Budget Proposal Does Not Include Rate Increase
The Grays Harbor PUD is beginning its 2023 budget process with a piece of good news: for the first time in the memory of the current board of commissioners and senior staff, the PUD will not include the possibility of an increase in customer rates in the discussion of the 2023 budget
If approved, it would mark the third time in four years that the PUD has not increased customer rates. In 2020 and 2022, the board approved a rate increase during the budget process, but elected not to implement the increase due to favorable weather, power usage and finances.
Finance Director Kathryn Skolrood and General Manager Schuyler Burkhart pointed to conservative budgeting over the past few years, a projected cool and wet winter in 2023 and a strong financial showing in 2022 as the factors that have allowed the PUD to make those budget predictions. In the event that those projections do not play out as expected, PUD staff are confident that adequate financial resources are available in existing utility revenues.
A New Look to the Grays Harbor PUD Webpage
Grays Harbor PUD customers will notice a new look to the utility website, www.ghpud.org. In late September, the site was updated to provide a better online experience for customers, while still maintaining links and articles on utility information and services.
Avoiding a 2023 Rate Increase Was a Team Effort
At a recent PUD meeting we received great news: in 2023 our customers will not be seeing a rate increase on their monthly bills. Each year during the budget process, this is a subject that bothers PUD staff and commissioners. Normally during the budget process, we include an anticipated rate increase of 2%. It’s something we are required to do, whether or not we actually go through with it. For example, in November of 2021 when passing the 2022 budget, we included that possible rate increase, but would not implement it until the spring of 2022. However, favorable financial circumstances and amazing teamwork across the PUD meant that we were able to cancel the 2022 increase. This year, when working on the 2023 budget, I had expected we would include a small increase in rates for 2023, with the hope that we would be able to cancel it in the spring, even though during my time as a commissioner, I can’t remember ever going two consecutive years without having to increase rates. But during the 2023 budget presentation from Finance Director Kathryn Skolrood, there was a most pleasant surprise: no anticipated rate increase included in the proposed budget. To say the commissioners were thrilled is an understatement and I hope that this bit of good news will provide a little relief to the many who are struggling during these difficult economic times.
There were several reasons that we will be able to avoid a rate increase in 2023, including a strong finish to 2022 and positive weather and power market forecasts for the coming winter. But the primary reason we will avoid a rate increase next year, is an amazing utility staff, which believe in our mission statement, “Serve our community with high value utility services at the lowest practical cost.” They are truly on top of every issue and cost that may impact our customer rates and they always look for ways to keep our costs as low as practical. Former Commissioner Russ Skolrood had a saying that has stuck with me: “It’s about needs and not wants.” That is a philosophy that continues to drive my consideration of PUD budgets and one that has helped put us in this favorable position, heading into our 83rd year of serving our community.
By Commissioner Dave Timmons, District Two
Commission Meeting Dates
Meetings are held in the Nichols Building, 220 Myrtle Street, Hoquiam.
October 2022
Monday—October 3
Monday—October 17
November 2022
Monday—November 7
Monday—November 21
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.