09/27/11 Grant County PUD Rate Increases (more)

Grant County PUD Commissioners have approved distribution of an eight percent revenue increase . . In a news release issued Wednesday commissioners reported seven of the utility’s eight customer classes will see their rates increase. Residential rates will not be raised until February 1. The approved allocation to the rate classes is designed to increase revenues by the following amounts:

Customer Class	Percentage Increase
Residential	6.8%
Commercial	8.0%
Irrigation	8.0%
Large Commercial	10.0%
Small Industrial	12.0%
Large Industrial	8.2%
Ag Food Processor	11.1%
Ag Food Processor	6.7%

Each customer’s rate increase will vary according to energy use. The estimated residential increase for an average Grant PUD customer is anticipated to be between $5 and $6 per month.

The largest driver for the revenue 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 turbines and generators at the two dams as well as obligations to build parks, construct and operate fish hatcheries and protect cultural resources as required in the utility’s federal license.

The decision to raise rates follows months of discussion and deliberation by the commission, including two public hearings.

“Rate increases, although necessary, are not something we look forward to doing,” said Grant PUD General Manager, Tim Culbertson. “We understand the impacts of a weak economy and will continue to make cuts and defer projects as necessary to keep increases as low as possible. We value the resources in our care and are working diligently to continue providing some of the lowest electric costs in the nation.”

Customers experiencing financial hardships are encouraged to contact Grant PUD customer service to discuss options. Some customers may be eligible for a 20 percent rate discount provided they are either 62 years of age or have a qualifying disability and meet Grant PUD low-income guidelines. For more information on the utility’s senior or disabled rate discount, please contact Grant PUD customer service (509) 766-2505 or customerservice@gcpud.org.