Mason PUD News

The Mason County PUD No. 3 Board of Commissioners approved vouchers in the amount of $417,600. Commissioners also approved writing off uncollectible merchandise accounts in the amount of $20,000. The accounts will be forwarded to an agency for further collection efforts.

Commissioners approved Resolution 1494, Establishing Fringe Benefits for Non-Union Employees.

Jay Himlie, power supply manager stated that staff is implementing changes to the way in which PUD 3 addresses the removal, decommissioning, and disposal of a customer’s inefficient refrigerator or freezer. The program has been contracted to JACO, Inc. Customers will receive a $30 billing credit for up to two units removed from their home. JACO will be reimbursed for its role in the process through BPA conservation programs.

Annette Creekpaum, finance manager reported on a recent announcement from the US Department of Treasury on the allocation of Clean Renewable Energy Bonds (CREBS) to public utilities. These bonds function as tax credit bonds which allow investors to receive federal tax credits that will cover 70 percent of the interest on the bonds.

Nearly $110 million was allocated for CREBS to go towards the development of the Radar Ridge wind project near Naselle in Pacific County. However, of the four participating utilities in the Radar Ridge wind project, the bond allocation did not include Mason County PUD No. 3.

PUD 3 was allocated $42.8 million of the total $84 million CREB allocation for the proposed Mustang Ridge wind project in south central Washington.

Creekpaum noted that the PUD has several options regarding Radar Ridge, including the possibility of moving a portion of the utility’s Mustang Ridge allocation to the wind project in Pacific County.

PUD 3 attorney Rob Johnson reported that an out-of-court settlement had been reached with a Harstine Island customer regarding a tree trimming and removal project on Wingert Road.

Linda Gott, commission president, opened discussion about an October 29 meeting regarding Johns Prairie water issues between the City of Shelton, Mason County and Port of Shelton. PUD 3 has entered into an agreement with the City to construct a water main from the city limits along Johns Prairie Road to the site of the PUD’s new operations center. The PUD would recoup its costs through latecomer agreements as property owners connected to the new line.

During the joint meeting, Port commissioners pointed out that due to an order from the Washington State Department of Ecology they must address water rights and capacity on Johns Prairie. Annexation, rates, and system development charges were among the issues of concern stated by the Port. The Port is also working with a biomass energy firm that is interested in locating in the area. The power plant will require new, reliable water sources.

Gott and staff agreed that a continued dialog with all parties would be worthwhile.

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