opt-Out will apply to all LCU metered services at the service location (gas and/or water).
Requests for the AMRL-AMI Opt-Out alternative will be verified to ensure that the requirements listed
above are met before processing the AMR—AMI Opt-Out Application and Agreement. Subsequent events
or situations that obstruct and/or impede access to LCU meters will result in the termination of the Opt-
Out Agreement by LCU and enable LCU to install AMI metering at the residence.
Customers meeting the criteria for the Opt-Out alternative and signing the Opt-Out Application, will be
charged all applicable fees, monthly charges, and taxes for the Opt-Out alternative:
Opt-Out Initiation and Activation
Initial one-time set-up fee for opt-out account
------------------------
----------------------------------------------
$76.90
Monthly Opt-Out charge for opt-out account
------------
$7.60
Page 24 of 26
EXHIBIT "B"
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: AA4RWC-2021
Approval Date: 9etebef-$November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: DecNevember 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
WATER CONSERVATION ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
Pursuant to Ordinance 2722, the Water Conservation Ordinance, and LCU Board Resolution No umber:
14-15-LCU020, administrative fees are applicable to violators of the Water Conservation Regulations.
Violators are subject to progressively higher administrative fees until the violation ceases or until a
variance is granted.
Fees assessed on active City of Las Cruces (City)utility accounts shall be paid within the normal payment
period for the billing system. The responsible party from whom compliance is sought will be sent a written
notice that their City utility account will be or has been assessed an administrative fee.
In lieu of paying the first administrative fee, the responsible person may have a landscape water audit
performed by a landscape irrigation auditor certified by an organization recognized by the City's Water
Conservation Coordinator. Documentation of the audit and subsequent changes to correct the violation
need to be submitted to compliance staff before the normal billing payment due date for the account.
No administrative fees will be assessed for reported violations unless the reporter leaves contact
information and signs an affidavit documenting the time, date, and nature of the violation hereafter
referred to as a "Documented Reported Violation." Water Conservation Administrative Fees are subject
to all other applicable fees and taxes.
ADMINISTRATIVE FEES
First Violation
------------------------
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- No Charge
First observed violation and/or first reported violation whether or not documented.
Second Violation
------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$20.00
Second observed violation and/or second Documented Reported Violation.
Third Violation
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$30.00
Third observed violation and/or third Documented Reported Violation.
Paee 25 of 26
EXHIBIT"B"
Fourth Violation
Fourth observed violation and/or fourth Documented Reported Violation.
Fifth Violation
------------------------
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
$50.00
Fifth and subsequent observed violation and/or Documented Reported Violation.
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES
BILLING AND SERVICE REGULATIONS
Sheet Number: AAIRRPA-2021
Approval Date: November 12, 2020
Effective Billing Date: DecNevember 1, 2020
LCUB Resolution Number: 20-21-LCU013
RENTAL PROPERTY ADMINISTRATION
LANDLORD UTILITY TRANSFER AGREEMENT
A Landlord Utility Transfer Agreement (LUT Agreement) is available to rental property management
entities or property owners that provides continuous City of Las Cruces (City) -utility service to rental
properties and consolidates account administration as specified by the landlord in the LUT Agreement.
The LUT Agreement authorizes the Las Cruces Utilities (LCU)to transfer gas, water, wastewater, and/or
solid waste without interruption in service to the landlord or property manager, as rental properties
transition between tenant occupancy. In the event that a tenant is delinquent, LCU will deactivate services
pursuant to the process stated in LCU's Billing and Service Regulations.
Property management entities that do not want to execute an LUT Agreement to administer City utility
services for rental properties and want the utility account in the name of the property owner, will be
required to provide the same information for a City utility service application as stated in Application,
Billing, and Payment for Service Section of LCU's Billing and Service Regulations and, a tax
identification number if applicable, before service to tenants will be processed and activated. Failure of
the property management entity to provide the property owner's information as stated above, may result
in LCU placing a hold on the tenant's activation of utility services.
UTILITY LIENS
The City will place municipal utility liens on rental properties that accumulate chronic delinquent balances
in aggregate and in excess of$500.00 from one or more tenants with utility accounts at the rental property.
All associated fees for preparing and recording the lien will be assessed, as well as the tenant or tenants'
delinquent balances in accordance with the municipal code and state statutes. Upon the filing of the lien,
the property owner will be notified of such action, as well as informing the property owner of the chronic
delinquent activity by a tenant or tenants at the rental property, and the notification that future utility
service will be denied to the rental property until a mutually acceptable resolution between the property
owner and LCU is reached, at which time the lien will be removed.
