PUD buys Avista line

EPHRATA — As an initial step to improving electric system reliability in Wilson Creek, the Grant County Public Utility District decided Monday to purchase the Larson-Stratford transmission line from Avista Corp.

District officials said they are committed to purchasing transmission lines located in Grant County, allowing the district to further control the electrical load for the county's ratepayers.

The utility currently has an electric system reliability of nearly 100 percent, according to a district news release.

In addition to the purchase, the district agreed to release all

outstanding claims against Avista and its predecessor, Washington Water Power, arising out of a pre-existing power transfer agreement.

The overall financial impact to the district is a $180,000 payment to Avista.

The PUD entered into purchase negotiations with Avista in 2005 after the district's board of commissioners learned of the service problems impacting farmers in the Wilson Creek area.

— Staff report