BPA urges conservation

The Wahkiakum County PUD Board of Commissioners met Tuesday morning to approve a couple resolutions and hear about recent activity at the utility.

General Manager Dave Tramblie reported that the PUD had completed a project to move about 3,500 feet of overhead lines underground on East Birnie Slough Road. The work means the crew will have to spend less time trimming trees in the area in the future.

A brush cutter that was purchased recently has turned out to be a great tool, Tramblie said.

“It’s a real labor saver,” he said, “the guys have been raving about it.”

A leak had been located in the Deep River area and would likely be repaired by Wednesday.

Tramblie gave a quick update on the project to bring broadband to Wahkiakum County, noting that he would be meeting with NoaNet soon to discuss broadband strategic planning.

“Hopefully we’ll be able to hammer out the scope of work and move forward,” Tramblie said.

The cold temperatures, hydro flow being affected by low stream flows, and more issues have Bonneville Power Administration asking consumers to conserve electricity by opening shades on south facing windows to “use the natural warmth of the sun to help heat their home,” or turn the thermostat down a couple degrees to “give their furnace a break” according to a news release shared by Tramblie.

Commissioner Dennis Reid made a motion to give Tramblie a 3 percent cost of living adjustment. After a quick discussion, the motion passed unanimously. A resolution will be prepared and presented to the commissioners at the next meeting.

Commissioners approved two resolutions. One was to amend an administrative salary policy and the other authorized an interlocal agreement between the PUD and Wahkiakum County Port 2.

“They have various tasks at times that the PUD has the proper equipment to help them accomplish. They may or may not pursue all of their potential projects because of the costs involved but there are other things that we can work together to accomplish. This just covers our ability to do that,” Tramblie said of the interlocal agreement with the port.

“It will help us do work for them ongoing,” Commissioner Gene Healy said.