GHPUD Energy is Over 93% Carbon Free
In 2021, nearly all of the Grays Harbor PUD's energy came from non-carbon emitting generation, making Grays Harbor a leader in the tradition of clean energy in Washington state. In the Utility Fuel Mix Report, submitted to the Washington State Department of Commerce in the summer of 2022, the PUD disclosed that in 2021, 78.8% of the energy purchased by the PUD came from hydroelectricity, 10.1% from the nuclear turbines of the Columbia Generating Station, and 4.78% from wind turbines, combining for a non-carbon emitting total of 93.76%. At a time when utilities are moving toward a 100% carbon-free energy portfolio, the Grays HArbor PUD is already well on its way towards that goal.
Telling the Utility Story at PUD Day on the Hill
On February 16th, Commissioners Jon Martin and Dave Timmons (pictured) joined representatives from other Washington state PUD’s for the annual PUD Day on the Hill in Olympia. The commissioners met with legislators, answered questions, and handed out information on PUD’s in the first Day on the Hill since the end of the pandemic.
My Four Steps to Good Law Making
Each year, new legislative bills are introduced as part of the state and federal legislative process. This can be good or bad depending on how those bills are designed. If the legislation passes it will impact us one way or another. I’ve always liked to believe that those proposing new legislation have good intentions, hoping to fix something that has been identified by someone as a problem. However, from what I have seen over the years, it doesn’t always work that way. So, what’s my issue? Well, it seems to me that at times, some new proposed legislation was not well researched before it moved forward. By that, I mean the “what ifs” were not thoroughly discussed with the experts that work in those areas to understand the consequences and potential harm that could be done if their proposed bill becomes law, when that wasn’t the legislator’s intention. Every year I hope for four things - (1) the legislation being proposed was thoroughly researched, (2)the legislator didn’t rush to judgment on this issue, (3) they keep in mind the bigger picture or impacts of what they are proposing, and (4) they keep in mind the “what ifs” and “cost to customers” of what is being proposed.
Unfortunately, I don’t feel that we always see that. Fortunately, there is an organization that helps us keep on top of issues that could have a negative impact for all of us, giving us the opportunity to reach out to our legislators to express our concerns. So, who are these “Masked Men and Women”? GHPUD, along with 26 other utilities, belong to “The Washington PUD Association” or WPUDA for short. They represent PUDs in regional and national legislative processes and keep us on track to address any problematic proposed issues or legislation that could potentially have a negative impact on our customers. They have done an excellent job for GHPUD and other utilities across our state and we are fortunate to be a member. The Mission Statement at GHPUD is pretty simple, “Serve our community with high value utility services at the lowest practical cost.” We all believe in that, but sometimes, it can be a challenge. For three of the last four years we have not had to increase utility rates for our customers, and I’ve got to tell you, that feels great for all of us. I hope that those who legislate new rules research all the impacts of what they are proposing. To me that shouldn’t be too difficult; just talk to the professionals that actually do that work and ask them “what are the consequences”, good and bad, the proposed legislation would bring to those paying the bill. What’s it going to cost?
By Dave Timmons, District Two Commissioner
Commission Meeting Dates
Meetings are held in the Nichols Building, 220 Myrtle Street, Hoquiam.
March 2023
Monday—March 6
Monday—March 20
April 2023
Monday—April 3
Monday—April 17
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.