Commissioner Callaghan Goes to Washington
During the March 2023 American Public Power Association Legislative Rally in Washington DC, Grays Harbor PUD Commissioner Arie Callaghan cast votes on issues important to public power and Grays Harbor PUD customers. Callaghan, joined by members of the Washington PUD Association, made more than a dozen visits to the offices of members of the Washington State congressional delegation, including Senator Maria Cantwell and Representative Derek Kilmer. During those visits, Commissioner Callaghan discussed issues dealing with public power's mission, including the reliability and affordability of hydropower, and issues with supplies and infrastructure.
Scammers Continue to Threaten Power Shutoffs
Scammers are renewing their phone calls to Grays Harbor PUD customers, threatening to shutoff power if payment is not made on accounts, they claim are overdue. Recipients of such fraudulent phone calls should under no circumstances agree to send money or give bank account, credit card or other personal information. Rather, customers are advised to immediately contact PUD Customer Service at 360-532-4220 to verify the claim.
Travel to Washington D.C. Was a Trip Worth Taking
Last month Commissioner Dave Timmons touched on how the Grays Harbor PUD is represented at the state level by positive relationships with our state legislators and by being a member of the Washington PUD Association. I thought our customers would be interested in hearing how that representation also reaches out on the national level in Washington D.C. Every year, a delegation of PUD commissioners and staff from across the state travel to D.C. and meet with our representatives to discuss issues and legislation that could affect utilities. I have been fortunate to participate several times and it doesn’t matter which side of the aisle the representative may be from; I’m always impressed by their support and engagement on issues important to public power.
In addition to meeting with our legislators, during our most recent visit, we were unexpectedly able to deliver information directly to a department. While meeting with Rep. Derek Kilmer and discussing the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), a gentleman came in, took his seat, and waited for his meeting to begin. Rep. Kilmer and I’s discussion continued, touching on some of the pros and cons utilities had experienced while working with the BPA. It wasn’t until we left the room that I realized that the gentleman was none other than BPA Administrator John Hairston! Talk about an unexpected opportunity to deliver some feedback on the department to the head man! In all honestly though, John and his predecessor Elliot Mainzer have both done a good job at keeping the Bonneville train on the rails.
In addition to meeting with legislators and our partners in the energy markets, we were able to hear about some of the challenges that public utilities in other parts of the country are facing. One of the most common complaints is the challenge of securing power to meet customer needs, all while coal plants are being taken offline and the price and availability of natural gas is becoming more difficult to manage. The Pacific Northwest PUD’s are so fortunate to have access to clean, renewable and affordable energy, but we need to remain vigilant and let our representatives know that just one policy shift can throw that access into doubt. The ripple effect of those changes may start with the utility, but they can eventually have an adverse effect on customer’s monthly bills. Meeting with our representatives at the national, state, and local level and keeping them informed of our customer needs is something that is important and that we will continue to do.
By Arie Callaghan, District One Commissioner
Commission Meeting Dates
Meetings are held in the Nichols Building, 220 Myrtle Street, Hoquiam.
April 2023
Monday—April 3
Monday—April 17
May 2023
Monday—May 1
Monday—May 15
Utility workshops are held at 3:30 pm. Regular business meetings are scheduled to begin at the conclusion of the utility workshop. Public comment periods are included at the open and close of every meeting.
Commission meetings may be cancelled, and special meetings may be scheduled. Commission meetings are open to public attendance. Those who wish to attend virtually may do so. For more information, go to www.ghpud.org.