Pot law conflict leads PUD to amend policies

With the inherent conflict between federal law and Washington state’s recent legalization of marijuana, the Wahkiakum PUD board of commissioners felt it would be prudent to change some of the language of some policies.

On Tuesday, commissioners approved Resolution 1180, which amends the District’s Electric Service Conditions Policy. The new language now states that the District “may deny or discontinue service if:

“1) The District receives a request by any federal, state or local agency to cease electric service to a District customer whose use violates applicable law;

“2) A court order directs the District to discontinue electric service to a customer;

“3) A written request, demand, threat of criminal prosecution or actual criminal prosecution is made or initiated against the District, its officials, employees, agents or assigns for delivery of electric service to a customer whose use of the electric service violates the law;

“4) The customer fails to maintain possession of a valid and lawfully issued license by the State of Washington that is required for the customer to engage in any activity which may be lawful under state law but constitutes a violation of federal law;

“5) A change in law or determination that federal law preempts state law in the field of regulation which requires termination of service. No notice from the district to the customer is required before terminating or denying service pursuant to the events stated in this paragraph.

“The District shall have no duty to defend against a lawsuit brought to enjoin electricity service to a customer.”

In other business, General Manager David Tramblie mentioned the subject of large loads.

“We were coming to the conclusion that half a megawatt might be a better threshold for us,” Tramblie said. “I think it could be as simple as, if we have any request for new loads over half a megawatt we could request a negotiated contract.”

The commissioners, Tramblie and counsel Tim Hanigan discussed the issue at length and agreed that Hanigan would draw up a policy for the commissioners to consider.

Tramblie reported that water consumption numbers were high on Puget Island.

“However, it’s summertime,” he said. “We can be sure that we don’t have any serious leaks on the island at this time, because the numbers are staying pretty steady.”

Auditor Erin Wilson said that the software vendor was working on setting up bill notification by email for the PUD customers who want it. The PUD hopes to be testing soon.

The Residental Energy Assistance Program balance is $137.21, according to Wilson.

The PUD will be mailing a letter and flyer regarding cross connection to all their customers. The letter includes a survey that they hope customers will fill out and return.

The next meeting is July 29, in lieu of the regularly scheduled first Tuesday of the month, August 5.