CMUA: You were at Lassen Municipal Utility District (LMUD), went away for another position at a different organization, and then recently came back to take the GM role. Tell us a little bit about the progression of your career, and was being a utility's general manager always one of your goals?
Dominguez: Before joining LMUD, public power was not a career choice on my radar. I joined LMUD in 2013 as its first IT technician. At that point, the IT department was non-existent. It was a challenging role, but it was also an opportunity to build the department from the ground up. In doing so, I gained a great deal of knowledge about how the utility operates. I worked closely with operations on our SCADA system and AMI implementation. I also learned a great deal about our customer information system, billing, and accounting. All of this fueled my interest in the possibility of a long-term career in public power.

CMUA: What is unique or interesting, in your opinion, about LMUD's service territory in Susanville, Westwood, and the surrounding area?
Dominguez: Our service territory is uniquely diverse. We serve over 1,900 square miles that range from the high desert to the mountains. A significant portion of our territory is forested, presenting interesting challenges and opportunities.

CMUA: What currently are LMUD's two or three biggest ongoing projects?
Dominguez: The Skedaddle Substation is by far the most significant project in the district’s history. The project will allow us to interconnect with NV Energy, significantly improving reliability and opening up opportunities for a more diverse power supply. The substation is scheduled to come online in Q4 of 2026.

Like many other small POUs, we are navigating wildfire and how to mitigate the risks to our system and those we serve. We were awarded a multimillion-dollar FEMA grant to harden our transmission lines that run through a heavily forested, 23-mile stretch between our connection to the PG&E Caribou Transmission line and Susanville. The end result, between improving our current transmission lines and completing the Skedaddle Substation, will mean a redundant feed for our community—achieving our strategic goal of providing reliable and safe power.

CMUA: What’s something you do outside of work that you enjoy?
Dominguez: In 2013, not long after accepting the position at LMUD, I pursued my private pilot's license. I’ve been flying for over 10 years now—it’s a great hobby and allows me to spend time with my family traveling all over California. In 2023, my passion for aviation led me to start building an experimental aircraft with my family. Last August, our aircraft went through the final FAA inspection and was deemed airworthy. My family and I now use the plane to travel and visit our long-distance friends and family members.

CMUA: What value and benefit do you get from serving on CMUA’s board?
Dominguez: LMUD finds tremendous value in our relationship with CMUA. The staff has helped build relationships with our elected officials at the state and federal levels. CMUA’s expertise and knowledge of industry issues are invaluable to us. We are so grateful to know that CMUA is lobbying for the best interests of the district and those we serve. Additionally, CMUA offers networking opportunities with other POUs and their leadership—allowing us to build relationships that are beneficial to the district, our employees, and board members.