Grant PUD president encourages public participation in budget process

GUEST EDITORIAL

EPHRATA - Our connection to the communities we serve separates public power from private interests. This was demonstrated once again this year when we provided customers an opportunity to offer feedback on our proposed 2013 budget at three separate hearings. We thank those who attended the meetings and will consider your comments prior to taking any action on our budget.

These public meetings are important in that they offer a way for you to voice suggestions and provide firsthand accounts of how our decisions impact local homes, farms and businesses. While it's essential that we offer a budget based on sound science and goals outlined within our strategic plan; it's also essential that you provide the rubber-meets-the-road reality in relation to how our budget and resulting rate increases impact you.

During each public meeting, we shared the challenges associated with rebuilding 50-year-old infrastructure at both Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams, increases in regulatory requirements, and the impacts of low wholesale electric markets. While these obstacles are constant, our job is to position Grant PUD for sudden changes to energy prices while avoiding dramatic swings in customer bills. In spite of rising costs, we remain committed to keeping our rates among the most competitive in the nation.

We as a commission take your feedback very seriously. While the hearings are over, you can still share your comments with us during the second and fourth Monday of each month at 1 p.m. or by emailing us at commissioners@gcpud.org. Ensuring that future generations enjoy the affordable rates that have become synonymous with living in the Grant County is a top priority. We are dedicated to making decisions that best serve customers today and tomorrow.