Your PUD
PUD News Line
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. The loss in Utility Services net assets had been forecast previously in that range.
John Janney, chief financial officer and chief risk officer, presented his quarterly update to commissioners and explained where things stand. He said all contingency planning steps taken so far are designed to help get the PUD on sound financial footing for 2012 and beyond.
A message from the general manager
Here's an excerpt from a Web column, "Time to expand our energy thinking for the future," from Rich Riazzi, the PUD's general manager:
"Here in the Mid-Columbia region, we’ve been content for more than 70 years to rely on our clean, renewable hydropower to meet most of our energy needs. The Columbia River and Lake Chelan have served us well in Chelan County, bringing us the second lowest electric rates in the nation. We’ve come to expect that privilege can last forever. But significant changes in the energy world are taking place all around us."
Step into the House of Savings
Find energy savings in your home with this cool new tool. Place your mouse over a feature in the house and a pop-up box provides tips on saving energy and money. Hover over the thermostat, for example, and you’ll learn that for every degree you set your thermostat lower (or higher for summer cooling) reduces your power bill by 2 percent. The items contain links to pertinent information.
Read the PUD's energy conservation blog, Lightly.
Commissioners approve Collective Bargaining Agreement
PUD commissioners have approved a new three-year agreement with Local 77 of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), which includes about 454 PUD employees. The agreement was accepted by the union on July 28.
The new contract includes a 3-percent pay increase effective Aug. 1 of this year with an option for either the District or the Union to reopen the contract to discuss wages in 2010. Another provision includes an increase in the employee contribution from 11 percent to 19.25 percent for the most comprehensive health insurance plan offered by the District. The employee contribution for two other plans remains unchanged.
Tax credits available
Economic stimulus money can help pay for energy efficiency improvements to your home.The federal government will pay for up to 30 percent of some home improvements through a tax credit authorized in the stimulus bill passed by Congress earlier this year.
Complete information is available on the Energy Star Web site.
Get more information on the PUD's energy conservation blog, Lightly.
A message from Commissioner Bergren
Here's an excerpt from a Web column,"Wanted: Customers to be involved," from PUD Commissioner Carnan Bergren :
"It's tough looking into the future for our PUD. Regulation, population growth, renewable energy requirements, the economy and emerging technology are some of the big issues clouding the crystal ball.
Because it is such a challenge, we're about to launch another round of strategic planning to set goals and draw the map to guide your PUD through the big decisions looming after power sales contracts expire in 2011-2012. The only way we’ll be truly successful is if we can get our customer-owners to join us in drafting the plan."