Amended January 1, 2023

Section 1: PURPOSE

The District’s mission is to provide the best possible utility services at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business principles.

It is the intent and purpose of the Service Policies to insure all customers of the District receive uniform and equitable consideration.

Section 2: SCOPE

These Service Policies are a part of all oral or written contracts for delivery of electric energy and/or communication service, hereinafter referred to as “utility service(s)” by the District to its customers. The furnishing of utility service(s) by the District and the use of such service(s) by the customer shall constitute a contract. The customer agrees to pay for such utility service(s) under the rates, terms and provisions of the District’s Customer Service Policies. These Service Policies are equally binding on the District and its customers. Copies of these Service Policies are available on the District’s website at www.douglaspud.org.

Section 3: REVISION

These Service Policies may be revised, amended, deleted, or otherwise changed at any time by action of the District’s Board of Commissioners. Such actions shall cancel and supersede all previous Rules and Regulations or Service Policies and be binding on both the District and the customer.

Section 4: APPLICATION FOR SERVICE

Upon application for electric service the customer requesting utility service shall sign the District’s standard application for service form and shall be required to provide valid photo identification. Valid photo identification includes, a passport, state driver’s license, identification card issued by a state or foreign country or U.S. military ID. Furthermore the customer shall supply the District with information relating to load, voltage, phase and the manner in which power will be utilized.

Loads greater than 1,500 kVA require a special contract in accordance with Section 36.

In the absence of a signed agreement or application for service, the delivery of service by the District and its acceptance by the customer shall be deemed to constitute an agreement, and acceptance of the District’s Customer Service Policies. The customer shall sign the District’s standard application for service form at their earliest convenience.

Section 5: DEPOSIT

At the time a customer applies for electric service, the District will assess, and the customer shall remit to the District, an initial cash security deposit, per account, before service is granted. The District may, at its discretion, waive collection of the security deposit for customers who have previously established appropriate credit as determined by the District.

The following amounts will apply:

  • Residential, wind machine, domestic pump accounts: $150.00. For those accounts which are not consistently paid on time, the security deposit may increase to $300.00.
  • Commercial and industrial accounts: Two (2) times the estimated average monthly power bill, as determined by the District. The District may require an increased security deposit (or a new deposit if a deposit was previously waived by the District) for customers whose service(s) experience significant changes to electrical load.

Upon termination of service, the District is expressly authorized to apply the security deposit balance to payment of all outstanding amounts due from the customer to the District. Any remaining balance after such application will be refunded to the customer.

Security deposits will not be maintained in a segregated account, and the District may commingle such deposits with other funds. Security deposits will not accrue interest to the customer.

If a customer files a bankruptcy petition, the customer’s existing account(s) will be closed and a new account(s) established. If any of the customer’s accounts are delinquent at the time of such bankruptcy filing, the District may require a new or increased security prepayment or other adequate assurance of future payment pursuant to 11 USC Section 366. Payment of the security prepayment or other assurance of future payment will be required within thirty (30) days of the date of the order for relief.

Section 6: BILLING

Bills will be issued every month or at the discretion of the District, and are due and payable on receipt. Bills are delinquent if unpaid within sixteen days. In computing bills, the charges outlined in Section 39 will be multiplied by the appropriate time and usage in the billing period. All bills will be computed to the nearest whole dollar; if the amount ends in fifty cents or greater, the bill will be rounded up to the whole dollar. If the amount ends with forty nine cents or less, the bill will be rounded down to the whole dollar. As Rate Schedule 2, Irrigation Service, is designed for seasonal billing, bills computed under this schedule will not be prorated except for instances when real property ownership changes. It shall be the customer’s responsibility to notify the District of the failure to receive a bill. Failure to receive a bill will not release the customer from obligation of payment. Meter reads for final billing will be performed within two working days of the time requested by the customer.

Payments will be applied based on the aging priority of the account balance, therefore a balance in the 90-day category will always be paid before a balance in the 60-day category, and so forth.

Section 7: CHANGE OF OCCUPANCY

When a customer moves out or there is change of occupancy at any premises being served by the District, the disconnection or new start date shall be given to the District within a reasonable time prior to such change. The District may, at its discretion, require written notice from the owner, landlord or tenant before making such change. The District will read or disconnect the meter within one-week of the date requested by the customer. A prorated closing bill will be issued to the outgoing customer. The outgoing customer may be responsible for prorated utility services during the one-week period before disconnection or utility service is placed in a new customer name, whichever occurs first.

If the District knows or has reason to believe service is being provided to a non-billed customer, the District shall give five (5) working days advance written notice to the non-billed customer prior to terminating service. Said notice shall inform the non-billed customer he or she has five (5) working days from the date the notice is left at the building to make arrangements with the District to put the service in the non-billed customer’s name. Said notice shall be placed on the non-billed customer’s door. The provisions of this paragraph shall apply whether the termination of service is at the customer’s request or for nonpayment of service.

If the District does not know or has reason to believe service is being provided to a non-billed customer, the District will make a reasonable effort to inspect the property for which termination of services has been requested in order to ascertain whether the building is occupied by persons other than the customer making the termination request. A reasonable effort to inspect shall be defined as knocking on the entry door and walking around the outside of the building.

Section 8: SERVICE CHARGES

An account service charge of $10.00 for electrical service and communication service will be applied to a customer’s bill to help offset the costs of processing applications for service with the following listed exceptions:

  • When a Contribution-in-Aid-of-Construction is required.
  • When an account name is changed to a spouse, former spouse, or to an estate and such change is effective on a regular billing date.
  • When a temporary service charge is made.
  • When an owner or agent assumes temporary responsibility for service that may be used while the premise is vacant.
  • When an account has been disconnected for nonpayment and has been reconnected subject to a special service charge for collection.

A special service charge of $35.00 will be applied, to help offset the cost of labor, transportation and overhead, when delivering a notice (door hanger) to the customer home or business.

A monthly service charge of $15.00 will be applied to those customers who chose not to have an electronically read meter installed during the District’s meter replacement project. The service charge is intended to offset the cost of physically reading the meter.

If it is necessary to disconnect a customer for non-payment, a $40.00 service charge will be applied to help offset the cost of labor, transportation and overhead. This charge will be applied even if payment arrangements are agreed upon during the service call.

An additional $40.00 service charge will be applied for the service to be reconnected during regular working hours. If a service connection is requested at a time other than regular working hours of the District, an additional service charge of $205.00 will be applied.

A service charge of $20.00 will be applied for any customer check returned to the District for non-sufficient funds. The amount will be added to the customer’s account and collected under the normal collection procedures.

In the event the installation of initial service to a customer or the maintenance of service to a customer requires payment of a fee to any public agency with jurisdiction, which fee is directly attributable to a particular customer or group of customers, that fee or an equitable portion thereof may be billed to the customer. The bill must be paid prior to the District providing the requested service.

Section 9: DISCONNECTION OF ELECTRIC/COMMUNICATION SERVICE

The District will discontinue communication services to end users upon request from a service provider. The District is not responsible for damages for disconnecting communication services at the request of established service providers.

The District may disconnect electric service to enforce its Customer Service Policies, including but not limited to the following:

  • The customer fails to pay charges as agreed or as they become due.
  • The customer fails to contact the Customer Accounting Department prior to the termination date indicated on the customer’s termination notice.
  • The customer issues a check for a delinquent charge and the check is not honored by the bank.
  • The customer refuses to accept a certified letter regarding delinquent charges.

It is a general policy of the District that the Customer Accounting Department shall make every effort to arrange a reasonable and feasible payment arrangement for the customer prior to disconnecting electric service. The Customer Accounting Department will take into consideration the size of the delinquent account, the customer’s ability to pay, the customer’s payment history and other relevant factors including those presented by the customer when establishing a payment arrangement. Arrangements for deferred payment may not be available to customers who have not fully and satisfactorily complied with a previous payment arrangement or to customers who have repetitive credit problems with the District. A customer may qualify for protection from disconnection for nonpayment of electric service between November 15 and March 15 if the customer follows the provisions outlined in RCW 54.16.285.

For buildings containing more than one dwelling unit in which service is not individually provided, the service will not be terminated until five (5) calendar days advance written notice has been given in order to allow the occupants to make appropriate payment arrangements with the District or to relocate. The District shall make a good faith attempt to place the written notice on the door of each accessible and identifiable unit.

Appeals Process

Informal Appeals

Customers have the right to informally appeal termination of service through the Customer Accounting Department prior to the date of termination. The appeal may be made by telephone or in person during normal utility working hours.

To substantiate the appeal, the customer is required to provide specific information such as amounts paid, dates, etc., and may be required to provide documentation such as a physician’s statement, court decree, receipts, etc.

