News

Public meetings planned for Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Chelan Aug. 26-Sept. 4

Chelan PUD commissioners are considering a two-year extension of the 3-4% annual rate increases that started with the 2020-2024 strategic plan. (Recorded at 00:43:40 of the board audio). If adopted, rates will increase in June 2025 and June 2026.

Here’s how the rate plan would impact residential customer bills, based on average usage:

• $2 increase on the monthly electric bill
• $3 increase on the monthly water bill
• $3.75-$3.90 increase on the monthly wastewater bill

Chelan PUD offers a bill discount for low-income seniors and people with disabilities. The discount will also increase to $11-$13.50 a month, effective June 2025.

The goal of the proposal is to incrementally increase rates to keep pace with the cost of providing service. Between 2018 and 2024, the cost to generate and deliver electricity has increased from about $100 a month per customer to $153 per month. The average monthly electricity bill rose from $55 to $66 per month.

Chelan PUD utilizes revenue from surplus energy sales to keep electrical rates low for residential customers. As the gap widens between the cost of service and what customers pay, it puts more pressure and reliance on power sales, and potentially larger rate increases in the future to cover costs.

Under the proposal, water and wastewater rates would increase 4% a year to bring the service lines closer to financial self-sufficiency, which means the cost of service would be covered by customer rates.

Three public meetings are scheduled over the next two weeks to discuss the proposal:

• 5:30 p.m. Aug. 26, Service Center, 203 Olds Station Road, Wenatchee
• 5:30 p.m. Aug. 27, Leavenworth PUD office, 222 Chumstick Highway
• 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4, Chelan PUD office, 1034 Woodin Avenue

PUD staff will give a summary of public input during a rate hearing at the Sept. 16 board of commissioners meeting. On Oct. 7, commissioners will consider a resolution to adopt the two-year extension.

In other news, commissioners:

• Reviewed a proposal to partner with Washington State Parks to operate Beebe Bridge Park, similar to Confluence, Daroga and Lincoln state parks. The partnership would create better efficiency and a consistent camping experience. Staff will update the board Oct. 7. (00:07:15)
• Reviewed a proposed increase of construction-related customer fees and one-time charges, effective Jan. 1, 2025. (00:34:39)
• Celebrated an upgrade of the free Current app, which will include a more user-friendly interface and more detailed information when it’s released in late August. (01:33:00)