Your PUD News Release
Costlier fiber-optic connections can benefit from sharing costs with PUD
Chelan County PUD
News Release
3/28/2011
If you’ve requested a PUD fiber-optic connection in Chelan County but it’s been on hold because connection costs are too high, you now have an alternative.
PUD commissioners approved a new Line Extension Policy for fiber-optic connections that will let homeowners consider whether they want to pick up additional costs themselves after the PUD makes an initial investment of $1,500 per connection. Previously property owners had to pay the entire bill if the PUD determined connection costs were too high to justify making a fiber connection to a home or business. The policy applies to areas other than those scheduled to receive service in the next few years as part of a federal Rural Utilities Service (RUS) grant project.
Potential end-users of fiber services can also reduce costs by doing trenching or conduit work themselves, subject to PUD inspection before the final connection gets made. The procedures are now spelled out in the Line Extension Policy, matching options that have long been available for water, sewer and electrical connections. The big difference with the fiber Line Extension Policy is that the arrangements have to be made through a service provider – one of the retail firms that actually provide telephone, Internet or television service to the end-user over the fiber line. The PUD is only authorized to provide wholesale fiber services.
Staff presenting the policy emphasized to PUD commissioners that it has multiple benefits. Not only does it provide more options for customers and clearly explain the PUD’s guidelines for using the policy, it also protects the PUD on costs and helps meet financial principles adopted last year as part of the PUD’s Strategic Plan.
No opinions about the policy were stated by customers or by service providers who attended the meeting. The policy will take effect immediately and will be monitored to determine whether any changes are needed. The policy will be reviewed no later than the time when the PUD creates its new long-term strategic plan for the overall fiber network.
General Manager John Janney said he hoped to have that plan finished by the end of this year at the latest. He pledged to commissioners that the PUD would track use of the new policy closely.
In other matters:
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PUD commissioners and staff were thanked by representatives from the Upper Columbia Salmon Recovery Board for support of the board’s work in getting agencies to collaborate effectively and cost-effectively to restore productive fish habitat in North Central Washington. Derek Van Marter from UCSRB presented a “Partners In Conservation Award” from U.S. Secretary of Interior Ken Salazar to PUD Board President Randy Smith that recognized outstanding PUD contributions to salmon recovery in Washington state. The award came as part of national recognition for 24 individuals and organizations achieving excellence in natural resource conservation goals in collaboration and partnership with others.
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Also receiving an individual certificate recognizing her work was Natural Resources Contract Coordinator Becky Gallaher. Mentioned as a key contributor to the work of the UCSRB was Fish and Wildlife Senior Adviser Steve Hays, a member of the technical team.
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Agreed to take a tour of the upgraded Alcoa Wenatchee Works the morning of April 20 to see the third potline that has recently gone into operation.
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The next regular commission meeting is at 1 p.m. on Monday, April 4, in the PUD boardroom at 327 N. Wenatchee Ave.
Most PUD commission meetings are recorded, and a link to the audio is available on the PUD’s home page at www.chelanpud.org.
Steve Lachowicz
Communications director
509-661-4639, direct line
509-679-0148, cell
steve.lachowicz@chelanpud.org