PUD: Enron settlement funds still remain

PUD commissioners Bob Jungers and Dennis Reid met briefly for a regular board meeting Tuesday. Larry Reese was absent.

The board discussed criteria for a new program to distribute donations to low income neighbors and discussed proposed changes to its contract with the Bonneville Power Administration.

PUD auditor Erin Wilson requested the board set criteria for the funds the ratepayers may donate to low income neighbors. The PUD is still implementing the program. In December, 2009 the PUD received $4400 of Enron Settlement funds to be used for low-income families and has a balance of $378 after helping 30 families, Wilson said.

The PUD used federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) criteria to disperse the funds. They may increase the federal level by 10 percent if funds are available, Wilson said.

Under federal income guidelines, a family of four with a net income of $27,563 could qualify. Mary Vik of Wahkiakum Health and Human Services distributes the funds.

The board agreed to use the same criteria for future donations and requested Wilson return with guidelines.

Customers may call Vik at 795-8630 or 800 635-5989 with questions about funds currently available. Wilson said the PUD has been discussing broadening the program to water and sewer bills.

Commissioners discussed the proposed Residential Exchange which changes the way that BPA will be paid for power.

Various public and private advocacy groups are meeting to discuss the contract that is under development. At issue is the historical allocation of federally generated power between public utilities and investor owned utilizes.

“Simply put, they (BPA) want to change from a variable rate to a fixed rate," Reid said, "but they want to slip in a way that they can change it back to variable later."

“I’m more skeptical about accepting it,” said Jungers.

Reid planned to attend a Public Power Council meeting on February 2 in Portland with PUD Manager Tramblie.

Tramblie is pricing repairs needed for the spare transformer for the Cathlamet substation.

Estimates to replace bushings in the transformer built in 1959 are about $22,500, not including installation, he said. Considering the investment in the transformer, it’s appropriate to repair it and have it ready, commissioners said.

The board planned to postpone their evening workshop meeting until March 15 at 5 p.m. They have not determined an agenda at present.