Long runs for PUD spot

Hopes to work on fiber, rates and energy sources

GRANT COUNTY — Don Long is running for Grant County Public Utility District commissioner position three to work on rates, fiber-optics and renewable energy sources.

“I worked for the PUD for 30 years and was privileged to work with some of the prior great commissioners,” he stated. “I was always impressed by their dedication to public power and their level-headed and forward-looking approach to setting PUD policies. I look forward to carrying on that same dedication.”

Long stated he hopes to develop PUD rates and policies supporting all customer classes and wants to provide low-cost power.

“I am committed to ensuring that by the end of my six-year term, fiber-optics service is available to anyone who wants it,” he noted. “I am committed to developing a resource plan for acquiring future resources that includes conservation, renewable energy sources such as wind and solar and proven conventional energy sources while participating with other utilities in research on new generating options.”

Long noted several skills he feels will prepare him for the position.

He has a degree in electrical engineering and worked with the PUD for 30 years. He began as an engineer for the dams and advanced to director of power management.

“I have direct experience in hydro-engineering, power supply planning, river operations, contracts and resource planning and acquisition,” he noted.

Long owns a wheat farm and said it allows him a perspective of the agricultural and business economy in Grant County.

He stated people should vote for him because his is willing to meet with the public, legislators and other utility districts and will attend educational seminars.

“I pledge to be available to listen and to represent the PUD locally and at the state level, regionally and nationally,” Long noted. “Unfortunately, my opponent attends only local PUD board meetings but rarely participates beyond that.”

He stated he is in favor of developing a resource plan which includes alternative energy sources and conventional energy sources. Alternative energy sources should be a part of all utility resources, he noted.

Long is in favor of making fiber-optics available to everyone.

“As a public utility, we should treat access to fiber-optic telecommunications the same way we treated electrical service when the county was first electrified, that is, without discrimination,” he noted. “To compete in today’s global, high-tech economy, our schools, our homes and our businesses including farms, need every educational and competitive advantage available.”

To make utility rates more affordable, Long plans to have outside experts review the criteria used to set rates.

“I fully support conservative financial planning, but too conservative means unnecessary rate increases,” he stated. “We will continue to enjoy low rates compared to anywhere else in the nation, even as we start to acquire new resources in the future.”