Economic Development

Economic Development Benefits of Public Power

Stats below are from 2014

  • Chelan PUD returned $7.7 million in 2013 in the form of taxes back to the state and local entities, not including sales tax paid on items bought for use.
  • Conservation incentives lower bills, increase wholesale revenue (which supports low rates), and support local businesses that sell and install conservation measures.
  • Annual economic benefit from sporting events at Walla Walla and Kirby Billingsley Hydro Park is estimated at $2.4 million.

  • Chelan PUD does have some constraints as to what kinds of benefits can be funded. These constraints are determined by State law and federal operating licenses.

2014 Recommendations for Strategic Investment

As part of the process leading up to the 2015 strategic plan, a working group of community members and PUD employees created a set of recommendations for investment in economic development benefits. Their report is available as a PDF file at the link below.

Economic Development Investment Recommendations (2014)