Grant PUD establishes new rate class

EPHRATA — Grant County PUD commissioners have approved the creation of a new rate class, designed for new - and untried - industries. The “evolving industries” class will be implemented by Aug. 1. The actual rate is still to be determined.

The new rate class was prompted by a flood of inquiries about and requests for electrical service, which started in summer and fall 2017. The 125 requests totaled more than 2,000 megawatts, more than the PUD has available. About 75 percent of those requests were from cryptocurrency firms, according to a PUD press release.

Some requests for service were placed on hold while PUD employees looked for ways to handle the influx. Utility district employees will begin processing applications for traditional commercial and residential customers by July 1.

— Staff report