Chelan PUD customer-owners could pay about three percent more if Commissioners agree to a rate increase that would step up in small increments through 2024.

Lindsey Mohns, Customer Utilities business manager says there have been increases in second homes, or home rentals and self-sustaining homes in the area were not expected in their previous rate planning.

"We see that the minimum cost to serve those customers doesn't change as their use changes. However, how we charge them, if it remains the same, we are not recovering all of those costs associated with service."

Mohns presented data showing that the residential customer charge is substantially below the actual cost and the disparity is growing.

Chelan PUD says under the proposal, the average cost for each home would go from about $55 to about $56.75 per month in the first year, and step up each year to about $63.75 per month in the fifth year of the planned increase.

A Feb. 3rd public hearing on the proposal is set for 1 p.m. with more information available online at ChelanPUD.org/RatePlanning.

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