PUD to consider hiking cost of power
Utility needs to increase income for the end of the year
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Clark Public Utilities commissioners will convene Tuesday to weigh a proposed rate increase for electric customers.
A lousy economy and mild weather have depressed demand for electricity, which is forcing the utility to look for ways to offset a projected year-end budget shortfall of almost $17 million on a $388.6 million electric system budget.
Public meeting
■ Who, what: Clark Public Utilities commissioners will discuss a proposal to increase consumers’ cost for electricity.
■ When: 9 a.m. Tuesday
■ Where: Clark Public Utilities Electric Center at 1200 Fort Vancouver Way.
■ Information: http://www.clarkp...>
The utility has offset some of the shortfall through cost-saving measures.
Officials say the utility will need a rate hike beginning Sept. 1 to generate an additional $5.7 million to balance the books through the end of the year.
Utility commissioners Nancy Barnes, Carol Curtis and Byron Hanke will convene a special meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday at 1200 Fort Vancouver Way to consider adopting the rate hike.
They are considering adding $2 to the base monthly residential customer charge of $8, as well as boosting the energy cost, which is currently 7.65 cents per kilowatt-hour, to 7.98 cents per kilowatt-hour.
A household that burns 1,500 kilowatt-hours a month now receives a bill of $122.75. That would rise to $129.70.
Following the meeting, the commissioners will dedicate a new well field southeast of Vancouver Lake along Fruit Valley Road.
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