PUD Commissioners Asks Rate Payers to Contact BPA

Grays Harbor PUD Ratepayers,  

Your Grays Harbor PUD is facing a 9.4% rate increase by the Bonneville Power Administration. Indications are this could go as high as 25%. This is significant because 78% of our total power resources come from BPA, and increases in BPA’s rate always have a direct impact on Grays Harbor PUD costs. In fact, BPA costs make up 40% of our total costs. Your PUD is working to minimize the rate increase, and we need your help.  

Right now, the Bonneville Power Administration is taking public comment on their rate proposal. A BPA rate increase of 10% would cost your PUD an additional $4 million per year. That increase is the reason staff has recommended a 4% increase in the energy charge for consideration by the PUD Board. This would generate an estimated $2.5 million, with the remaining $1.5 million shortfall met with a combination of PUD cost saving measures and financial tools. This recommendation would not be made if not for the BPA proposed rate increase.  

Your PUD is asking BPA to cut costs, find efficiencies and make changes in the way they do business to eliminate the need for a rate increase. We strongly believe this is possible without impacting BPA’s operations. We are taking an active role in the public process called a “rate case,” but more voices are needed to ensure BPA knows this rate increase is not necessary. 

We are asking you to take action; tell BPA not to increase our rates. Let BPA know that any level of rate increase will hurt our already struggling local economy, runs contrary to current Federal policy that is injecting money into the economy, will cost jobs, and will reduce money available for development of renewable resources. Tell them your story and how an increase in the rate you pay will impact you. 

Here’s how you can help. Submit your comments opposing a rate increase to BPA either in writing or electronically.  Comments must be received no later than April 24, 2009. Here are some simple instructions:   

Comment Electronically: Log on to www.ghpud.org. Under the headline, “No BPA Rate Increase” click on “Submit comments to BPA.” The comment window will open.  Simply fill out the form, type your comments and hit “submit.” Your comments will automatically go to BPA and become part of the official record for the rate case. Please identify yourself as being from Grays Harbor. That will allow us to track the comments from our customers on BPA’s website and compile copies to share with key elected officials as we seek their assistance to help minimize the rate increase.  

In Writing: Simply write your comments to BPA and mail it to the address below.  When submitting your comments, please identify yourself as being from Grays Harbor. This will allow us to track comments from our customers and compile copies to share with key elected officials as we seek their assistance to help minimize the rate increase. Send your written comments to:  

BPA  
P.O. Box 14428 
Portland, OR 97293-4428