Mason PUD News

The Mason County PUD No. 3 Board of Commissioners approved vouchers in the amount of $694,675.

Commissioners approved a bid award to Michels Power Division of Tumwater, WA for the rebuild of underground electrical distribution lines in the Pointes Drive East area of northeast Harstine Island. The bid was $145,000. The project will result in the replacement of approximately 7,300 feet (1.4 miles) of cable, including installation of vaults and other equipment. The project will enhance safety and reliability.

The board authorized a small works contract with Specialty Engineering, Inc. of Vancouver, WA in the amount of nearly $44,000 for maintenance on 13 voltage regulators.

Commissioners approved Resolution 1488, declaring the PUD’s mailing equipment surplus and authorizing a trade-in for new equipment.

Commissioners approved Resolution 1489, to update PUD 3’s procedures and definitions for contracts for works or materials to reflect those criteria outlined in RCW 54.04.070, including increased contract values as provided for by law.

Commissioners approved Resolution 1489, to revise procedures for awarding small works contracts. The amount allowed under this type of contract was changed by the Washington State legislature from $250,000 to $300,000.

PUD 3 Finance Manager Annette Creekpaum reported on the status of the budget, ending September 30, 2009. September expenditures were $3.8 million. Expenditures for the first nine months of the year were $37.8 million, or 66 percent of the proposed 2009 budget. Revenue for September was $4.1 million. Revenue for the first nine months of the year was $42.7 million, which is 75 percent of the proposed 2009 budget.

Treasurer Sherry Speaks said that the PUD ended the month of September 2009 with a reserve balance of $28.3 million. Total investments were $31 million.

Wyla Wood, PUD 3 Manager, stated that the deadline is approaching when the PUD must determine how it will structure local power supplies with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA).  BPA is offering a new tiered rate system in the upcoming long-term power contract. Under the process, utilities would be allocated a certain level of electricity in one tier that can be purchased at the lowest available rate. Energy loads above that level would be in the second tier, and purchased at a higher rate.

By November 1, 2009 the utility will have to determine how the new structure will complement the requirements of Washington State’s renewable energy mandates. The PUD will also have to consider the short and long-term energy requirements of its service territory.

The next PUD 3 commission meeting takes place October 20, 2009 in the PUD 3 auditorium at 307 West Cota Street in Shelton at 10:00 a.m.