Mason PUD News

The Mason County PUD No. 3 Board of Commissioners approved vouchers in the amount of $433,255.

Senior Power Supply Analyst Matt Samuelson reported that there are seven customers participating in PUD 3’s “net metering” program. Six of the customers are producing electricity with solar panels while another is experimenting with a small wind turbine. If these customers produce more electricity from their renewable energy systems than they consume in any given month, they are provided a credit toward future consumption.

In addition, participants may benefit from the Washington State Renewable Energy System Cost Recovery Incentive Program, which is administered by the state Department of Revenue. Four of the seven net metering customers participated in the program for F.Y. 08-09, generating approximately 9,000 kWh of electricity, for a combined compensation of $1,350.

While the payments are made by PUD 3, the utility is credited for its outlay by a corresponding decrease in PUD excise taxes. More details on the program may be found at the link below.

http://dor.wa.gov/Docs/Pubs/SpecialNotices/2009/sn_09_RenewableEnergy.pdf

Manager Wyla Wood reported on the completion of the Lynch Road fiber optic extension project. The project was funded by a dedicated county sales tax fund, PUD 3 (for the purposes of monitoring electrical equipment in the area), and local businesses. The project will result in the retention of 35 jobs and the expected expansion of 15 positions at businesses in the project area.

Wood also stated that a PUD fiber optic project in the Kamilche and Cloquallum areas was on a list of recommended applications for federal broadband stimulus funds. It’s expected that a formal announcement on the status of the proposal will come in early November.

The next PUD 3 commission meeting takes place October 27, 2009 in the PUD 3 auditorium at 307 West Cota Street in Shelton at 10:00 a.m.