Chelan PUD Considers Waiving Electrical Connection Fees to Support Affordable Housing Development

Chelan PUD commissioners are considering waiving the $1,900 electrical connection fees for homebuyers connected to local housing trusts to support affordable housing. Local housing trust organizations recently provided commissioners a presentation on affordable housing initiatives in the community, which prompted the proposal.

"We're proposing to rely on our local housing programs to perform the income verifications rather than having our own unique income eligibility criteria," said Cathy Melton, Customer Service Program Analyst. "The fees that would be waived would be targeted to those service connections fees which is the average estimated cost of the meter and transformer."

The housing trusts would vet candidates for the potential waiver from the PUD. Commissioners will reconvene on the topic at the April 19 meeting.