Grant PUD manager writes of rates, budget

by Tim Culbertson & General Manager
| January 28, 2011 5:00 AM

GUEST EDITORIAL

EPHRATA - This past year has been one marked by significant challenge and change. Despite this, I believe that we have moved through a difficult period and gained greater insights as to how to proceed in the years ahead.

Rates

Implementing rate increases is not taken lightly at Grant PUD. We realize it places an additional burden on homeowner and business budgets. That is why commissioners and staff listened to customer feedback and worked hard to reduce the amount of a proposed eight percent rate increase. As a result of this collaborative effort, we were able to lower the 2011 rate increase to six percent with proposed eight percent increases in 2012 and 2013.

The largest driver for the rate increase is the rising cost to produce power from the utility's Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams. Cost increases are related to the replacement of aging infrastructure at the two facilities and the requirements associated with the new, long-term license. Additional borrowings to support this work as well as upgrades to the electric system are anticipated in the 2012-2015 timeframe.

Raising rates is never an easy decision, yet we must remember that Grant PUD's rates remain among the lowest in the nation.

2011 Budget

Commissioners ended the year by adopting a 2011 budget of $477 million. This budget is the leanest I have seen as General Manager. Thanks to contributions by customer-owners, commissioners and staff working together, we adopted a balanced budget.

Strategic Planning

Another item of interest from the past month was the adoption of the utility's updated strategic plan. Guiding the way we serve customers, make spending decisions and provide service, the strategic plan provides a day-to-day framework for how we operate. Significant changes within the document demonstrate a more measured approach to Grant PUD operational goals and objectives. Our strategic plan is available online at www.gcpud.org/pudDocuments/yourPudDocs/strategicPlan.pdf.

As 2011 begins, so does a new commission. We thank former Commissioner Greg Hansen for his six years of service to the residents of this county and welcome newly elected Commissioner Dale Walker and re-elected Commissioner Bob Bernd.

Commissioners recently authored an editorial that you may be interested in reading: "Grant PUD sets the record straight on industrial rates."

I wish you all the best in 2011. You are always welcome to send your comments my way by contacting me at tculber@gcpud.org.