Your PUD PUD News Line
6/6/2007
Commissioners encourage public to attend June 11 meeting
PUD commissioners Monday discussed the options available as they prepare for policy decisions June 11 that will determine the District’s financial direction through 2012.
General Manager Rich Riazzi recapped the 10-month process that resulted in his recommendation last week that commissioners increase revenue by raising rates 9 percent a year for electric, water and sewer customers for multiple years, and slow the pace of the fiber-optic network. He suggested a balanced approach that helps close the gaps between expenses and revenues for utility services and lessens dependence on volatile wholesale power revenues.
“Time is not on our side,” Riazzi said. “We now have (financial) challenges facing us in a few years.”
Riazzi emphasized that the PUD has taken steps to reduce its operating costs. The 2007 budget contained staff reductions equal to 19 full-time positions. More reductions occurred in a recent staff reorganization and positions vacated by retirees are not always being filled. Operating expenses for 2007 were held to a 4.5 percent increase, compared with 7 percent the last few years.
The PUD last increased electric rates in 2000. Commissioners were given a chart showing inflation has risen 17 percent since 2000. The rise is forecast to hit 40 percent by 2012. A 9-percent rate increase each year from 2008-2011 would raise electric rates a total of 41 percent. Riazzi recommended annual increases through 2010, possibly 2011.
The fourth community strategic session is set for 5:30 p.m., Monday, June 11, at the Confluence Technology Center at Olds Station.
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