PUD Commissioners set rates for 2014

EPHRATA, Wash. – Grant PUD commissioners approved an average rate increase of 2 percent on Monday, Nov. 26, during their regularly scheduled business meeting. The new rates, which vary by customer group, go into effect for all meters read after Jan. 1, 2014.

The new rates are projected to increase retail revenue to the utility by 2 percent. Drivers behind the increase stem from a number of capital projects associated with the utility’s federal license to operate Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams. The board has directed staff to continue looking into small, predictable rate increases designed to gradually cover increased debt service costs associated with the current capital requirements. The board is also working to better align revenue requirements among customer groups based on the cost to serve each individual class.