Flint wants dark fiber halt lifted

Grant PUD commissioner at-large appears at forum

MOSES LAKE - Providing stable power rates, making power available to industries and lifting a dark fiber sales halt were topics Grant County PUD commission President Tom Flint touched on Monday during a candidates' forum.

Flint, 59, is the incumbent commissioner facing off against recently retired Grant PUD project specialist Sam Johnson in the November election for the at-large position.

During questions Monday, Flint said he's in favor of lifting a moratorium on dark fiber sales. Dark fiber is unlit fiber without equipment and some customers prefer dark fiber because of the lower cost and security issues.

At the recommendation of PUD staff, commissioners reached a consensus about a month ago to keep the dark fiber sales halt in place. Flint opposed the consensus with fellow commissioner Terry Brewer.

Software company Oracle and online book, music and movie store Amazon recently backed away from Grant County because of the dark fiber sales halt, according to an Oct. 1 article in the Columbia Basin Herald. Retailer Costco has also eyed Grant County, but wants dark fiber.

Flint said if the county has unmet needs, it's the PUD's job to help meet them by providing dark fiber as it helps create jobs and businesses.

He also said lit fiber generates more money for the PUD and it would take a long time to pay for dark fiber.

During his opening speech, he said having stable power rates is important, as well as making power available to industries.

Flint, a second-generation Columbia Basin farmer, has served on the commission since 2001.

Grant PUD is the envy of others in the power world because of the Priest Rapids Hydroelectric Power, which provides low-cost power, he explained.

Flint said he's been through much of the process regarding the PUD's new 44-year license for the project renewed this year.

A cost of service study regarding electric rates was another topic brought up at the forum.

Flint said the study is a tool the PUD can use to help develop rates.

He said he wants to protect farmers during the rate-setting process, but jobs and industries are also needed.

When asked about conservation, he said the PUD can receive the best savings by maximizing hydropower resources.

Flint said he's a "huge proponent" of nuclear power.

He added pebble bed reactors are the most attractive option to him because there's no confinement vessel to worry about.