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Grant PUD first in Western US to receive “no findings” in federal audit
July 11, 2011
EPHRATA, Wash. - A recent combined audit of Grant PUD’s electric system operations and infrastructure protection resulted in “no findings” according to a preliminary report from the Western Electricity Coordinating Council (WECC). According to the team of auditors, Grant PUD is the first in the Western U.S. to receive no violations in both operations and infrastructure protection standards.
WECC audits utilities every three years on over 1,400 individual requirements. These requirements are designed to demonstrate an entity’s ability to contribute to a reliable electrical grid. The results of the audit bode favorably for residents of Grant County, as penalties for noncompliance can be as high as $1 million per day, per violation; costs which, if assessed, could trigger rate increases.
“Grant PUD’s compliance is the result of preparation and professionalism on the part of our staff,” shared General Manager Tim Culbertson. “I commend staff for their significant efforts to accomplish the outcome of the audit. The results reaffirm what I have always known; our customers are in good hands.”
The WECC is the regional entity responsible for oversight of electric system reliability in the Western U.S. WECC's service territory, known as the Western Interconnection, includes the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia, the northern portion of Baja California, Mexico and all or portions of the 14 western states between.
When approved, the audit will be available on the North American Electric Reliability Corporation site.
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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:
Thomas Stredwick
(509) 793-1571 / tstredwick@gcpud.org
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