Grant County irrigators reorganize

Farmers want fair treatment with PUD

EPHRATA - A group of about 100 irrigators are restarting an old power users' group to represent their interests as Grant County PUD mulls changes to the irrigation rate structure.

"We need representation," said Phil Isaak, a Coulee City farmer who is part of the group.

There's also a similar group for industrial power users.

The PUD is studying changes to the current rate structure, which some consider complicated, as well as discussing a system charge which previously included power for irrigators.

In July, Grant PUD commissioners decided to hold off on rate increases for all customers for 2009, but study possible rate structure changes for irrigation and industrial customers.

Isaak read a brief letter to Grant County PUD commissioners at a rate workshop on Wednesday, asking the utility to avoid making any decisions on changing the current rate structure.

The group wants to first develop their own proposal and present it to commissioners, he said. It's also hoped the group will represent all areas of the county and have a five-person board of directors, Isaak said.

Isaak said a scenario presented at an Aug. 20 rate workshop "got everyone's attention." It showed a realignment to the structure increasing rates for larger users by as much as 20 percent. The scenario showed a decrease in rates for smaller users.

"It's almost pitting one farmer against another," Isaak said.

That's why the group asked the PUD to hold off until the group comes up with a proposal, he added.

Wilson Creek farmer David Stevens said about 100 people are part of the group. There are about 4,000 irrigation accounts serviced by the PUD, which includes large and small users, he said.

Stevens said he was part of an irrigators' group which formed in 2004. The new group is simply reigniting the old group, he said.

"We want to be treated fairly," Stevens said.

The group also wants to hire a consultant so they can speak with one voice, Stevens added.

All five Grant County PUD commissioners told the Columbia Basin Herald they were supportive of the group's formation.

Commissioner Bob Bernd said he's pleased to get their input.

"We'll look forward to see what their results are," he said. "I hope their group is well-balanced."

Commissioner Terry Brewer said he thinks having the group is a way to increase the dialogue on the subject in an organized way.

He said speakers at meetings are generally representing themselves and there's really no way to reach a consensus.

Commissioner Greg Hansen said he thinks having the group gives irrigators a voice in determining their own rates. He added the utility is trying to avoid increasing the amount of rate revenues coming from the irrigation customers.

Commission President Tom Flint said commissioners will "find their input into the process very valuable." He added the commissioners are looking forward to working with irrigators.

Commissioner Randy Allred said the group's formation is positive as long as fair representation occurs among the irrigators. Then they can reach reasonable suggestions to help the board, he added.

Also at the workshop, Grant PUD Assistant General Manager Chuck Berrie presented the utility's research conducted about neighboring Big Bend Electric Cooperative's irrigation rates.

The research was done after an irrigator said his electrical bill from Big Bend was lower than Grant PUD's rates.

Brewer said Berrie's presentation showed a scenario in which the PUD would receive between $5 million to $6 million more in revenues by using Big Bend's rates. But it appeared the load characteristics and use weren't identical in both situations, Brewer said.

Allred said he was told Big Bend customers receive the equivalent of a rebate for unused energy, which he said wasn't brought up during Berrie's presentation.

Berrie wasn't available for further comment on Thursday.

For more information about the group, call 509-750-2392 or e-mail Isaak at pisaak@homenetnw.net.