PUD Passes ‘23 Budget Without Rate Increase
At a time of rising prices in many areas, customers of the Grays Harbor PUD will not see an increase in electricity rates in 2023. The PUD Board of Commissioners have approved the utility budget for the coming year and as hoped, the spending plan will not include an increase in customer energy rates. Thanks to a strong finish for operating revenues in 2022, the expiration of the 20-year contract with the Frederickson Natural Gas plant, and weather forecasts calling for a cold, wet winter, PUD staff are confident that a rate increase will not be needed in 2023.
“A lot of people are struggling right now with rising costs. I hope knowing that energy rates are staying the same for the next 12 months can provide a little relief,” said General Manager Schuyler Burkhart.
Overall, the $123-million budget continues the utility mission of quality service at the lowest practical cost by focusing on the purchasing, transmission, and distribution of the energy that PUD customers rely on. The utility capital budget of $11.5-million will be based on maintaining and replacing existing energy and telecommunications infrastructure and responding to customer requests, while over 65% of the PUD’s operating costs will go to purchasing reliable and nearly completely emission-free energy.
Timmons, Martin Cruise in Uncontested Races
The Grays Harbor PUD Board will remain in place for the next two years as Commissioners Dave Timmons (Dist. Two) and Jon Martin (Dist. Three) picked up election night wins. In uncontested races, both took over 97% of the vote.
Managers Message
Happy holidays to you and yours! So much has happened this year and is on the horizon for 2023 that putting it all into words is difficult, but some of the high points are worth noting.
This fall, after over two years of closures, the PUD was finally able to open its lobby to customers. During the COVID-19 pandemic emergency declaration, we continued to help our customers through our drive-up window, a walk-up window at our entrance, online, and over the phone. It was a great pleasure to see customers walking through the doors of their utility again. Customers may still call in and those who choose online services may do so through the PUD’s newly redesigned website and our SmartHub mobile app. While some Customer Service departments have yet to reopen for in-person interactions, our full team continues to meet customer needs thanks to their professionalism, resiliency, and responsiveness. We look forward to being back under one roof in early 2023.
Last month, our commissioners approved the 2023 PUD budget. As always, the budget was driven by the utility focus on quality service, safety, and reliability at the lowest practical cost. To that end, 2023 spending will focus on high priority maintenance of the systems that provide energy and telecommunication services to you and your neighbors. For the first time in recent years, the commissioners approved a budget with no planned rate increase. With rising prices in many areas, I hope knowing that utility rates will remain the same provides some relief. The choice to hold rates steady three of the past four years is a testament to the work our PUD team has done to establish a solid foundation. This covers many areas, from ensuring that the materials and infrastructure are in place to sound financial planning. The expiration of costly power contracts, changing the way we receive power from the Bonneville Power Administration, and continuing to advocate for an affordable and reliable energy system all helped build that foundation that served us well in 2022 and now into 2023.
I am impressed and grateful for the 165+ PUD employees who have adapted to new ways of serving customers and the challenges of operating a coastal utility. We have managed supply chain issues, overcome the effects of ice and windstorms, and continue to work through the ongoing challenges of growing our telecommunications system. This is one of the best things about public utilities – the PUD’s mission is service to you, and when challenges arise, our team finds ways to succeed in fulfilling that mission.
Thank you for your continued support and trust. The PUD has welcomed this responsibility for 82 years, and we look forward to continuing that into our 83rd. Happy Holidays again and see you in 2023!
by General Manager Schuyler Burkhart
Commission Meeting Dates
Meetings are held in the Nichols Building, 220 Myrtle Street, Hoquiam.
December 2022
Monday—December 5
Monday—December 19
January 2023
Tuesday—January 3
Tuesday—January 16
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.