If the matter cannot be resolved by the Customer Accounting Department, the customer shall be advised of the customer’s right of a formal appeal.

The customer must apply for a formal appeal through the Customer Accounting Department prior to the date of termination.

Formal Appeal

Upon request for a formal appeal, the Appeals Officer will establish a date for the appeal which will accommodate the schedules of the Officer, customer, and representative of the Customer Accounting Department. The appeal shall not be scheduled later than one (1) week following the date of the request for formal appeal. Termination of service shall not occur, pending the decision by the Appeals Officer.

The Appeals Officer shall be a District Administrator who is not a member of the Customer Accounting Department. The appointment of an Appeals Officer shall be made by the General Manager.

The customer will be given the first opportunity to present information and relevant documentation regarding the dispute. The representative of the Customer Accounting Department will then present information and relevant documentation to support the department’s position.

The Officer will allow the customer and representative to respond to information and documentation presented. The Officer may also request additional information from either or both parties.

The Officer shall provide the decision to both parties in writing. Failure of the customer to comply with the decision will constitute cause for termination of service upon 24-hour notice delivered to the service address.

Special Consideration

The District shall notify customers on the termination notice that customers who desire special consideration must register in person with the Customer Accounting Department if they are 62 years of age or older, handicapped, or if termination of service would jeopardize their health or the health of a member of the household.

When the District becomes aware of such customers, the information will be entered in a permanent record within the Customer Accounting Department.

Registered customers who are not able to pay their bills shall be referred to an appropriate social service agency for assistance. The termination process shall be postponed for 48 hours to allow the agency to review the matter and to propose an acceptable solution. If no acceptable solution is reached, termination will proceed in accordance with this policy.

Registered customers who are only able to pay their bill in installments may apply for a deferred payment plan. The plan is available for residential customers who are not paying previous delinquencies on a deferred basis.

Failure of a customer to pay as agreed shall be cause for termination of service upon 24-hour notice delivered to the service address.

  • General Provisions – The District shall not terminate any customer’s electrical service on Friday, Saturday, Sunday, a national holiday, or the day before a national holiday. Residential space heating customers shall not be terminated between November 15 and March 15, provided the customer has complied with the provisions of Chapter 54.16.285, Revised Code of Washington.
  • Declaration of Customer Bankruptcy – The District will not alter, refuse or discontinue service to or discriminate against the customer solely on the basis of his or her commencement of a case under 11 USC 101, et seq., or solely on the basis that a debt owed by the customer to the District for service rendered before the order of relief was not paid when due. However, the District, at its discretion, may alter, refuse, or discontinue service if neither the customer nor his or her representative, within twenty days after the date of the order for relief, furnishes adequate assurance of payment, in the form of a deposit or other security, for service after that date.

Section 10: TAX ADJUSTMENT

The amount of any tax levied by any county, city or town in accordance with the Laws of the State of Washington, will be added to the amount otherwise computed for electricity sold within the limits of any such county, city or town.

Section 11: CUSTOMER’S WIRING AND EQUIPMENT

It shall be the customer’s responsibility to provide suitable protective equipment such as fuses, circuit breakers, relays, and surge protectors to adequately protect his or her equipment. If three phase equipment is used, it shall be the customer’s responsibility to protect it against phase failure, under and over voltage, and the effects of ferroresonance. Customers shall have the responsibility to provide suitable devices adequate to protect their three phase motors and other equipment against reversal of phase rotation and single phasing. The District will take all reasonable precautions to prevent phase failure or abnormal voltage variation, but cannot guarantee such conditions may not occur due to circumstances beyond its control.

The customer’s wiring shall be in accordance with applicable wiring codes and must be inspected and approved by a state electrical inspector. When customer equipment has been de-energized for a period of one year or more, the District may require the customer to have customer wiring and equipment inspected and approved by the state electrical inspector and the service may require connection fees. If the service has been disconnected for 5 or more years, a new connection fee per Section 32 will be required prior to re-energizing the service. The District is not responsible for the actions of the state inspector or any other private or governmental entity or individual.

The District reserves the right to refuse or discontinue service to customer’s equipment or wiring where, in the opinion of the District, such equipment is in hazardous condition, or not in conformity with industry recommended practices, lawful codes, and/or local regulations.

The customer shall be solely responsible for the maintenance and safety of his wiring and equipment and the District shall not in any way be liable for accident or damage occurring to the customer or to third parties because of contact with or failure of any portion of the customer’s installation. It is the customer’s responsibility when utilizing the District’s communication system to take reasonable precautions against unauthorized access to the network. The District is not responsible for any damage to customer computer systems or data caused by computer viruses or hackers that may access the customer’s computer over the network.

Where the customer’s use of electric or communication equipment results in an interference with the quality of the customer’s service or that of other customers, or where the customer requires voltage control within unusually close limits, the District may require the customer to provide, at the customer’s expense, such special or additional equipment as is required. This may apply to cases of extreme unbalance of single and three phase loads. The customer must also maintain an average total harmonic distortion (THD) level of the load current that is consistent with the IEEE 519 (1992) standard for distribution system customers. If the District determines the consumer load is contributing to excess THD on the distribution system, the consumer will install the necessary filtering or compensation to maintain the THD at or below the level required by the District. Failure to install the necessary preventative equipment will result in disconnection of the service.

Nothing in this policy shall be construed as placing upon the District any responsibility for the condition, maintenance, or safety of customers’ electrical wiring or current consuming devices or other equipment; and the District shall not be responsible for any loss or damage resulting from defects, failures, malfunctions, or electrical faults in/or originating in any electrical wiring, current consuming devices or other equipment which they may own or operate, install or maintain. The District shall not be responsible for damage to persons or property arising from the use of electric service on the premises of the customer.

Notwithstanding any other provisions of any other code, law or Customer Service Policy:

  • It is the responsibility of customers to protect themselves, life and property from the use, misuse and/or availability of electrical current on their premises and from the consequences of the use, misuse and/or availability of electrical current on their premises.
  • It is the responsibility of customers to provide, install, use, inspect and maintain suitable protection and protective devices to protect themselves, life and property from any defect, failure, malfunction and/or electrical fault in or originating in any electrical wiring, current consuming devices or other equipment which they may own, operate, install or maintain and to protect themselves, life and property from the consequences of any defect, failure, malfunction and/or electrical fault in or originating in any electrical wiring, current consuming devices or other equipment which they may own, operate, install or maintain.

Section 12: CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR DISTRICT PROPERTY

It shall be the responsibility of the customer to take all reasonable and proper precautions to prevent damage to District property on the customer’s premises. This shall include removal, reinstallation or bypassing of meters, meter seals, instruments, transformers, services, connections, electronics and any other equipment installed by and remaining the property of the District. A minimum of $100.00 may be charged to the customer for removing District security devices, including meter seals. In the event District property is damaged because of the customer’s negligence, the District may collect from the customer the cost of repairs or replacements. This includes any negligent or purposeful attempts to access and/or alter the District’s communication network. If repairs require District personnel to leave other customer work in progress, the District may collect twice the cost incurred by the District to help offset the cost incurred to complete the in-progress work during overtime hours. The same responsibilities which apply to the customer under this section also apply to the customer’s contractor.

Section 13: RIGHT OF ACCESS

The District, through its authorized employees or designees, shall have access to District owned equipment on customer’s premises at all reasonable times for the purpose of meter reading and for test, repair, replacement, inspection or removal of such equipment. The customer shall grant the right of access for tree trimming as needed to maintain clearance from District distribution system lines. Customers shall keep the electrical low voltage service route and the communication service route from the District’s lines to the customer’s service entrance and the meter free from structures and plantings, including trees, and shall permit access for any excavation or other work needed for maintenance of District’s overhead or underground facilities without payment for any damage caused by such excavation or work. In order for the District to maintain access rights to District owned equipment the customer shall execute an easement if requested by the District.

If a customer creates an obstruction which denies the District the aforementioned access to its equipment, the customer will be asked in writing to make the changes necessary to assure access. If the customer refuses to cooperate with the District in making these changes within a reasonable time, the District may take steps to interrupt the customer’s service until the situation is remedied.

Section 14: SYSTEM DISTURBANCES

Utility service(s) shall not be utilized in such a manner as to cause severe disturbances or voltage fluctuations to other customers of the District.

Section 15: PHASE BALANCE

Except in the case of three phase, four wire delta service, the District may require the current taken by each wire of the three phase service to be reasonably balanced at times of maximum or near maximum load.

Section 16: INTERRUPTION OF SERVICE

The District will use reasonable diligence to provide an adequate and uninterrupted supply of electrical energy at normal voltage and communication services at maximum speeds. However, if the supply is interrupted without notice for any cause, such failure shall not constitute a breach of the District’s agreement for service.

