Your PUD PUD News Line
12/17/2009
Research shows customers value PUD and predictable rates
Customer-owners give Chelan County PUD high marks for reliable service and low rates, and they want any rate increases to be small, predictable and justifiable. They especially like PUD parks and say they’re willing to pay more to keep them in good order.
Those findings of community opinion research have been presented to Chelan County PUD commissioners by a consultant who surveyed 450 random customer-owners by phone, held focus groups with employees and community members and interviewed 23 community leaders one-on-one for at least a half-hour each.
The research is one of the first steps in the next phase of long-term strategic planning that is under way by the PUD as it plans for important decisions to be faced as historic long-term power sales contracts expire in 2011-2012 and as utility regulations and requirements continue changing.
PUD budget drops 7 percent from a year ago
Praising staff for reducing spending as times got tough, Chelan County PUD commissioners on Dec. 7 approved a 2010 final budget that is 7 percent lower than the budget approved last December.
The combined capital and maintenance/operations spending level of $307.5 million for next year is also slightly lower than the ultimate contingency budget the PUD was forced into this year as wholesale power revenues and interest income on investments fell sharply throughout the year with the global economic downturn.
New boat barrier will protect fish and swimmers at Chelan Falls
A new boat barrier has been installed at the mouth of the Chelan River for safety and to keep motorized watercraft away from the new $16 million fish channel and spawning habitat downstream from the powerhouse.
Christmas takes on a Lightly tone
The Happy Holidays edition of the Lightly newsletter is now available.Get heat pump advice from an expert, learn why PUD energy advisers don't recommend on-demand electric water heaters, and read about the super-efficient TVs hitting the market.