1151 Valley Mall Parkway, East Wenatchee, WA 98802

509-884-7191 / 1-800-503-7990

Watts News Winter 2009

Winter 2009

Changes to your Rates

The Commission approved a six percent rate increase effective January 1, 2010 and an additional six percent increase effective January 1, 2011 to all rate schedules. The last rate adjustment occurred in 2002. Normal inflationary pressure is one of the reasons a rate adjustment is necessary. Also, the District will be borrowing money to finance some large construction projects that will improve the reliability of the electric system. When borrowing money, the credit rating determines the interest cost. Douglas PUD has a strong credit rating today and needs to maintain it. Rates that more adequately cover the costs to serve our customers is essential to the District’s credit rating. The average monthly impact of a 6% increase for a residential customer would be $2.79, plus or minus the effect of rounding, which is part of the District’s final bill calculation process.

Three new service charges related to the collection of delinquent payments were also added to the Customer Service Policies and became effective October 1, 2009.

Douglas PUD still offers some of the lowest prices in the United States. We remain committed to providing you the best possible utility services at the lowest possible cost consistent with sound business principles.

A rate schedule of the current and newly adopted rates and more information is available on our website at www.douglaspud.org or by calling 509-884-7191.

Holiday Safety

The holiday season has arrived, and it’s time to decorate the house. Before you hang holiday lights or put up a tree, Douglas PUD would like to offer some tips to ensure that you and your family have a safe and happy holiday season:

  • When decorating outdoors, keep ladders away from overhead power lines.

  • For outside decorations, use only those lights labeled for outdoor use.

  • Keep Christmas tree lights away from the tree’s water supply.

  • Never string lights while they are plugged in.

  • Keep greenery safe and fresh with frequent watering.

  • Keep paper, tinsel and water away from hot lights.

  • Never put electric lights on a metal Christmas tree.

  • Inspect tree lights for cracked or loose sockets, exposed wires, and frayed, broken or scorched insulation.

  • Don’t overload home circuits with too many lights.

  • Buy lights labeled by a testing laboratory, such as Underwriters Laboratory (UL).