PUD discusses energy assistance, conservation

The Wahkiakum PUD met Tuesday to discuss a variety of topics.

Wahkiakum County Human Services Manager Chris Holmes asked the PUD to work with Health and Human Services (HHS) in creating a plan for energy and housing assistance. There has been a recent spike in requests for help, he said, “whether it be energy, housing, food, across the board.”

Commissioner Bob Jungers commented he would like to see the board take a more active approach at crises looming in the community. Although they aren’t sure how, Commissioner Larry Reese assured Holmes the board will do what they can in the future.

In other business, Manager Dave Tramblie reported he recently attended a conservation conference in Cowlitz County. He said insulating windows and doors are a good return on the investment.

“For the best bang for your buck, seal up your house,” he said.

Saturday’s power outage was due to a glitch at Bonneville Power Administration on the Oregon side. Tramblie called BPA to express concern over the number of outages over the past two years. He said he was told BPA would be installing some new equipment in the next year that should alleviate the problem of outages.

The board made executive changes in their own leadership for the coming year. Beginning in 2009, Esther Gregg will serve as board chair, Jungers vice-chair and Reese chair secretary.

The PUD office will close early on December 24 and be closed December 25. They will resume regular business hours December 26. The next regular meeting of the Wahkiakum PUD is January 6 at 8:30 a.m.