Your PUD PUD News Line Archive
10/12/2010 - News Line: Faster fiber speeds, new rates for providers approved
To make sure retail service providers have the fastest offerings, and to improve revenue for Chelan County PUD's fiber-optic program, PUD commissioners adopted new wholesale rates and raised the speed of Internet services.
7/22/2010 - News Line: PUD is a stronger utility, ready to move forward
Rich Riazzi: Before I depart Wenatchee and Chelan County PUD at the end of July, I'd like to thank a few people and talk about the future of the PUD as it affects the broader community.
6/15/2010 - News Line: How to keep the lights on - at efficient cost
Over the next few months, every customer will receive a letter from Rich in their utility bill. This month, he shares his thoughts about planning for the future.
12/17/2009 - Research shows customers value PUD and predictable rates
Customer survey results, 2010 PUD budget, Chelan Falls boat barrier, Lightly newsletter.
11/17/2009 - Tonight's Dirty Jobs to feature Rocky Reach Dam
The one-hour episode at 9 p.m. ET/PT shows Mike Rowe struggling to help PUD crews maintain one of the dam’s big generating units.
10/14/2009 - Tour the Chelan River Project
The free Saturday event, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., offers families and community members an introduction to a just-completed $16 million project.
8/14/2009 - PUD financial update shows same year-end losses
In spite of cutbacks in large projects, days off without pay and a temporary electric rate surcharge, Chelan County PUD commissioners were told Monday that the PUD still expects a loss of $18 million to $20 million by year end.
5/5/2009 - PUD further tightens belt as board approves 9-percent surcharge
Cost-savings measures and rate surcharge are aimed at reducing a projected 2009 deficit of $19 million.
3/27/2009 - PUD commissioners host April 13 meeting on surcharge
The potential need for an electric rate surcharge will be discussed at an evening meeting at the Confluence Technology Center.
3/11/2009 - PUD general manager to talk finances at March 16 evening meeting
2/24/2009 - FERC issues new license for Rocky Reach
The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) announced Feb. 19 that they have issued a new 43-year license for the Rocky Reach Hydroelectric Project.
1/13/2009 - Hear the latest from Rich Riazzi
General manager hosts public meeting at 5:30 p.m. on Jan. 26 in the PUD's Wenatchee Headquarters Auditorium.
12/17/2008 - Stay warm; use energy wisely as temps drop
With low temperatures forecast for the teens and below, questions about energy use are rising. Chelan County PUD energy expects are posting answers to frequently asked questions on the Conservation section of the Web site.
10/22/2008 - Chelan County PUD board approves new rate structure
Changes in rates intended to encourage power and water conservation and more closely align rates among different types of customers have been approved by PUD commissioners. No changes will be made until April 1, 2009, after the heavy winter months.
9/23/2008 - Customers can see how rate changes affect them
Chelan County PUD commissioners invite customer-owners to public meetings in three communities starting next week to discuss potential rate revisions for electric, water and sewer services.
8/14/2008 - PUD approves plan that shows power supply will meet load
Chelan County PUD commissioners have approved the PUD’s Integrated Resource Plan, or IRP – a report required by state law that cites the sources of power needed to supply customers through 2018.
7/22/2008 - Click in anytime
Our Web site lets you get things done 24/7. Here are a few things you can do on the PUD Web.
7/1/2008 - Free Visitor Center program invites students into the wild
Rocky Reach Visitor Center will offer “River Ramble,” a free program July 17-18, spotlighting local animals, raptors, native plants and Native American life.
6/12/2008 - PUD commissioners share philosophies on cost of service
Commissioners Monday shared with staff their ideas on how best to close the gaps between revenues and the cost to provide electric, water and sewer services.
5/21/2008 - Searching for a sustainable energy future
Mid-Columbia PUDs are pleased to host two community presentations, June 3 and 4, by Patrick Moore, a founding member and former president of Greenpeace.
4/29/2008 - PUD fleet emissions to be cleaner
Chelan County PUD receives Department of Ecology grant to retrofit diesel vehicles.
3/18/2008 - Automated meters on the way
Chelan County PUD is moving down the path to begin installation of automated electric meters for all customers, starting this year.
2/26/2008 - Rating agencies affirm PUD’s good credit
Three rating agencies have affirmed the PUD’s double-A credit ratings.
2/5/2008 - Ready to go Lightly?
Chelan County PUD’s new online energy newsletter debuted this week. The newsletter, called Lightly, focuses on ways to tread easier on the earth.
