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Grant PUD Commissioners adopt 2012 budget
December 19, 2011
EPHRATA, Wash. – After months of discussion with staff and the public, Grant PUD commissioners today approved the utility’s $497 million budget for 2012.
Included in the budget are significant dollars for work planned in the following areas:
- Turbine and generator replacement at Wanapum Dam
- Construction and operation of fish hatcheries, building parks and protecting cultural resources as required in the utility’s federal license
- Improvement of the Electric System, including construction of a new 230 kV transmission line to bring power generated at the utility’s dams to meet growing energy demands in the county
To help fund these projects, earlier this year commissioners adopted a plan to increase revenues by eight percent in 2012. On January 1, seven of the utility’s eight customer classes will see their rates increase. Residential rates will not be raised until February 1. Information on rate impacts can be found on the utility’s website: www.gcpud.org.
With the approval of the budget, commissioners added $1.5 million for fiber network expansion in 2012. The utility will spend $6.5 million bringing new fiber service to the Knolls Vista and Cascade Valley neighborhoods of Moses Lake next year.
“Grant PUD is in a strong position to meet the financial needs of our utility,” said Chief Financial Officer, Kevin Nordt. “This budget reflects the hard work of staff to find innovative ways to save money. We continue to value the resources in our care and are working diligently to provide our customers with some of the lowest electric costs in the nation.”
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Owned by the people it serves, Grant County Public Utility District began electric service in 1942 and developed a broadband network in 2000. Grant PUD generates, delivers and sells some of the most affordable energy in the U.S. The Priest Rapids Project, comprised of Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams, is capable of producing nearly 2,000 megawatts of renewable electricity – enough to serve 200,000 homes. A national leader in science based technology; Grant PUD is committed to the protection and enhancement of cultural and natural resources.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Sarah Morford (509) 754-6633 / smorfor@gcpud.org
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