PUD to consider hiking cost of power

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.

? 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.clarkpublicutilities.com.

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.