PUD relaxes criteria for security deposits

Wahkiakum PUD commissioners adopted a revised policy for security deposits at their board meeting December 21.

New residential consumers who provide a one year history of satisfactory utility payments would not be charged a deposit.

At present the policy requires a two year history of good credit, General Manager David Tramblie explained. Deposits may be returned after one year if the customer has maintained satisfactory credit, which may include one late fee/disconnect notice during that 12 month period. ]

Commissioner Bob Jungers questioned the value of a PUD commissioner participating in the entity that is forming with the merger of the Lower Columbia Economic Development Council and the Wahkiakum Chamber of Commerce.

Jungers said as PUD representative to LCDEC over the past year, he has met his “responsibility with due diligence and competency,” but he questioned whether having a commissioner on the board of the newly merged entity was of value to the rate-payers specifically and the county in general.

"I don’t see that the PUD has an interest if the main focus is tourism,” Jungers said.

In the past, the LCEDC focused on business and the Chamber focused more on tourism. After discussion, the PUD board decided to continue to sit on the board of the merged entity to provide input and direction relating to the energy demands of new businesses.

The PUD is developing a policy that would allow customers to donate funds for those with difficulty paying their utility bills.

Donations would be distributed by Wahkiakum Health and Human Services using the same criteria they use to identify other needy community members, Tramblie said. Details are being worked out, and customers will be informed when the policy is implemented.

Tramblie said two customers have taken advantage of the energy incentives for ductless heat pumps.

Existing single-family homes with zonal electric heat, existing manufactured homes with zonal electric heat and existing multi-family homes with zonal electric heat qualify. The home must have permanently installed zonal electric resistance heating as the primary heating system. Homes with ducted systems do not qualify. The Bonneville Power Administration incentive is $1,000-1,500. Contact the PUD for more information.

Tramblie said the PUD has enough money to fund other customers who seek to take advantage of the BPA energy incentives. Tramblie reported that the PUD should have $50,000 for rebates in 2012, up from $20,000 currently budgeted.

The commissioners rotated the presidency or chair of the board. Larry Reese will take over the presidency in 2011. Jungers will be secretary and newly elected commissioner Dennis Reid will be vice-president. The board thanked Esther Gregg for her service.

The board held an executive session for potential litigation, which did not result in action, according to board attorney Tim Hanigan.