Las Cruces Utilities (LCU) is working on a plan to reduce natural gas use in homes and businesses as part of the commitments made in the Climate Action Plan adopted by the city in 2020.
Currently, most homes and businesses in Las Cruces use natural gas for heating, cooking, and hot water. However, the municipality is seeking energy alternatives with less environmental impact.
On May 20, LCU held a public workshop at City Hall to gather community input on possible energy transition strategies. The invitation was sent to more than 35,000 customers, and about 90 people attended the meeting, where various proposals and concerns were discussed.
In addition to the workshop, further consultation activities are planned. A Public Utilities Board working session is scheduled for Thursday, July 10, at 1 p.m., at the Public Utilities Building (680 N. Motel Boulevard), where the draft Energy Decarbonization Transition Plan will be discussed.
The project also includes a survey that will be launched later this year, as well as pop-up community events to continue gathering residents’ opinions on the city’s energy future.
To support the development of the plan, the city hired the firm Energy + Environmental Economics (E3), which will be responsible for evaluating technologies that reduce emissions related to natural gas use. The goal is to design an energy transition that is sustainable, reliable, and accessible to the population.
