PUD commissionersreport on business

Wahkiakum Public Utility District (PUD) commissioners and staff met on Tuesday to discuss ongoing activities.

Commissioner Esther Gregg reported that Steve Johnson, current Washington PUD Association (WPUDA) executive director, is retiring effective May 1, 2010. WPUDA board members including Gregg are providing input about goals and requirements for the position as the search for the association’s executive director moves forward.

Commissioner Robert Jungers noted that although Wahkiakum is one of the smallest PUDs in the area, its commissioners and managers have a role in shaping and advocating for energy policy in the Northwest since in addition to administering the PUD’s services to the public, all 27 member districts of the WPUDA receive one vote, regardless of size. The WPUDA employs lobbyists to work on behalf of their customers at state and national levels.

Jungers also reported that private utility company Avista, which serves eastern Washington and Idaho, has recently announced a proposed rate increase of 17 percent. He compared that number to Bonneville Power Administration’s proposed rate increase of 7.5 percent, which PUD directors reviewed at a recent meeting and was reported on in the August 6 edition of The Eagle.

Although the board discussed a rate increase of 5 percent recommended by PUD management, no increases have been approved by the board and will not be until after a public hearing on the proposal which is scheduled for October 6 at 10 a.m. in the basement meeting room of the PUD building.

In response to questions posed by Commissioner Larry Reese at a recent meeting, Attorney Jennifer Hanigan reported on net metering policies used by Douglas and Cowlitz PUDs. Net metering permits customers who operate energy generating system of 100 kilowatts or less to pass on energy output above their own needs to the public power grid for credits.

The board directed Hanigan to prepare suggested language for an addition to the Wahkiakum PUD’s policy that would prohibit transfer of a generation contract to a new person. Each new customer with net generation capability would have to enter into a new contract with the PUD.

PUD Auditor Erin Wilson announced that because of fund transfers to cover Washington state’s budget deficit, no loans from Public Works Trust Fund to local PUD will be approved during the next two years.

The legislature has assured loan recipients that money will be available to complete ongoing projects; however, Wahkiakum PUD has not recently taken out a loan and will be unaffected.

Wilson also reported that approximately a dozen energy conservation surveys have been returned to the PUD office to date. Surveys were enclosed with last week’s billing cycle.