1/15/2008 - Get more conservation information
“Lightly,” the PUD’s new online energy newsletter, debuts on the Energy Conservation section of our Web site in February.
12/4/2007 - PUD commissioners approve proposed Alcoa contract
After nearly two hours of public comment Monday, PUD commissioners Monday voted 4-1 to approve the proposed term sheet for a new long-term power sales contract with Alcoa.
11/14/2007 - Meetings continue on proposed Alcoa contract
PUD staff and commissioners are continuing to hold public meetings on a possible framework for long-term energy supply to the Alcoa Wenatchee Works that could keep three pot lines operating until at least 2028.
10/17/2007 - Framework proposed for extending long-term Alcoa energy supply
PUD staff has briefed the Board of Commissioners on a possible framework for long-term energy supply to the Alcoa Wenatchee Works that could keep three pot lines operating until at least 2028.
8/29/2007 - Final public hearing on rates is Sept. 10
To put the District on firmer financial ground for the next five years, commissioners have proposed raising electric rates by 5 percent; water and sewer rates by 9 percent; and the wholesale fiber-optic rates charged to service providers by 2 percent.
8/7/2007 - Commissioners want to hear from you
Meetings to discuss potential rate increases have been set for Aug. 13-15.
7/18/2007 - It pays to save
Water rates are based on a conservation formula. The more water you use, the more it costs. So it pays to save. To help customers reduce their water bills and extend water resources, Chelan County PUD encourages indoor and outdoor water conservation.
6/26/2007 - Monitor water project approved
The board voted 3-1 in favor of the $6.5 million project.
6/6/2007 - Commissioners encourage public to attend June 11 meeting
Commissioners considering Riazzi rate increase recommendation.
5/15/2007 - PUD commissioners prepare to set financial strategy
In the next month, PUD commissioners will be setting the financial direction of the utility through 2012.
4/26/2007 - PUD discusses impacts of climate change
Chelan County PUD is analyzing how potential climate-change actions may impact District operations and its customer-owners.
4/4/2007 - Riazzi named to state climate change panel
Chelan County PUD General Manager Rich Riazzi has been named to the Washington Climate Change Challenge Advisory Team.
3/14/2007 - Rocky Reach Visitor Center opens for family fun March 17
New this year is “Experience Chelan County.” The video takes viewers on a trip up the Columbia River.
2/21/2007 - Runoff forecasts improve; electric rate surcharge postponed
PUD commissioners decided Feb. 12 they will wait until April to determine if an electric rate surcharge will be needed this year.
1/30/2007 - Contingency planning continues
Public hearing at 1 p.m. on Feb. 12 in the boardroom at Wenatchee Headquarters, with a final decision on a surcharge Feb. 20.
1/11/2007 - Power outage update
Following a raging Sunday afternoon wind storm that toppled trees, ripped off roofs and downed power lines, line and tree-trimming crews are still working day and night to restore power to Chelan County PUD customers.
12/19/2006 - Farewell to Commissioners Boyd and Montague
PUD commissioners bid farewell to Bob Boyd and Gary Montague with praise and applause Monday. Boyd is retiring from the PUD board after 12 years. Montague has served eight years.
11/29/2006 - Work begins to prepare for possible surcharge
Other topics: New 50-year license in place for Lake Chelan Hydro Project, Tips to prepare for a winter cold snap, PUD's second strategic planning meeting looks at trends, past and future
11/9/2006 - 50-year license issued for Lake Chelan Hydro Project
Other topics: Customer service survey results, Unofficial election results for Chelan County PUD commission races, PUD taking hard look at 2007 finances, Dig deeper into PUD finances on Nov. 20, See new fiber optics video, Rocky Reach Visitor Center hours
10/17/2006 - PUD commissioners oppose renewable energy initiative
Other topics: Enjoy tips and treats at free Rocky Reach Safety Harvest, Chelan County PUD celebrates 70 years of public power service,New Web site expands ways to interact with PUD
9/27/2006 - Payback on fiber-optics could take longer
Other news: PUD sets 2007 budget targets, More money will go to wind, solar producers
8/22/2006 - Come join us Wednesday evening to discuss what’s ahead for the PUD
Other topics: Federal action has PUD hoping for new Rocky Reach license this fall, New Web site expands ways to interact with PUD
8/1/2006 - Come join us Aug. 23 to discuss what’s ahead for the PUD
