Your PUD PUD News Line
10/17/2006
PUD commissioners oppose renewable energy initiative
A majority of Chelan County PUD commissioners voted Monday to oppose Initiative 937, which would require the PUD to meet 15 percent of its load with qualifying renewable energy by 2020.
Chelan County PUD commissioners consider hydropower clean and renewable, however hydropower does not qualify under the initiative. Existing renewable power production, like the PUD’s SNAP Program (Sustainable Natural Alternative Power), also would not qualify since contributions to the program are voluntary.
“Our renewables, and we’re leaders in that field, are not recognized,” stressed Board President Gary Montague. “I’m still downright embarrassed that the largest producing hydro state does not recognize hydro.”
Efficiencies gained through upgrades to the generating units at the PUD’s three hydroelectric plants would count as renewable energy for the initiative’s future targets.
Click here to learn more and here to listen to the audio from the meeting.
Enjoy tips and treats at free Rocky Reach Safety Harvest
Chelan County PUD will welcome trick-or-treaters to Rocky Reach Visitor Center for a Safety Harvest on Sunday, Oct. 29, from 1-3 p.m. There will be safety tips and treats, a performance by Monroe singing group, “The Bobbers,” appearances by McGruff the Crime Dog, Sparky the Fire Dog and safety tips from Chelan County PUD employees. Chelan County Sheriff’s deputies will provide crime prevention kits and photos at no cost. The Rocky Reach café will also be open, offering a barbeque lunch, hot apple cider and other fall treats.
All are encouraged to come in costume.
Chelan County PUD celebrates 70 years of public power service
Public power utilities across the nation celebrate the heritage of service every year in October. Chelan County PUD, created by a vote of the people in 1936, also celebrates its 70th anniversary this year.
“We are honored to have served our customer-owners for 70 years and look forward to continuing the legacy of public power in Chelan County for years to come,” said Rich Riazzi, PUD general manager. “Chelan County PUD remains dedicated to the principles of public power and community service.”
Public power got its start in Washington state in 1930 with passage of Initiative No. 1 by a vote of the people, which provided the authority to form public utility districts. In 1936, Chelan County citizens voted to create Public Utility District No. 1 and named the first commissioners: Charles F. Keiser, W.K. McKenzie and Gust Zacker.
The PUD offered its first electric service to 10 customers in the Antoine Creek area near Chelan in 1947 and acquired the distribution system of what was then Puget Sound Power and Light Co. in 1948.
Click here for more PUD history.
New Web site expands ways to interact with PUD
Check out the new, improved Web site launched recently by Chelan County PUD, http://www.chelanpud.org/. Among new features, you can now pay your bill online. There’s also a place to tell us what you think of the changes.
Check for fiber availability
Residents of Chelan County can now find out in seconds if they are in a fiber-optic build zone. Click on the map to access the PUD’s fiber-optics mapping feature.