The District shall have the right to temporarily suspend utility service(s) for the purpose of making repairs or improvements to the system, but in such cases, when practicable, public notice shall be given and every effort will be made to make such interruptions as short as possible.

The District shall not be liable for any consequential damages resulting from the interruption, restorations, or reduction of utility service(s) from any cause, including but not limited to failure of the generation and distribution system, inadequacy of energy supply, implementation of emergency plans or temporary disconnections for repairs and maintenance or failure to pay for service rendered. During an emergency declared by appropriate civil authority the District may be required to curtail or disconnect utility service(s).

Section 17: ADDITIONAL LOAD

In the event a customer desires to add load to an existing service, the customer shall notify the District sufficiently in advance so the District may, if economically feasible, provide the facilities required. In the event the customer fails to notify the District, and as a result District equipment is damaged, the customer shall be responsible for the cost of such damage.

If the added load is considered temporary, the District will charge a Contribution-in-Aid-of-Construction (CIAC) as described in Section 29, Temporary Service. If the added load is considered permanent, the District will charge a CIAC as described in Section 32, Electrical Line Extension.

Any change in voltage or a change from single phase to three phase shall be considered a new service and Section 32 shall apply. In cases where the customer is upgrading an existing service to an existing facility, the existing panel size may be taken into account when determining the new ampacity fee.

Section 18: NOTICE OF TROUBLE

In the event utility service is interrupted, is not satisfactory, or if any hazardous condition is known to exist, it shall be the obligation of the customer to notify the District of such existing condition.

In the case of communication trouble, the customer’s first inquiries should be directed to their service provider.

Section 19: CUSTOMER POWER / COMMUNICATION OUTAGE

If a customer’s utility service fails, the customer shall endeavor to determine if there are blown fuses, tripped breakers, or other problems with customer owned equipment before calling the District. In the case of a communication system outage, the customer’s first inquiries should be directed to his or her service provider.

If representatives or technicians from the District are sent out at the customer’s or communication service provider’s request, and it is determined that the customer’s equipment or the service provider is at fault, the customer or the service provider may be billed for all costs associated with the work.

Section 20: POINT OF DELIVERY

The point of delivery is that point on the customer’s premises (or other agreed point) where the electric facilities of the District and customer are connected. This point of interconnection shall be at the District’s metering equipment, the electronic terminating equipment, or other agreed upon point. A customer with special interconnection needs may negotiate a bilateral agreement at the discretion of the District. All wiring and equipment beyond this point of delivery shall be installed and maintained by the customer. It shall be the responsibility of the customer or their electrical contractor to advise the District of their service requirements in advance of installing the service equipment and to make sure that the location is acceptable to the District.

The use of electric energy upon the premises of the customer is at the risk of the customer, and the District’s liability shall cease at the point of delivery.

Section 21: METER/COMMUNICATION LOCATIONS AND OTHER REQUIREMENTS

GENERAL – The District shall make every effort to provide cost effective metering services to meet the needs of the customer.  The District will maintain ownership of all metering and communication equipment to properly monitor the electric system.  The District reserves the right, at its sole discretion, to use any industry accepted metering technologies to effectively read meters. All billings for District services will be based on readings taken from District metering equipment. The customer shall provide, install and maintain an adequate meter base or bases as specified by the District for installation of the District’s revenue metering equipment.  The meter base provided by the customer for underground service must be approved by the District as adequate for underground service. 

For underground electrical services, the District will, where permitted by code, extend its underground service cable to the customer’s meter base and will make connection to the line side terminals except in the case of large commercial or industrial loads supplied from padmounted transformers.

For overhead services, the District will make service connections at the weatherhead and install a meter in the customer’s meter base.

Meters, meter base enclosure, secondary conduit  and communication conduits shall be installed on the outside, front 1/3 of buildings, or service structures; except that in the case of rural service or temporary service, they may be installed on a meter pole furnished by the customer.  Meters shall be installed at a height of 5 feet to 6 feet above the ground or platform.  No less than 20 inches shall be provided on each side of the meter to provide access for District test equipment. In cases where unusual conditions exist, the District shall be consulted prior to installation.  New service entrance locations shall be approved by the District prior to installation.

If metering transformers are required, the customer shall furnish and install a suitable enclosure or mounting bracket together with the necessary conduit and a circuit-recloser type meter base, all as specified by the District.

Unmetered circuits shall use gutters, conduits, or raceways which can be secured with a District seal.  Main disconnects shall be installed on the customer’s side of the meter except when current limiting devices are required by code.  These types of installations require prior District approval.
Special metering to meet customer needs for load control, etc., shall be on the customer’s side of the District’s revenue meter and shall be installed and operated solely by the customer so as not to interfere with the District’s revenue meter.  No equipment shall be used to circumvent the intended use of the District’s revenue metering.
Gang meter bases shall be labeled to identify each service address and or unit number.  When separate meter bases are used to serve a single facility, each meter base shall be labeled with a permanent placard that reads: “WARNING: Multiple Meter Bases Serve This Facility” in order to notify District and emergency personnel of the potential danger associated with a facility that has multiple electric services.

SINGLE-PHASE SERVICE – Single-phase service entrance facilities rated up to 400 amps (320 amps continuous) will be metered with self-contained meters unless specified otherwise by the District. Current transformers will be used in metering loads exceeding 320 amps continuous load up to a maximum service entrance equipment rating of 800 amps. At the customer’s request current transformers may be used in metering loads of 400 amps or less provided the customer pays the additional costs of such installation.

The meter base provided by the customer for single-phase self-contained meters may include a by-pass device which will allow current to pass through the meter base in order to break load for safety in installing and removing meters provided the by-pass device will not allow current to pass unmetered.      

THREE-PHASE SERVICE – All three-phase services will be served by four wires. Three-phase service entrance facilities rated up to 200 amps will be metered by self-contained meters (without current transformers) except for motor loads greater than 100 horsepower. The customer’s facilities for up to 200 amp self-contained three phase metering shall require a seven point meter base, and the customer’s facilities for loads requiring current transformers shall provide a thirteen point meter base which is large enough to accommodate test switches to be installed by the District. Consult the District prior to any current transformer metering installation for approval of the meter base.

COMMUNICATION SERVICE – The customer shall provide an external location, as approved by the District, for the District’s installation of a communication box and any necessary mounting equipment.   The customer shall allow the District to install and maintain a connection from the communication box to the meter.  Section 12, CUSTOMER’S RESPONSIBILITY FOR DISTRICT PROPERTY, shall apply for all District installed equipment and wiring.

Section 22: METER READING

Meters shall be read monthly or at the discretion of the District. The District will, as nearly as possible, read meters on the same cycle date, but because of holidays, Saturdays, Sundays, and the difference in the length of months, a five-day variation may occur. If for any reason a reading cannot be obtained for any particular period, the billing may be based on an estimated energy use and demand, in which case it will be subject to later correction.

Most meters will be read electronically or remotely, which promotes accurate and cost effective reads. New customers, or existing customers moving to a new location are required to have electronically read meters. If electronic meter reading devices fail, the District shall have the right to use the actual or estimated energy usage for billing.

All kilowatt hour meters, except those with multipliers, will be read to the nearest ten kilowatt hours for billing purposes. Where the rate is based on kilowatts of demand, the demand shall be the highest average value of power over a fifteen minute interval during the billing period as determined by suitable indicating or recording instruments, by clocking meter revolutions or by estimation. Demands will be expressed to the nearest kilowatt.

Section 23: POWER FACTOR ADJUSTMENT

If the average power factor at which power is delivered to the customer is less than 95 percent lagging, the billing demand may be increased by 1 percent for each percent or major fraction thereof that the average power factor is less than 95 percent lagging and KVARH’s in excess of 95 percent lagging may be billed at the KWH rate applicable to that account.

Section 24: METER TESTS

The District will, at its own expense, make tests and inspections as required on its meters to insure a high standard of accuracy. The District will, at its own expense, make a meter test upon a customer’s request provided that such meter has not been tested during the preceding four-year period. Additional tests at the request of a customer will be made and if a meter is found to register within two percent plus or minus, the customer shall pay a test fee of sixty-five dollars ($65.00). If the meter is found to exceed the two percent limit plus or minus, the bill may be adjusted accordingly for the preceding six-month period and no charge will be made for the testing.

Section 25: RESALE OF ENERGY/COMMUNICATION SYSTEM AND RV PARKS

No purchaser of electric energy shall connect his or her service with that of any other person, or in any way resell, rebill or supply any other person or premises with electric current through his or her service. Additionally, no purchaser or end user of the District’s communication service shall provide service from a single lit service connection to other locations located off-premise from the original connection point. This does not apply to DCCN connections for established communication service providers, which are used to provide service to end users utilizing DCCN connections, or, in the case of electric service, to trailer courts, apartment houses, or tenant houses where the residents are billed an amount equivalent to that paid for the same service by direct customers of the District.

