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Fiber optic network continues expansion
Meets Commission’s financial goals
July 13, 2009

EPHRATA, WA – New areas within Grant County are beginning to connect to the utility’s fiber optic service as Grant PUD continues build-out of the system.  The utility is presently in year two of a five year plan to bring fiber to 80 percent of residences and 95 percent of businesses in the county.

During the past month, crews have connected portions of Desert Aire and Quincy and all homes and businesses within city limits in the communities of Mattawa and Warden.  By year’s end, homes and businesses in portions of Moses Lake, Royal City, Soap Lake and the remainder of Desert Aire will also be connected.  A total of 8,908 homes and businesses will have fiber service available at the end of the year.

“After several years without construction, we’re pleased to begin offering fiber access to more of the county,” said Commission President, Terry Brewer.  “The Commission will closely monitor the goals and objectives we’ve set for the network and make future budgetary commitments based on the criteria we’ve agreed upon.”

In 2008 the Grant PUD Commissioners established guidelines for further development of the fiber system.  The plan requires the system to satisfy the Commission’s goal that revenues should meet or exceed the operation and maintenance expenses plus depreciation of newly installed fiber and electronics.  In a recent report to the Commission, staff presented financial results through May 31, 2009 showing that the system had met the established goal.  Commissioners will continue to review network financials on a quarterly basis and approve further build-out on an annual basis.  Financial data may identify alternate locations outside those mentioned above.

The fiber optic network brings access to high-speed Internet, television, telephone and wireless services.  It is currently available to nearly 15,000 homes, businesses and farms in the county.  For additional information on the network or for a list of the utility’s retail service providers, please visit www.gcpud.org.

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Grant County Public Utility District is a Washington state municipal corporation that began electric service in 1942.  Owned by the people it serves, Grant PUD generates and sells electricity to Grant County residents and millions of customers throughout Central Washington and the Pacific Northwest.  The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum Dams, produces nearly 2,000 megawatts of clean, renewable and reliable electricity – enough to supply a city the size of Seattle.  A leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to finding effective measures for the protection, mitigation and enhancement of salmon, steelhead and other natural and cultural resources.

MEDIA CONTACT:
Sarah Morford
(509) 754-6633 / smorfor@gcpud.org