PUD Story

The Wahkiakum PUD board of commissioners met Tuesday to discuss current projects and other issues.

Manager Dave Tramblie reported the West Valley Road project crews have been working on is moving right along. They have been replacing some underground lines that have been causing problems.

An application with Federal Emergency Management Administration has been filed to get the PUD access road asphalted. The road has flooded the last several years and been covered with mud and rock. Instead of spending the thousands it costs to clean up the mess, Tramblie said it makes more sense to asphalt it to make cleaning easier.

Commissioner Bob Jungers commented he believed concrete would be a more cost effective option. “Concrete, I believe will last longer and it is cheaper. Just a thought.”

Tramblie gave the board a “head’s up” that he intends to advertise for summer help on the SR 409 water project. He said the need at this time is for a journeyman lineman. He said he intends to advertise in several publications, including online.

Auditor Erin Wilson said the Bonneville Power Administration Energy Efficiency summit she and Lia Sealund attended in March was “time and money well spent.” Wilson said the round table discussions gave the opportunity to learn more about how other PUD offices operate.

Jungers said he recently spoke with a Westend gentleman who said he felt irritated at the board for what the man called hypocrisy, short-sightedness and a counter-productive attitude in giving the management of the utility only a two percent raise.

“Don’t shoot the messenger,” Jungers said, adding he was only passing along the only feedback he has received from the public on the issue.

Tramblie asked Account Specialist Lea Sealund to present the board information she received from a conference she recently attended. The information she provided falls into future training she will receive for residential energy auditing and inspector certification.

Sealund said she has explored through BPA and other sources how to prioritize funds, and how to be sure the money is being spent in the most efficient manner. A spreadsheet program organized the information in a variety of means.

What is available to the community now through the Lower Columbia Community Action Council (CAP) is a program that assesses weatherization of the home. The program is income based, and is available for those who rent their residence. The motivation for the renter is lower energy bills, she said. The property owner would be motivated because it improves their property.

Another program Sealund said she has discovered is the Kinship Care Program managed through the Department of Social and Health Services. The program assists in a variety of needs including utility assistance. Sealund said she would like to display the information on the info table in the PUD lobby.

“Anything that helps our constituents to be able to pay their bills or help their family is a benefit,” Commissioner Larry Reese said. “It would be just one more resource for our customers to tap into,” Sealund added.

The next PUD meeting is scheduled for Monday, April 20, at 8:30 a.m.