Established communication service providers must be approved by the District and have a Communication Service Provider Agreement with the District. The Communication Service Provider must give the District a monthly report of the number of end-users served from a single communication connection.

Operators of RV parks may elect to take service through a master meter with distribution to individual trailers over facilities installed, owned and maintained by the operator. Under this option, the operator will be responsible for power bills and the District will not supply individual meters or render individual bills.

Section 26: PRIVATE GENERATORS

Private generation for the purpose of “net metering” must conform to the requirements described in Net Metering Standards found here.

Portable or Stand-by generation for personal use at a business or residence must have the ability to be isolated from the District’s electrical distribution system. A transfer or double throw switch must be installed conforming to applicable State and National electric codes to prevent backfeed. Other equipment may be required depending on the type of installation; check with a licensed electrician or the local Washington Department of Labor and Industries for more information.

Section 27: DELIVERY PHASE AND VOLTAGE

All services shall be alternating current – 60 Hertz and will be delivered in accordance with American National Standard for Electric Power Systems and Equipment voltage ratings 60 Hertz (ANSI C84.1 or current edition). Normal secondary delivery voltages are 120/240 volts single phase and 120/208 or 277/480 volts three phase.

A residence will only be served by single phase power. A residence is defined as any property with a home, building or structure that has been used as a dwelling and or is located in a residential area. Due to the system demand, non-diverse loads will not be allowed at a residence unless pre-approved by the District. In the case of large loads, power may be delivered at other voltages approved by the District. In general, motor loads up to and including five horsepower may be served at 240 volts single phase. Motors of five horsepower to twenty-five horsepower may be served at 208 or 240 volts three phase. Motor loads exceeding twenty-five horsepower must be served at 480 volts three phase unless otherwise approved by the District. The District will require customers to install reduced voltage starting equipment on any motor loads over twenty horsepower.

When transformers are connected in a delta configuration, required to supply 120/240 or 240/480 volt three phase services, there exists a potential that the resulting electrical system can enter into ferroresonance. Some of the symptoms of this condition are three phase motor reversal, over voltage up to five times normal, unusual secondary voltages, transformer and equipment failure due to high voltage stress or high current flows. It is most common to experience ferroresonance when underground high voltage cable is part of the electrical system. Ferroresonance can also occur when there are long distances from the service to the supply station.

Ferroresonance cannot easily be predicted or prevented. Customers with 120/240 or 240/480 volt three phase services should install over-voltage protection at the service entrance and on all equipment. Often this requires two or more layers of over-voltage protection including at the main service panel and at the individual pieces of equipment. Protection should be added that measures incoming voltage and disconnects all legs of the service if any one supply leg is lost (single phasing protection). Because ferroresonance is often associated with a loss of one high-voltage electrical phase, this protection must be carefully considered and applied. Protection must also be applied on all types of loads.

Section 28: NON-STANDARD SERVICE

If a load (new or added) requires equipment that is non-standard with the District, and the District is willing to include the new equipment in its standards, the cost of the equipment and a spare, if needed, will be included in the Contribution-in-Aid-of-Construction (CIAC). If any other special installation such as non-standard voltage, closer voltage regulation than required by standard practice, or any other special service is required, the cost of installation and maintenance shall be paid by the customer prior to the work being performed.

Section 29: TEMPORARY SERVICE

A temporary service is an electrical service used for construction purposes. These services are limited to 12 months, unless construction work is actively and continuously in progress. There must be existing useable District facilities (padmount transformer, handhole, or pole with transformer) available at the site. The connection fee for a construction temporary service is $75 (Seventy Five Dollars). In addition, the customer will be required to pay the costs incurred by the District for the installation and removal of all equipment necessary to make facilities available for the construction temporary service. All construction temporary services must have a valid electrical permit and be inspected and approved by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries prior to connection.

Overhead construction temporary service is available in areas where the District’s existing electrical system is overhead construction. The customer’s construction temporary service pole may be placed within 30 feet of the District’s overhead facilities, provided adequate clearances can be maintained.

Underground construction temporary service is available in areas where the District’s existing electrical system is underground. The customer’s construction temporary service pole may be placed within 10 feet (but no closer than 3 feet) of a padmount transformer or secondary handhole. The customer shall provide the trench, conduit and backfill to the edge of the transformer or handhole and leave the temporary service wires exposed. There must be sufficient conductor to reach the transformer or handhole plus an additional 6 feet of wire to make the necessary connections. District personnel will route the wire into the padmount transformer or secondary handhole and make the final connections.

Section 30: RELOCATION/CONVERSION OF EXISTING FACILITIES AT CUSTOMER REQUEST

If a customer requests relocation of his or her service to an existing structure, the District may remove and reconnect its secondary service conductors without cost to the customer provided no additional poles, conductors or other equipment are required.

If additional poles, conductors or other equipment are required to be installed, The District will replace existing overhead electrical facilities with an underground installation or an existing underground service with an overhead installation, provided the customer pays the District in advance an amount sufficient to reimburse the District for all costs.

If a customer requests their delivery point and/or other facilities be moved to a new location (e.g., existing pole in way of a proposed new driveway, or relocation of a meter base) the District will do so provided the line as relocated is feasible from an engineering point of view, and further provided that the customer must pay in advance an amount sufficient to reimburse the District for all costs.

Before relocation of any poles or equipment, the customer will provide the necessary signatures on easement forms prepared by the District and will furnish such easements to the District.

If a customer is forced to move their service due to a City, County, State or Federal construction project, and the new service location load remains the same, the District may waive the service connection fee. However, the customer will be required to pay line extension costs as required in section 32 if no existing electrical infrastructure exists at the new location. In the event that conditions not defined in this Section occur, then the principles and policies as outlined in this Section and in Section 32 shall be applied.

Section 31: CONVERSION TO UNDERGROUND

It shall be the policy of the District wherever feasible to place its distribution facilities underground as new lines are built. Because of the difference between overhead and underground construction costs, it will be necessary for the District to carefully weigh a number of factors in determining what lines should be placed underground. Factors to be taken into account shall include, but not necessarily be limited to: cost difference, aesthetic values, type of load, anticipated revenue and type of plant to be buried.

Section 32: ELECTRICAL LINE EXTENSION POLICY

Definitions and Plans

Contribution In Aid of Construction (CIAC): The cost a customer is required to pay for a line extension which must be paid prior to the extension being installed. The CIAC does not give the customer ownership rights in any facilities constructed with these funds.

Electrical Line Extension: A permanent branch, addition, continuation or replacement of the District’s existing electric distribution system required to serve a proposed customer load. This does not include contractual service as defined in section 36.

Plans: The customer shall furnish plans of the project area being developed, including structures, grade, streets, parking areas, water mains, sewer mains, landscaping, location of other utility services, an estimate of electrical load and desired schedule for service. Prior to commencing work, all easements and permits for the facilities must be executed and on file with the District. All conduits, sweeps and installation thereof must meet the District’s construction standards. Final designs will be approved by the District.

Primary Line Extensions: Electrical Line Extensions which operate at primary distribution voltages (typically 13.2 kV or 24.9 kV). These extensions commence at a tap point on the District’s present electrical facilities and generally pass by or terminate at transformers. If a usable PUD transformer or secondary connection is not within 150 feet of the desired service location, a primary line extension may be necessary. Primary extensions may also include relocation of existing electrical facilities.

Secondary Service Extensions: Residential, irrigation, and commercial electrical extensions which commence at a power transformer or secondary connection point, and terminate at the customer meter base or weatherhead. Secondary services generally extend no farther than 150 feet from a transformer.

Original Customer: A customer who pays for a new line extension.

Subsequent Customer: A customer who requests a connection from an existing facility, but has not paid for installation cost.

Extension Cost

Based on the approved plans a CIAC will be calculated. The CIAC is determined by the ampacity fee and other miscellaneous fees:

SECONDARY SERVICE EXTENSION

The following fees will be applicable to overhead and underground services.

Ampacity Fee

Single Phase (120/240 V)
1-100A $1,385
101-200A $2,370
201-400A $4,340
401-600A $6,710
601-800A $8,680

Three Phase (120/240V*** or 120/208V) (277/480V)
1-100A $2,380 $5,013
101-200A $4,360 $9,626
201-400A $7,920 $18,452
401-600A $11,880 $27,678
601-800A $15,840 $36,904
801-1000A $19,800 $46,130
1001-2999A $19.80 per Amp $46.13 per Amp

*Fees are calculated using the branch ampacity rating of meter base, and/or service entrance rating.

