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SHELTON, WA 98584

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Mason PUD News

PUD 3 Commission Report for June 8, 2010

Meeting Highlights

Status of the Budget and Treasurer’s report for May, 2010
A pilot program for local energy management may be in the offing

Consent Agenda

Mason County PUD No. 3 Commissioners approved vouchers in the amount of $724,757.

Comments from the Public

Bill Burrows of Harstine Island thanked the PUD 3 commission and staff for their efforts to obtain federal stimulus funding for broadband deployment on the Island. Burrows also commended staff and line crews for their response to service calls and their follow up, especially when compared to service in other areas of Puget Sound.

Stan Lattin of Hartstene Pointe commented that he appreciated the leadership that the PUD has brought to the broadband stimulus project. Lattin said that he if his dream of a connected Harstine Island is realized, it would likely be the first Island in Puget Sound with high speed fiber optic service. He especially cited the efforts of Dale Knutson, telecommunications manager, and Terri Oberg, telecommunications office manager, in the project.

Louis Cofoni of Shelton commented on several news articles about electric car programs planned for Washington State. He noted his concern about the source of electricity for the charging stations, especially since building renewable energy projects has become more difficult in recent years.

Staff Reports

PUD 3 Finance Manager Annette Creekpaum reported on the status of the budget, ending May 31, 2010. May expenditures were $4.1 million. Expenditures for the first five months of the year were $24.2 million, or 43 percent of the 2010 budget. Revenue for May was $4.2 million. Revenue for the first five months of the year was $25.5 million, which is 46 percent of the 2010 budget.

Creekpaum said that the PUD ended the month of May 2010 with a reserve balance of $26.6 million. Total investments were $28.5 million.

Jay Himlie, power supply manager, reported that an announcement is imminent on a regional pilot program aimed at managing local demand for electricity during times of tight energy supply. Himlie said the program could also assist in matching local energy needs with renewable energy output. A formal announcement will be coordinated with other participants.

Wyla Wood, PUD manager, noted several housekeeping items: the city of Shelton and Mason County Fire District Five have requested an opportunity to address the board regarding their annexation activities; Clallam County PUD has committed to paying its share of additional environmental studies through July for the Radar Ridge wind project; a law firm representing environmental groups has noted its interest in the Radar Ridge project activities; the PUD will be paying for the printing of plans and documents for bidders on the Johns Prairie operations center at a cost not to exceed $40,000.

Next Meeting

The next PUD 3 commission meeting takes place June 15, 2010 at 10:00 AM in the PUD auditorium at 307 West Cota Street in Shelton.