• Customer Services
• Your PUD
  • Mission and Vision
  • Public Records Requests
  • Fast Facts
  • Governance
  • News
  • Finance
  • Licensing and Compliance
  • Facilities
  • Utility Services
  • Mid-C Services
  • Contact Us
• Conservation/Environment
• Learning Center
• Parks and Recreation
• Working At The PUD
• Vendors and Contractors
• En español

SEARCH

PUD commissioners split on fiber-optic spending

Chelan County PUD
News Release
3/7/2005

Chelan County PUD commissioners voted 3-2 to approve an agreement designed to streamline operation of the PUD’s wholesale fiber-optic network. The agreement, which would declare Enhanced Telecommunications, Inc., Norcross, Ga., as the sole provider, includes $160,000 for software, equipment and warranty services, and $140,000 for five years of support services for video-related work.

New commissioners Werner Janssen and Ann Congdon voted against the resolution. Commissioners Gary Montague, Norm Gutzwiler and Bob Boyd voted in favor.

“It needs to be done, and it needs to be done now,” declared Montague in speaking for the resolution during a meeting held at the Chelan offices of the PUD. He said customers who contact him are in favor of the fiber-optic system and want to continue taking steps to expand it.        

Commissioners Congdon and Janssen said they worried that the spending moves the PUD too close to providing retail services, and that makes them uncomfortable. Congdon said she would like to have a full discussion of the fiber project with the board. Janssen said he thinks many customers don’t understand how they are financially supporting the project.

PUD attorney Karen Wiggum explained that if the PUD did not acquire this software and equipment, a private service provider might have to take over more of the responsibility for making the fiber-optic system fair and accessible to all. She said the resolution benefits the PUD by increasing open access, providing better security and making the system easier to use.

In other business:

• PUD Commissioners attended a ceremony at 11 a.m. dedicating the South Shore Substation near Lake Chelan. The substation went into service last November and improved reliability of electrical service along the South Shore of Lake Chelan through the winter. Commissioners also toured the Lake Chelan Powerhouse.

***

The next meeting of the Chelan County PUD Commission is scheduled at 1 p.m. on Monday, March 14, at the PUD Headquarters.

Steve Lachowicz
Communications Director
661-4639, direct line
679-0148, cell
stevel@chelanpud.org