**All services in excess of 150 feet shall be approved by engineering prior to installation.

*** 120/240V service is only available up to a maximum of 200 Amps three phase.

**** non-diverse single phase loads shall pay four times the cost per amp listed above and three phase loads shall pay twice the cost per amp listed above due to the load requirements of these services.

Engineering Estimate Fees

The first engineering estimate will be provided at no cost to the customer. A $100 fee shall be charged to cover engineering and administrative cost for each subsequent single phase cost estimate requested by the customer. A $500 fee shall be charged to cover engineering and administrative cost for each subsequent single phase service above 400 amps, three phase services and subdivision cost estimates requested by the customer. This fee shall be paid prior to any new estimates being completed.

PRIMARY LINE EXTENSION

Includes costs to install facilities with the capacity necessary to serve primary voltage to all areas proposed for development. The costs may include primary cable, vaults, junction cabinets, switches, transformers and other associated facilities. Costs may also include relocation of existing electrical facilities, professional engineering design services and charges necessary for reliability or future customer expansion.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

  • Based on the customer’s approved plans the District will provide an estimated CIAC cost for all extension components. The customer shall pay all costs and fees in advance, including, but not limited to the cost of permits, easements, road crossings, clearing and any other special costs to provide service. These costs and fees will be in addition to any line extension or other costs that may be required and are non-refundable.
  • There shall be an ampacity fee for permanent service connections and capacity additions to existing services. The fee will be determined by the ampacity rating of the meter base and/or service entrance rating.
  • For unusual situations or short term installations, the service connection fees shall be the actual costs of all necessary equipment the District installs/removes.
  • New or expanded existing customers with a 1,500 kVA or greater load, at one location, will be required to fund all of the costs associated with integrating the load into the electric distribution system in accordance with Section 36.

UNDERGROUND LINE REQUIREMENTS

Distribution facilities to serve new areas will normally be placed underground. The District reserves the exclusive right to determine if overhead or underground facilities will be installed. For underground installations the following apply:

  • The customer shall install electrical conduit and provide trenching, bedding and backfilling for such installation all in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the District. The District reserves the right to perform all work within existing City, County or State right-of-way.
  • Customers requesting installation of new power facilities for industrial, commercial and residential loads will be required to install District approved communication conduit. The customer shall install necessary conduit and provide trenching, bedding and backfilling for such installation in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the District.
  • For commercial or industrial loads supplied from 3-phase transformers requiring current transformer metering, the customer shall furnish, own and maintain the underground service conductors, which will be connected by the District to the secondary terminals of the District’s transformer or secondary junction. A maximum of six conductors per phase will be allowed for connection to the transformer. If more than six conductors are required, a secondary junction and vault may be required at the expense of the customer. The customer shall provide a concrete foundation for the padmount transformer as required by the District.
  • The owner or developer shall provide property corner stakes and final grade information necessary for the District to determine trench locations and trench excavation depths prior to trench excavation. The District shall not be responsible for lost or removed markers.

Subsequent Customers

Customers who desire a connection to existing electrical infrastructure with an active line extension agreement shall pay a prorated share of the original CIAC, based on line feet. To qualify for a line extension agreement (i.e., eligible for a refund as an original customer); the original CIAC (minus amp fees) must be $5,000 or more, the line must have been placed in service within the last five years and a $50 non-refundable fee to cover administrative costs associated with administering the line extension agreement must be paid. Line extension agreements only apply to rural individual property owners and do not apply to developers and subdivisions. Each subsequent customer who desires an electrical connection to an existing line extension shall pay a $50 non-refundable administration fee and will be entitled to future refunds. Line extension refunds will only be made to eligible customers that are on record with a signed line extension agreement with the District and are still on record as a customer at said location.

Other

Facilities installed by the developer/customer must be inspected and approved by the District before they are placed in service (includes communication conduit).

Any changes to the electrical system required by the District because of changes in final grade or property lines shall be at the expense of the customer or developer.

The customer or developer will be held responsible for damage to conduit, electric conductors, communication infrastructure or other equipment resulting from any dig-ins.

The developer shall pay all costs to relocate District facilities when road improvements are made as a requirement of the development.

Applications on one continuous line may be grouped if to the mutual advantage of all applicants for service.

Construction must be started within 180 days and substantially complete within 365 days or CIAC will be returned to the customer.

Section 33: ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND OTHER CHARGING SERVICE

Due to the potential large power draw and the sensitive process of charging an Electric Vehicle (EV) or other large devices the District has determined that dedicated circuits should normally be used for charging. This will enable the District to determine if the existing infrastructure is capable of safely handling the additional load. If upgrades to the system are required, the District will require the customer to pay a Contribution in Aid of Construction for the upgrades.

Customers are required to notify the District when adding additional load for charging; see Section 17. If charging load is added to a commercial account without District notification the entire service is subject to Electric Vehicle and other Charging rates outlined in Schedule 8.

Residential level 1 (120v) and level 2 (240v) single phase charging are not subject to Section 33 or Schedule 8.

Section 34: WIND MACHINES

The District will extend utility service to wind machines. Prior to construction the customer shall pay the total estimated cost of required District facilities as a CIAC. The District will require the customer to install reduced voltage starting equipment to avoid voltage disturbances to the District’s system. The District shall not be liable for any damages incurred due to loss of power to wind machines.

Wind machines are used principally as frost protection during the months of March through June of each year. Utility service to these meters will remain connected all year and any usage during the interseasonal period will be billed with the April read. During the wind machine season, meters will be read and billed each month, April through July. They will be billed usingthe General Service Rate Schedule 1B.

Section 35: AREA LIGHTING

Area lighting, complete with photoelectric controls, will be installed for individual customers under the following conditions:

  • The District will furnish, install, maintain, and supply power to area lighting upon execution of a standard five-year agreement for lighting service.
  • The District will require a CIAC of $150 for lights attached to existing power poles with a useable transformer within the service range. If a secondary pole, or other equipment is required, the CIAC shall additionally include the cost of the required facilities.
  • When a customer requests underground service to a yard light, the customer shall provide and install conduit and shall provide necessary trenching, bedding, and backfilling for such installation, all in accordance with plans and specifications approved by the District.
  • All other forms of lighting services (i.e. subdivisions, parking lots, street lighting circuits, etc.) shall be metered. All lighting service equipment (meterbase, wiring, fixtures, standards, etc.) shall be installed and maintained by the owner.

The District will make installations and perform service and maintenance work as promptly as possible; but in order to keep costs at a reasonable level, reserves the right to defer work on distant installations until a serviceman or line crew has other business in the area.

Section 36: CONTRACTUAL SERVICE TO NEW POWER LOADS 1,500 KVA AND GREATER

If a load is 1,500 kVA or greater at one location, a special contract will be negotiated with the customer. The customer will be required to fund all of the costs associated with integrating the load into the electric distribution system. Public schools are exempt from the special contract requirement.

Section 37: WHOLESALE COMMUNICATION SYSTEM

The District owns and operates a communication system as an integral component of its electrical system. The communication system is engineered to meet the current and prospective needs of the District. The communication system is an Ethernet wide-area network. Access to the system is provided through an Ethernet connection to the wide-area network. Typical of Ethernet networks, actual throughput will be “as available” up to the requested megabits per second. The District shall determine the availability of capacity on its communication system as requests are made for use of the communication system. Use of the communication system shall be billed at rates set forth in Schedule 6 or as set forth in separate agreements approved by the Board of Commissioners.

Section 38: COMMUNICATION SYSTEM EXTENSION POLICY

The District intends to eventually integrate all District meters into its communication system. This connection will provide for safe and reliable operation of the electric system, improve customer service, improve load management, improve bill collection and enhance customer choice options. For retail service providers’ customers desiring a connection to the communication system, the following criteria will apply:

  • If the end user is located in an area considered serviceable (e.g. on a planned route for distribution fiber or within a wireless service area) a CIAC will be charged to help offset the cost of connecting the end user. Schedule 6 defines the CIAC required for new communication installations.
  • The District must determine that such an extension is a viable and prudent use of the communication system and District resources.
  • If criterion 1 or 2 is not met, then the customer must pay a CIAC calculated by the District at 100% of the estimated cost of the work required to provide the requested service outside an established communication distribution area. The CIAC must be paid prior to scheduling construction of the extension. The CIAC will not give the customer ownership rights in any facilities constructed with these funds.
  • End users located outside the District’s electrical service area, but inside established communication distribution areas may be connected when the retail service provider pays a CIAC equal to 100% of the estimated installed equipment cost.

Section 39: RATES

The rates of the District are based upon the policy of supplying power and wholesale communication services at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business principles. All rate schedules are based on a single service to the premises of one customer through one electric meter or network device. Service may be supplied to customers not coming within the scope of the regular rate schedules of the District; provided that such service shall be covered by a separate contract and shall be approved by the Board of Commissioners.