Page 26 of 26
'A�
City of Las Cruces
MOUNTAINS OF OPPORTUNITY
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS ACTION FORM
For Meeting of November 12, 2020
(Adoption Date)
TITLE:
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING LAS CRUCES UTILITIES STAFF TO MAKE
ADMINISTRATIVE REVISIONS TO THE LAS CRUCES UTILITIES BILLING AND
SERVICE REGULATIONS, TO MEET AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT
REQUIREMENTS.
BACKGROUND:
On December 12, 2019, the Las Cruces Utilities ("LCU") Board of Commissioners ("Board")
approved Resolution No. 19-20-LCU011, which authorized LCU staff to make additional
administrative and clarifying revisions to the tariff language in the "Deposit, Refunds and
Collections" Sheet No. DRC-2020 regarding the deposit required for a customer applying for
utility service and to language regarding interest on deposits and the refunds on deposits.
LCU staff recommends approval and authorization to make administrative revisions to the
document structure to the Billing and Service Regulations. This revision is needed to meet
Americans with Disabilities Act requirements for posting on the City of Las Cruces website.
Furthermore, LCU recommends approval and authorization to revise sections in this tariff
made obsolete with the implementation of the department's Advanced Metering
Infrastructure network and Solid Waste operation's efficiencies by its Routeware system.
Specifically, staff recommends the deletion of the tariff's Field Service and/or Solid Waste
processing fees and the associated administrative language for these fees.
LCU staff is also recommending the LCU Board approve the implementation of the revised
Billing and Service Regulations as attached in Exhibit "A." The Billing and Service
Regulations will be effective on December 1, 2020.
Continue on additional sheets as required
Name of Drafter: Department: Phone:
Jose F. Prover16AZJ.� Utilities 575 528-3508
Account Number: Amount of Expenditure: Budget Amount:
N/A N/A N/A
Strategic Plan Goal / Objective / Strategy Addressed: N/A
Performance Bud et Goal / Objective Addressed: N/A
Department Signature Phone Department Signature Phone
Utilities _528-3512 Budget -1L k i61 L C�-Q 541-2300
Assistant
Legal , / 541-2128 City Mana er &,ULIPOL
541-2271
City
Manager llv U � 541-2076
LCU 5/18 Rev.4 �'I '
LCU Board Action Form Page 2
SUPPORT INFORMATION:
1. LCU Resolution No. 20-21-LCU013.
2. Exhibit "A" - Proposed Billing and Service Regulations, effective December 1, 2020.
3. Exhibit "B" - Existing Billing and Service Regulations with red line.
BOARD OPTIONS:
1. VOTE "'YES" - Will approve Resolution No. 20-21-LCU013 and administrative revisions
to the Billing and Service Regulations. These changes will become effective on December
1, 2020.
2. VOTE "NO" - Will not approve Resolution No. 20-21-LCU013 and administrative
revisions to the Billing and Service Regulations. Staff will require strategic guidance.
(Continue on additional sheets as required)
City of Las Cruces°
MOUNTAINS OF OPPORTUNITY
LAS CRUCES UTILITIES BOARD ACTION FORM AND RESOLUTION
ROUTING SLIP
The purpose of this Routing Slip will help ensure the highest quality of work is
presented to the LCU Board of Commissioners for action on the Resolution.
As the drafter of a Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) Board Action Form (BAF) and Resolution
(RES) you are responsible to ensure all documents submitted for the Utilities
Director's approval are without errors. Please identify a Utility associate to review the
entire BAF/RES packet, including any Exhibits and/or Attachments; followed by your
Deputy Director.
The FINAL COMPLETE BAF/RES packet is required no later than 8:00am IS-
working days before the Board Meeting. The additional time is required to obtain
all final signatures from City Hall and create the agenda packet in order to distribute
to the Board Members.
For Meeting of: November 12, 2020 Resolution: 20-21-LCU013
(Date)
UTILITY STAFF
REVIEWERS PRINT NAME INITIALS DATE
ft vim
1. Drafter ill F Summerlin d
2. Selected by Drafter Domoni ue Rodriguez 21"
3. Deputy Director Jose Provencio lb 2z, zo
4. Budget Verification by
Rate & Economic Analysis Domoni ue Rodriguez
5. Senior Office Manager Alma Ruiz Akv) OINIZW
gagkux Ci P
CR tlMCruces'
LCU BAF/RES ROUTING SLIP FY21 9/2020 Rev.1