PUD handles a variety of issues

The Wahkiakum County PUD Board of Commissioners got a visit from Bob Schuetz, the CEO of Energy Northwest. He has been visiting utilities to update them on what is going on at his organization.

He said the organization helps to connect utilities with interns, “trying to help get new fresh talent,” operates an environmental and calibration lab, provides expertise in cybersecurity and information services, offers legislative services as they can, are considering adding human resources services, and more.

Commissioner Bob Jungers represents Wahkiakum as the voting delegate for ENW, and will continue to do so. Commissioner Gene Healy will be his alternate.

Manager Dan Kay said that the PUD recently received more pole attachment applications from Charter Communications, which is working to build out internet service all over the east side of the county. They have applied for 1,000 pole attachments so far.

“It’s going to be a good thing to have competition,” Kay said of CC and Wahkiakum West. “We’re seeing the broadband infrastructure moving forward.”

He said that the application fees and annual fees for pole attachments help pay for replacement of poles, and operations and maintenance.

He also said that crews have been cleaning up platforms in preparation for returning ospreys.

“I’m really proud of what the district has done in the past with the amount of platforms, scattered about,” he said.

Kay said that the water crew has been busy with installations and helping customers identify water leaks, which helps the customer and the utility with conservation.

“We really have a good staff that go above and beyond,” Kay said.