Approved 2020-2025 rate adjustments, January 27, 2020 by Resolution 20-018. 

Following is a list of the rate schedules adopted by the District:

Revisions

adopted by Board Resolution No. 79-59 dated May 29, 1979
amended by Board Resolution No. 81-116 dated November 2, 1981
amended by Board Resolution No. 82-18 dated March 8, 1982
amended by Board Resolution No. 84-71 dated June 4, 1984
amended by Board Resolution No. 84-130 dated November 19, 1984
amended by Board Resolution No. 85-18 dated February 11, 1985
amended by Board Resolution No. 85-91 dated July 29, 1985
amended by Board Resolution No. 85-123 dated October 7, 1985
amended by Board Resolution No. 85-129 dated November 4, 1985
amended by Board Resolution No. 86-21 dated March 3, 1986
amended by Board Resolution No. 86-31 dated March 17, 1986
amended by Board Resolution No. 87-122 dated Sept. 28, 1987
amended by Board Resolution No. 88-9 dated January 18, 1988
amended by Board Resolution No. 88-41 dated March 21, 1988
amended by Board Resolution No. 88-78 dated May 23, 1988
amended by Board Resolution No. 88-108 dated July 18, 1988
amended by Board Resolution No. 88-169 dated November 21, 1988
amended by Board Resolution No. 89-33 dated March 6, 1989
amended by Board Resolution No. 89-127 dated July 17, 1989
amended by Board Resolution No. 89-183 dated December 4,1989
amended by Board Resolution No. 90-163 dated October 15, 1990
amended by Board Resolution No. 91-188 dated December 16,1991
amended by Board Resolution No. 93-14 dated January 25,1993
amended by Board Resolution No. 93-215 dated November 22, 1993
amended by Board Resolution No. 94-25 dated February 7, 1994
amended by Board Resolution No. 94-48 dated March 21, 1994
amended by Board Resolution No. 94-241 dated December 5, 1994
amended by Board Resolution No. 96-40 dated March 18, 1996
amended by Board Resolution No. 96-169 dated October 14, 1996.
amended by Board Resolution No. 97-59 dated March 31, 1997.
amended by Board Resolution No. 97-64 dated April 7, 1997.
amended by Board Resolution No. 98-39 dated March 9, 1998.
amended by Board Resolution No. 99-42 dated March 22, 1999.
amended by Board Resolution No. 99-136 dated July 26, 1999.
amended by Board Resolution No. 99-206 dated November 1, 1999.
amended by Board Resolution No. 2000-120 dated June 26, 2000.
amended by Board Resolution No. 01-46 dated March 5, 2001.
amended by Board Resolution No. 02-118 dated May 28, 2002.
amended by Board Resolution No. 03-212 dated December 15, 2003.
amended by Board Resolution No. 04-26 dated February 17, 2004.
amended by Board Resolution No. 05-68 dated March28, 2005.
amended by Board Resolution No. 06-29 dated January 23, 2006.
amended by Board Resolution No. 06-137 dated June 5, 2006.
amended by Board Resolution No. 06-233 dated October 2, 2006.
amended by Board Resolution No. 07-179 dated June 11, 2007.
amended by Board Resolution No. 07-286 dated October 8, 2007.
amended by Board Resolution No. 08-18 dated February 4, 2008.
amended by Board Resolution No. 08-89 dated April 14, 2008.
amended by Board Resolution No. 09-207 dated September 28, 2009.
amended by Board Resolution No. 10-004 dated January 4, 2010.
amended by Board Resolution No. 11-051 dated April 18, 2011
amended by Board Resolution No. 12-095 dated June 11, 2012.
amended by Board Resolution No. 12-102 dated June 25, 2012.
amended by Board Resolution No. 12-220 dated December 17, 2012.
amended by Board Resolution No. 14-166 dated December 22, 2014.
amended by Board Resolution No. 16-145 dated September 26, 2016
amended by Board Resolution No. 17-107 dated July 24, 2017
amended by Board Resolution No. 18-004 dated January 22, 2018
amended by Board Resolution No. 19-039 dated April 8, 2019
amended by Board Resolution No. 22-066 dated March 28, 2022
amended by Board Resolution No. 22-107 dated June 6, 2022

SCHEDULE 1: GENERAL SERVICE

Available:
In all territory served by the District.

Applicable:
To all service less than 1,500 kVA load not provided under Rate Schedule 2, Irrigation Service, or Rate Schedule 3, Street Lighting and Area Lighting Service, or special contract for loads exceeding 1500 kVA.

Monthly Rate:

A) Residential and Commercial services:

Basic charge: $14.21 per month

Energy charge: $0.0233 first 25,000 KWH
$0.0262 25,001 KWH to 49,999 KWH
$0.0267 50,000 KWH and over

Demand charge: $2.19 per kilowatt of demand in excess of 50 kilowatts.

B) Wind machine services: Between the months of April and July the following rates will be applied.

Basic charge: $14.21 per month

Energy charge: $0.0233 per KWH

Demand charge: $4.15 per kilowatt of demand in excess of 30 kilowatts.

C) Domestic pump services: Between the months of May and October the following rates will be applied.

Basic charge: $14.21 per month

Energy charge: $0.0233 per KWH

D) Blockchain and Low Tier Data services:

Basic charge: $23.03 per month

Energy charge: $0.0413 first 25,000 KWH
$0.0425 25,001 KWH to 49,999 KWH
$0.0432 50,000 KWH and over

Demand charge: $3.54 per kilowatt of demand in excess of 50 kilowatts.

E) Data Center services:

Basic charge: $17.42 per month

Energy charge: $0.0312 first 25,000 KWH
$0.0322 25,001 KWH to 49,999 KWH
$0.0327 50,000 KWH and over

Demand charge: $2.68 per kilowatt of demand in excess of 50 kilowatts.

Demand:
For purposes of computing the monthly demand under this schedule shall be the largest of the following demand factors:

  1. The contract demand, if any.
  2. The highest average value of power over a fifteen minute demand interval, as indicated by a demand meter, during the billing period adjusted for 95% power factor.

Customer Service Policies:
Service under this schedule is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District.

Effective:
First regular billing on or after January 1, 2023.

Revisions

  • Adopted by Resolution No. 79-29 by Board of Commissioners March 19, 1979.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 84-53 by Board of Commissioners April 23, 1984.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 85-18 by Board of Commissioners February 11, 1985.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 94-48 by Board of Commissioners March 21, 1994.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 94-240 by Board of Commissioners December 5, 1994.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 96-40 by Board of Commissioners March 18, 1996.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 97-59 by Board of Commissioners March 31, 1997.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 98-27 by Board of Commissioners February 17, 1998.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 01-45 by Board of Commissioners March 5, 2002.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 02-118 by Board of Commissioners May 28, 2002.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 09-207 by Board of Commissioners September 28, 2009.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 11-051 by Board of Commissioners April 18, 2011.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 12-095 by Board of Commissioners June 11, 2012.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 14-166 by Board of Commissioners December 22, 2014.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 16-206 by Board of Commissioners December 12, 2
  • Amended by Resolution No. 18-220 by Board of Commissioners December 21, 2018.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 20-018 by Board of Commissioners January 27, 2020

SCHEDULE 2: IRRIGATION SERVICE

Available:
In all territory served by the District.

Applicable:
To electric services used in irrigation pumping for agricultural food production on a commercial consumption basis or for services used in livestock food production. Energy delivered under this schedule may also be used for lighting essential to the pumping operation. For such lighting service, customer will furnish any transformers and other equipment necessary. Electric services used for domestic or incidental irrigation pumping will be billed under Rate Schedule 1C.

Seasonal Rate:

Between the March and November regular meter reading dates, the following seasonal rate will apply:

Basic charge: $8.74 per month

Energy charge: $0.0137 per KWH

Demand charge: $23.49 per kW per season

Billing Demand:

The billing demand under this schedule shall be the highest of the following demands:

  1. The contract demand, if any
  2. The highest average value of power over a fifteen minute demand interval occurring during the irrigation season as determined by suitable indicating or recording instruments, by clocking meter revolutions, or by estimation

Adjustment for Power Factor:
If the average power factor at which power is delivered to the customer is less than 95% lagging, the billing demand may be increased by one percent for each percent or major fraction thereof that the average power factor is less than 95% lagging.

Interseasonal Rate:
Between November and March regular meter reading dates, the following interseasonal rate will apply.

Demand charge: None

Energy charge: $0.0255 per KWH

Basic charge: None

Meter Reading:
Meters will be read monthly between March and November.

Billing:
Bills will be rendered each month during the irrigation season.

Bills for the interseasonal period from the November to the March regular meter reading dates will be rendered after the March meter reading.

