Douglas County PUD Commissioners Ronald E Skagen, Molly Simpson and Aaron J. Viebrock executed the following actions during the December 9, 2019 Commission meeting held at the District’s East Wenatchee office:
Held the scheduled hearing for proposed Electric Rate and Pole Attachment Rate Adjustments. General Manager Gary Ivory presented information on load growth, Clean Energy Transformation Act compliance, infrastructure needs, customer class KWH usage and the proposed rate changes. For rate details see link at bottom. No action was taken and the Commission declared the hearing closed.
Held the scheduled budget hearing for the Electric Distribution System and the Wells Hydroelectric Project for calendar year 2020. No action was taken.
The proposed Distribution System budget includes a 3% increase for the two highest KWH usage tiers of the general service schedule (over 25,000 KWH). There is not an increase to the first tier usage for average residential customers. Working capital is expected to decrease $4.6 million. The preliminary capital budget is $32.3 million, of which $22 million is for electrical facilities. The balance of capital spending is for improvements and new connections to the Douglas County Community Network, for new equipment, and for right-of-way easement costs.
The proposed Wells Project Operating Expense Budget totals $41.2 million. The preliminary Capital Budget totals $40.3 million. Major items include generating unit refurbishment, 300T gantry crane replacement, recreation action plan items and generator circuit breaker replacements.
Approved the execution of the Aquatic Lands Easement. As required by the Purchase and Sale Agreement with Chelan PUD for an Electric Utility System and Transmission Line the District will complete a Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application with the Washington State Department of Natural Resources. (19-160)
Authorized acceptance of work and final payment to Genuine Cable Group under contract 19-18-D, Chelan Falls to Douglas Switchyard fiber cable. All work is complete and determined to meet bid specifications. (19-161)
Approved a call for bids under bid document 19-33-D, construct Rapids Switchyard Phase 3. Necessary for the new transmission line to BPA’s Columbia Switchyard. (19-162)
Authorized a call for bids under bid document 19-31-W, 2020 well drilling at Douglas PUD Hatchery Facilities. Necessary to ensure the long-term viability of the District Hatcheries ground water supply. (19-163)
Approved a call for bids under bid document 19-35-W, air compressor addition at the Wells Hydroelectric Project. An additional air compressor is required to supplement the draft tube and station air systems for proper operation. (19-164)
Authorized a professional service agreement with Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for the 2020 HCP hatchery monitoring and evaluation (M&E) implementation program. The Wells Habitat Conservation Plan requires the development and annual implementation of an M&E plan for the District’s hatchery programs. The agreement is not to exceed $1,062,653 and will conclude December 31, 2020. (19-165)
Approved use of Voluntary Employees’ Beneficiary Association (VEBA) Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) for employees retiring in 2020. This allows the deposit of a percentage of the employee’s accrued personal leave at retirement into the VEBA-HRA. (19-166)
Authorized an employee assistance program agreement with KEPRO Acquisitions, Inc. For several years Douglas PUD has offered the service of an Employee Assistance Program to all employees and their immediate families. The cost to Douglas PUD is $3.49 per employee per month. (19-167)
Approved District purchase of pollution legal liability insurance with Markel. (19-168)
The next meeting of the Commission is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. December 23, 2019 at the District’s East Wenatchee office.
Proposed Electric Rate Adjustments