PUD commission considers renewable energy program

The Wahkiakum County PUD Board of Commissioners used the open discussion period to discuss the pros and cons of adopting the Renewable Energy Cost Recovery Program offered in the state of Washington.

“The State of Washington’s program allows utilities to pay our customers for renewable energy production,” General Manager Dave Tramblie said. “It’s up to each utility to decide if they want to participate or not.”

Tramblie said the focus of this particular program is on solar power. The utility would pay a customer between $0.15/kwh to $0.54/kwh depending on where the solar panels and inverters were manufactured. If the products were manufactured in the state, customers could receive the maximum payment.

Payment would be based solely on total production and would have nothing to do with consumption. In return, the utility would receive a credit against its public utility tax liability.

“This program is primarily oriented to stimulate the manufacturing businesses,” Commissioner Bob Jungers said. “I think the main motivation for PUD boards to adopt this program is political. It’s something that demonstrates to their constituency that yes we are in support of pursuing renewables and we’re going to put your money where our mouth is. The constituency doesn’t realize that this money is really coming out of their pockets.”

“On the surface, and so far,” Jungers said, “I’d like to support it, just so you know.”

Commissioner Gene Healy voiced concerns about the possibility that rate payers would eventually have to subsidize the customers who chose to go solar.

After more fact finding, there will be more discussion.

During the manager’s report, Tramblie informed the board that he had contacted an individual at Gray and Osborne engineering to provide a grant application to study the feasibility of consolidating the Puget Island with the Town of Cathlamet water system. He also informed them that the digger derrick is having a new motor installed and updated them on the Western Wahkiakum Water System reservoir project.

The board approved travel for Bruce McClain to be trained to be a competent person for cave in protection in Longview at the end of February. They also approved travel for Jungers to attend a Cascadia Subduction Zone Preparedness Summit in Portland on February 25.

The next meeting is scheduled for February 17 at 8:30 a.m. in the PUD meeting room.