Customer Service Policies:
Service under this schedule is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District.

Effective:
First regular meter reading date on or after January 1, 2023.

Revisions

  • Adopted by Resolution No. 79-29 by Board of Commissioners dated March 19, 1979.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 94-48 by Board of Commissioners dated March 21, 1994.
  • Amended BY Resolution No. 94-240 by Board of Commissioners dated December 5, 1994.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 96-40 by Board of Commissioners dated March 18, 1996.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 97-59 by Board of Commissioners March 31, 1997.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 98-27 by Board of Commissioners February 17, 1998.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 01-45 by Board of Commissioners March 5, 2002.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 02-118 by Board of Commissioners May 28, 2002.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 09-207 by Board of Commissioners September 28, 2009.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 11-051 by Board of Commissioners April 18, 2011.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 12-095 by Board of Commissioners June 11, 2012.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 16-206 by Board of Commissioners December 12, 2
  • Amended by Resolution No. 19-039 by Board of Commissioners April 8, 2019

SCHEDULE 3: STREET LIGHTING AND AREA LIGHTING SERVICE

Available:
In all territory served by the District.

Applicable:
To service supplied cities, towns, rural communities, villages or other entities desiring street or area lighting on contracts for controlled multiple lighting systems, furnishing lighting from dusk to dawn with facilities supplied by the District in accordance with the District’s customer service policies, paragraph 35.

Non Metered District Maintained Street Light Monthly Rate:

Lamp Rating

Amount

200 watt or less (1) $10.23
400 watt or more (2) $17.79
LED $5.55

Non Metered Customer Owned and Maintained Street Light Monthly Rate:

Lamp Rating

Amount

200 watt or less $2.42
400 watt or more $3.84
LED $1.71

(1) This rate also applies to existing 400 watt mercury vapor and all other street, security and yard lights 200 watts or less.
(2) This rate also applies to existing 1000 watt mercury vapor and all other street, security and yard lights over 200 watts.

Customer Service Policies:
Service under this schedule is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District.

Effective:
First regular billing on or after January 1, 2017.

Revisions

  • Adopted By Resolution No. 80-71 by Board of Commissioners dated August 18, 1980.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 94-48 by Board of Commissioners dated March 21, 1994.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 94-240 by Board of Commissioners dated December 5, 1994.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 96-40 by Board of Commissioners dated March 18,1996.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 97-59 by Board of Commissioners March 31, 1997.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 98-27 by Board of Commissioners February 17, 1998.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 99-42 by Board of Commissioners March 22, 1999.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 99-136 by Board of Commissioners July 26, 1999.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 01-45 by Board of Commissioners March 5, 2001.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 02-118 by Board of Commissioners May 28, 2002.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 07-179 by Board of Commissioners June 11, 2007.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 09-207 by Board of Commissioners September 28, 2009.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 12-095 by Board of Commissioners June 11, 2012
  • Amended by Resolution No. 16-009 by Board of Commissioners January 25, 2016.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 16-206 by Board of Commissioners December 12, 2

SCHEDULE 4: POWER DELIVERY SERVICE

Available:
In all territory served by the District.

Applicable:
To new services after May 1, 2021 which exceed 1,000 kVA for six (6) consecutive months over a given year. This schedule is for larger customers that will be using District power lines for delivery of purchased power.

Monthly Rate:

Delivery Variable Charge: $0.006 per kWh

Delivery Fixed Charge: $7.27 per kW of demand

Integration Charge: $8.50 per kW * 3% * avg. load

$8.50 per kW * difference between avg. load and peak load

Additional Charges:

Customers on this schedule are subject to charges related to actual costs to administer services for the customer.

Demand:

Demand under this schedule shall be a ratcheted demand based on the highest 15-minute demand measured, resetting each January 1st.

Power Factor Adjustment:

If the average power factor at which power is delivered to the customer is less than 95% lagging, the billing demand may be increased by one percent for each percent or major fraction thereof that the average power factor is less than 95% lagging.

Loss Adjustment:

The ratcheted demand will be increased by the applicable transmission loss factor.

Imbalance Adjustment:

Customers on this schedule are subject to adjustments after comparing the hourly imported energy volumes against actual hourly energy usage.

Customer Service Policies:
Service under this schedule is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District which may be amended from time to time by the District, and by contracts between the District and customer.

Delivery Contract:

Customers on this schedule will be required to sign a written contract with the District.

Taxes:

The amounts of any tax levied by any city or town, in accordance with RCW 54.28.070 of the Laws of the State of Washington, will be added to the above charges.

Effective:
First regular billing on or after January 1, 2023

Revisions

  • Adopted by Resolution No. 97-64 by Board of Commissioners dated April 7, 1997.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 03-212 by Board of Commissioners December 15, 2003.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 09-207 by Board of Commissioners September 28, 2009.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 12-095 by Board of Commissioners June 11, 2012.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 14-166 by Board of Commissioners December 22, 2014.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 16-206 by Board of Commissioners December 12, 2016.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 21-055 by Board of Commissioners April 12, 2021.

SCHEDULE 5: ALTERNATE RENEWABLE RESOURCE SERVICE

Available:
In all territory served by the District.

Applicable:
To all general service customers who wish to voluntarily designate and claim the environmental benefits of having a portion of their electric energy requirements as being supplied from the District’s alternate renewable resources.

Service Rates:
The rate will vary each year based on the District’s annually budgeted power and transmission costs for these resources (currently $7.50 for each 100 kWh increment in calendar year 2013).

Alternate renewable resource service will be applied to kWh charges in increments of 100kWh per billing period. the minimum charge for alternate renewable kWh’s will not be less than the amount designated under this schedule.

Customer Service Policies:

Service under this schedule is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District.

Additional Requirements:
For the purposes of this Schedule 5 service, the District’s alternate renewable resource has the same meaning as “qualified alternative energy resource” in R.C.W. 19.29A.090 and currently consists of wind and solar energy sources. Availability of the District’s alternative renewable resources is limited. Service under this schedule will be provided on a “first come, first served” basis in increments of 100 kilowatt-hours per monthly billing period, with all the remaining service being provided at the Schedule 1, general service rates.

The customer may initiate, increase (if available), decrease or discontinue alternative renewable service amounts by notifying the District at least thirty days before the start of the customer’s next regular billing period.

Effective:
First regular billing on or after January 1, 2013.

Revisions

  • Adopted by Resolution No. 97-64 by Board of Commissioners dated April 7, 1997.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 03-212 by Board of Commissioners December 15, 2003.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 09-207 by Board of Commissioners September 28, 2009.
  • Amended by Resolution No. 12-095 by Board of Commissioners June 11, 2012.

SCHEDULE 6: WHOLESALE COMMUNICATION SERVICE

Available:
Adjacent to the District’s fiber optic communication system, within equipment limitations, and where the District has determined that capacity exists.
Applicable:

To the use of the District’s communication system. Service under this schedule is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District.

Wholesale Rates:

Basic Lit Ethernet Service: (Customer Support, 8-4pm, multi-tenant bulk rate of 1/2 port rate available where four (4) or more contiguous units are serviced by the same equipment and service is delivered to all contiguous units)

  Non-Recurring Charges (NRC) Monthly Charge (MRC)
Residential and Business (100 Mbps)   $27.00
Residential and Business (1 Gbps)   $54.00

Integrated Bandwidth Connections are basic lit Internet services which supply wholesale customers with District supplied Internet bandwidth, DNS service and a lit Ethernet port. Customer support hours are identical to Basic Lit Ethernet Service. NO INTERNET DEVICE SUPPORT IS INCLUDED WITH THIS PRODUCT. Internet devices include routers, personal computers, tablets or any other device connected to the Ethernet port. SERVICE PROVIDER MUST LEASE NO LESS THAN TWO PORTS.

  Non-Recurring Charges (NRC) Monthly Charge (MRC)

Residential and Business (100 Mbps)

 

Data: Five (5) Terabytes per month

  $35.00

Residential and Business (1 Gbps)

 

Data: Ten (10) Terabytes per month.

Additional Bandwidth per Terabyte

 

$55.00

$5.00

Business Class Circuit: (Maintenance notification & consideration 24×7 customer support, 100Mbps connection with optional Single VLAN or Q in Q available). Term of up to five years available on request.

100 Mbps – Per Port   $143.00
1 Gbps – Per Port   $400.00
10 Gbps – Per Port   $2,000.00
10 Gbps Redundant Port   $500.00
Additional VLAN per port   $114.00

Dark Fiber: 1 to 10 year fixed price contract, minimum of 10 miles per leased fiber, NRC required, circuits are rounded up to the nearest full mile, 30% of remaining monthly payments are due immediately in the event of early termination.