Other news: Two miles of water line up for replacement, Rock Island Hydro Park boat launch to be rebuilt, good news in PUD first-half financial results, six candidates in commission seats
7/12/2006 - Minority hiring recommendations offered to PUD board
Other topics: Boaters: River levels can change rapidly, Kids Kamp offers free fun and facts at Rocky Reach Dam, PUD eyeing impacts of global warming
6/20/2006 - Keep informed on PUD’s new transmission line
Other topics: Water meters to be read from the road, Join the fun at the Lineman Rodeo, PUD fiber network now largest open-access deployment in Washington state
5/11/2006 - Richard Riazzi is new PUD general manager
Other topics: Construction starts on Burch Mountain transmission line, PUD finances in line with 2006 budget, Fiber-optic network financed correctly
4/18/2006 - Commissioners to introduce general manager candidate
Other topics: PUD bonds refinanced, Chelan County PUD earns two awards from National Hydropower Association
3/28/2006 - Public can learn more about HCPs Tuesday, Wednesday
Other topics: Application OK’d for Monitor water system grant , Predator control program to continue, General manager search, Lake Chelan level
3/8/2006 - PUD sponsors Ciscoe workshop
Other topics: PUD to host seasonal Parks job fair, Cashmere asks PUD to take next step on city electric system, General manager search, Rocky Reach license effort reaches milestone
2/14/2006 - CTC declaration approved
Other topics: Year-end numbers for 2005 look good, PUD commissioners support Monitor water project, Camera will catch salmon predators in the act, Snowpack should ensure Lake Chelan will refill by July 1, General manager search
1/24/2006 - Commissioners to vote on PSE contract Jan. 30
Other topics: Legislators promote hydropower, Home builders seminar Thursday
1/5/2006 - Remember Jan. 9 public meeting
Other topics: PUD financial outlook upgraded to AA stable, Settlement agreement a big step for Rocky Reach relicensing, General manager search moves to next steps, Cashmere getting fiber, PUD commissioners elect 2006 officers
12/13/2005 - General manager search update
Other topics: Public meeting set Jan 9. on proposed power sales contract, 2006 PUD budget approved
11/22/2005 - General manager search moves forward
Other topics: Resource$mart energy saving program gets another $1 million, Potential state initiative on the horizon, 2005 season ends at Rocky Reach Visitor Center
11/2/2005 - Wayne Wright named interim PUD manager
Other topics: Voice your opinion, Financial forecast continues to improve, Key opinion on Lake Chelan relicensing received, Plug in
10/18/2005 - Celebrate autumn at Rocky Reach Dam
Other topics: Budget 2006, Soak up the sun
9/27/2005 - Public tours and artist reception planned for Public Power Week, Oct. 2-8
Other topics: Celebrate autumn at Rocky Reach Dam, PUD to ask FERC to reconsider, Funds accelerate fiber network construction
8/31/2005 - Burch Mountain transmission-line update
Other topics: Columbia River dam paintings on display, New solar and wind incentive on the books, Entiat getting more fiber optics, Celebrate salmon
8/12/2005 - More PUD job info on-line
Other topics: PUD financial forecast strong, for now, Watch for fluctuating river levels, How often should you water your lawn?
6/28/2005 - Calling all second- through sixth-graders
Other topics: Monthly meter reading starts July 1, Web site modernization project kicks off with focus groups, Progress report on fiber-optic network construction
5/17/2005 - 2,000 users now on PUD fiber optics
Other topics: Wenatchee Watercolor Society display at Rocky Reach, Automatic water-meter reading on the horizon, PUD to support Columbia River exhibit, Do you Xeriscape™?
4/26/2005 - Dig in with the Gardening Goddess
Other topics: Earth Day celebrated with payments to wind and solar producers, Going underground, Summer energy savings tips
4/6/2005 - PUD earns national award
Other topics: You’re invited…, Hug a tree lately?, New heat pump technology proves itself, Here's what's happening in the park
3/16/2005 - Ooo la la…
Other topics: How much do you know about PUD fiber?, Seasonal job fair this weekend, Visit Rocky Reach Dam this summer, “Smart” PUD program helps customers save money
2/23/2005 - Ooo la la…
Other topics: Commissioners OK monthly meter reading, PUD developing method to focus on issues that matter most, New water reservoir planned, New Loop Trail map, Free screen saver for your PC
2/3/2005 - Monthly meter reading on the horizon
Other topics: Finishing touches on computer contract, Dryden canal work complete, Commissioners on the air
1/13/2005 - PUD board elects 2005 officers
Other topics: It’s cold out there, PUD and city of Wenatchee developing agreements, At-will change