Survey: PUD's reputation improved

Consultant questioned a variety of groups

EPHRATA - A recently completed external reputation survey shows Grant County PUD bettered its "reputation and standing" with 51 key regional partners, according to the utility.

"The biggest take-away for me was finding the high level of regard Grant PUD had across the board," said Portland-based consultant Luanna Grow.

She completed the survey while doing other paid work for the utility.

The survey was done to see how the external world Grant PUD operates in views the utility, Grow explained.

The utility also wanted another read of partners as it focuses on implementing the new license for the Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams, she said.

Using a script, she questioned utility executives, government leaders, fishery agencies, and tribal representatives in July and August. The interviews were done over the phone.

She declined to name the agencies she spoke with to protect their identities, explaining she didn't even reveal the agency names to the PUD.

She said she feels the PUD's employees and commissioners should be very proud of what they achieved and urged them to continue working collaboratively with others.

"It's not rocket science, it's just good business relationships and partnerships that have paid off in a good way," Grow said.

She added the utility shouldn't become complacent.

The survey also found nearly 75 percent knew the utility was working for hydropower to be termed as a renewable resource and pushing for more hydro development.

They were aware Grant PUD General Manager Tim Culbertson testified for hydropower in Washington, D.C.

Also, over 85 percent considered Grant PUD's overall reputation as above average or excellent and nearly 90 percent rated the PUD as "highly influential on regional and national energy and environmental policies."

A survey done in 2002 showed some problems. That was during the time the utility was in the middle of its relicensing, she said.

The problem area included issues over relationships with people who had salmon recovery interests.

But the new survey showed there has been "significant improvements relating to salmon protection efforts and tribal relationships."