Service Level Agreement (SLA) Dark Fiber – per fiber, per mile with District obligations to:

  • Respond and commence restoration work within two hours of outage notification,
  • Restore use of the fiber path within a reasonable time, normally eight hours from outage notification,
  • Notify customers of scheduled maintenance which might affect service ten days before work begins,
  • Issue credits on the monthly rate if service is unavailable for more than one hour. The credit is 10% of the monthly rate for each one hour period the service is unavailable, capped at 100% of the monthly rate. Credit must be requested in writing.

Estimated Cost per fiber, per mile

Five to ten year term   $40.00
Three or four year term   $45.00
One or two year term   $50.00
Month to Month   $100.00
Patch free fiber path. Only available with five to ten year lease term   $50.00
Bulk Fiber Lease 48 fibers. Only available in areas designated by the District as bulk fiber corridors, 5 year term only.   $480.00

Colocation: (includes 20 Amps of 120 VAC power per rack or secure cabinet). Term of up to five years available on request.

Standard 19″ rack unit (1 3/4″)   $15.00
Secure Cabinet   $750.00
1/3 Secure Cabinet   $250.00
Additional Power (120VAC or 48VDC per 10 Amp block or 240VAC per 5 Amp block)   $45.00
25″-36″ Microwave Antenna $500.00 $167.00

Video Service:

Linear Programming with up to five (5) set top boxes(Lit Ethernet service and a set top box is required)   $7.00
Additional five (5) set top boxes for an existing account   $6.50
Set-top Box Rental: (Douglas PUD customers only)    
High Definition   $5.50
High Definition with recording functionality   $8.50
Unused head-end receivers (subject to availability, includes rack space)   $37.00
Replacement Set Top Box One half (1/2) District Cost  
Replacement Remote Control $12.00  
Replacement Composite or Component Video Cable $5.00  
Replacement Power Brick for Set Top Box $25.00  
Replacement Power Cord for Set Top Box $5.00  
Seattle Local Channel IPTV Feed $285.00  
IPTV Channel Feed $90.00  
End User IPTV Port for Non-District IPTV systems (Lit Ethernet Service is Required $3.00  
Full IPTV Headend Feed $7,800.00  
Set-top-box purchase (while supplies last, deployed set-top-boxes are only available for sale to the service provider lessee)    
2721 or 3721 $97  
5721 $143  

Internet Bandwidth Service: (Bandwidth is aggregated to the 95th percentile, rounded up to the closest ½ Gbps, includes up to 8 Internet Protocol (IP) addresses. Additional IP addresses lease for One Dollar ($1) per address per month including subnet and broadcast addresses.)

Gbps Cost per Mbps Pricing Terms
.5 or no contract Wholesale Plus 50% Month-to-Month
 1 Wholesale Plus 40% One Year Contract
 2 Wholesale Plus 30% One Year Contract
 3 Wholesale Plus 20% One Year Contract
 4 Wholesale Plus 10% One Year Contract
5 or more Wholesale Plus 5% One Year Contract

New connections to the Douglas County Community Network (DCCN)* – $150

*Footnote: New installations may be limited by available funds. Section 39 of the Customer Service Policies determines the contribution in aid of construction required for new connections in non-serviceable areas. New connection charge is incurred when the new end user installation is complete, with no exceptions.

Effective: First regular billing after December 1, 2020

Revisions

  • Adopted by Resolution No. 99-206 by Board of Commissioners November 11, 1999
  • Amended by Resolution No. 2000-120 by Board of Commissioners June 26, 2000
  • Amended by Resolution No. 01-46 by Board of Commissioners March 5, 2001
  • Amended by Resolution No. 02-118 by Board of Commissioners May 28,2002
  • Amended by Resolution No.03-212 by Board of Commissioners December 15, 2003
  • Amended by Resolution No. 04-26 by Board of Commissioners February 17, 2004
  • Amended by Resolution No. 05-68 by Board of Commissioners March 28, 2005
  • Amended by Resolution No. 06-233 by Board of Commissioners October 2, 2006
  • Amended by Resolution No. 07-286 by Board of Commissioners October 8, 2007
  • Amended by Resolution No. 08-221 by Board of Commissioners September 2, 2008
  • Amended by Resolution No. 09-11 by Board of Commissioners January 19, 2009
  • Amended by Resolution No. 09-207 by Board of Commissioners September 28, 2009
  • Amended by Resolution No. 10-010 by Board of Commissioners January 11, 2010
  • Amended by Resolution No. 10-036 by Board of Commissioners March 1, 2010
  • Amended by Resolution No. 10-236 by Board of Commissioners December 27, 2010
  • Amended by Resolution No. 11-083 by Board of Commissioners June 27, 2011
  • Amended by Resolution No. 12-102 by Board of Commissioners June 25, 2012
  • Amended by Resolution No. 13-042 by Board of Commissioners March 18, 2013
  • Amended by Resolution No. 13-115 by Board of Commissioners July 15, 2013
  • Amended by Resolution No. 13-183 by Board of Commissioners November 25, 2013
  • Amended by Resolution No. 14-043 by board of Commissioners April 14, 2014
  • Amended by Resolution No. 14-087 by board of Commissioners July 14, 2014
  • Amended by Resolution No. 15-138 by board of Commissioners July 27, 2015
  • Amended by Resolution No. 15-185 by board of Commissioners September 28, 2015
  • Amended by Resolution No. 15-204 by board of Commissioners October 26, 2015
  • Amended by Resolution No. 16-010 by board of Commissioners January 25, 2016 Amended by Resolution No. 16-025 by board of Commissioners February 8, 2016
  • Amended by Resolution No. 16-082 by board of Commissioners May 23, 2016 Amended by Resolution No. 16-137 by board of Commissioners September 12, 2016 Amended by Resolution No. 16-161 by board of Commissioners October 10, 2016
  • Amended by Resolution No. 17-047 by board of Commissioners April 10, 2017 Amended by Resolution No. 17-177 by board of Commissioners November 13, 2017
  • Amended by Resolution No. 19-039 by board of Commissioners April 8, 2019
  • Amended by Resolution No. 20-122 by board of Commissioners July 27, 2020
  • Amended by Resolution No. 20-207 by board of Commissioners November 23, 2020

SCHEDULE 7: POLE ATTACHMENT RATE

Available:
In all territory served by the District.

Applicable:
To all utilities and entities that have current Pole Attachment License Agreements with the District.

Rates:
The rate will be calculated every other year based on the District’s annual financial records for the previous year. The calculation will be based on RCW 54.04.045, Section 3.

Annual Pole Attachment Fee: $ 22.45 per pole/per year.

Customer Service Policies:
Service under this schedule is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District.

Additional Requirements:
Pole Attachment License Agreement.

Effective:
January 1, 2020

Revisions

  • Adopted by Resolution No. 06-137 by Board of Commissioners dated June 5, 2006.
  • Adopted by Resolution No. 07-252 by Board of Commissioners dated August 27, 2007
  • Adopted by Resolution No. 10-237 by Board of Commissioners dated December 27, 2010.
  • Adopted by Resolution No. 12-226 by Board of Commissioners dated December 27, 2012.
  • Amended by Resolution No 15-031 by Board of Commissioners dated February 23, 2015.
  • Amended by Resolution No 20-005 by Board of Commissioners dated January 13, 2020. 

SCHEDULE 8: ELECTRIC VEHICLE AND OTHER CHARGING SERVICE RATE

Available:

In all territory served by the District.

 

Applicable:

To electric service used to charge Electric Vehicles (EV) or charging devices.  This service does not include residential level 1 or level 2 charging.  Service under this schedule includes any lighting or other incidental power used to supply charging facilities. The District will supply service for Retail Charging and Customer Charging as defined below.

 

Retail EV Charging:

Rates and charges for any facility used to charge electric vehicles or other storage devices that is vended or resold shall be calculated in accordance with Schedule 4: Power Delivery Service.

 

Customer Charging:

Facilities that are being used to charge customers own vehicles without reselling or vending power. For example, fleet vehicles used to operate a business in Douglas County.

Basic Charge:

 

$97.50

per month

*Energy Charge:

First 25,000 KWH

$0.0312

 

 

25,001 KWH to 49,999 KWH

$0.0322

 

 

50,000 KWH and over

$0.0327

 

Demand Charge:

 

$14.02

per KW in excess of 50 KW

 

Demand and Time-of-Use:

Demand is computed by recording the highest average value of power over a fifteen-minute demand interval, as indicated by a demand meter during the billing period adjusted for 95% power factor. 

 

Customer Service Policies:

Service under this schedule is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District.

Effective:

First regular billing on or after January 1, 2023.

 

*Energy Charge will increase with the current data center rates effective July 2020 thru July 2025

Revisions

  • Adopted by Resolution No. 22-066 by Board of Commissioners dated March 28, 2022.