Your PUD News Release

Departing GM says PUD in good shape to provide reliable service at affordable rates

Chelan County PUD
News Release
7/26/2010

At his final commission meeting on Monday, departing General Manager Rich Riazzi thanked board members, employees and the community for their support during his four years in the top spot at Chelan County PUD.

“I think the utility is in a great position with all the planning and work that’s been done,” said Riazzi, who leaves after his last day Tuesday for a new job as CEO and president of Duquesne Light Co. in Pittsburgh. “I think the utility is well on its way to accomplishing the goals and (meeting the) expectations of our customers in terms of providing reliable services at affordable rates and keeping those rates stable.”

Riazzi lauded board members for their willingness to do “the critical thinking and debate on our strategic issues that we’ve wrestled with over the course of those four years.” 

He noted the support and trust from employees and their hard work to make sure rates will remain affordable and service will be reliable in the future. “As you’re aware, we have the second-lowest rates in the nation, and I think that’s something to be proud of,” Riazzi said.

He also thanked the public for being involved in sometimes lengthy discussions on the PUD’s future.

“It’s been a great time for me, and I’ve learned a lot on the public power side of things, and it’s opened my eyes to a way to look at the market that keeps you more in touch with customers than I’m accustomed to in other roles that I’ve played,” Riazzi said.

“It’s been a great ride, and I appreciate all the support.”

Commissioner Randy Smith, who presided at Monday’s meeting, thanked Riazzi on behalf of the board for “the fact that you have never veered from a course of total openness, total transparency, engagement of the public and always looking out for the best interest of the public in everything you’ve done.”

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Kimberlee Craig
Public Information Officer
Chelan County PUD
Wenatchee, WA
(509) 661-4320, office
(509) 679-6858, mobile
kimberlee.craig@chelanpud.org
www.chelanpud.org