Your PUD News Release

General manager to report to the community on PUD outlook

Chelan County PUD
News Release
1/15/2009

In a continuing effort to keep county residents up to speed on the latest financial outlook for Chelan County PUD, customer-owners are invited to hear in person from General Manager Rich Riazzi at an evening public meeting on Jan. 26.

The meeting is expected to last about an hour, and about half the time will be devoted to answering questions from the audience. Riazzi made similar appearances at small community meetings in 2008, and some have suggested he do it for a wider audience.

The public is invited from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. to the PUD Auditorium in Wenatchee at 327 N. Wenatchee Ave., to hear Riazzi discuss snowpack, runoff forecasts for the coming year and market conditions for the PUD’s surplus power. He will also talk about the 2009 budget and the general PUD financial situation. Snowpack, runoff and market prices can greatly affect the PUD’s financial outlook for the year since the 2009 budget includes around $50 million from surplus power sales.

If the PUD falls short in expected revenues, one option to meet financial requirements is a temporary electric bill surcharge. Riazzi plans to share the latest financial information so the community can be informed throughout the spring as there is discussion by the PUD Board of Commissioners on a possible surcharge. Further evening public meetings may be scheduled monthly for continuing updates. Board discussions also will be ongoing at the regularly scheduled meetings that start each Monday at 11 a.m., and the public is always welcome.

The public meeting on Jan. 26 will be videotaped, and the recording will be available on the PUD Web site for those unable to attend that night.

***

For further information:
Steve Lachowicz
Communications Director
Chelan County PUD
509 661-4639
Steve.lachowicz@chelanpud.org