The Grays Harbor PUD's proposed rate restructuring has called some customers to question the PUD's actions. The PUD is to delay voting on the issue, due to public outcry.
The PUD has proposed the rate structure be moved from a two-tier billing system for residential customers, to having everybody pay a flat rate of 7.25 cents per kilowatt hour. With the rate system, customers would pay 1.24 cents for the first 360 kilowatt hours they used and 8.71 cents for each additional hour.
The proposal was drafted after the PUD performed a cost of service analysis. The new rate structure is thought to be a more sustainable business model. Opponents of the proposal site that the new rate system will be difficult for low-income customers to pay their bill. They argue that those who aim to conserve energy would be picking up the costs of those who do not.
The rate restructuring is thought to be necessary to cut down on costs while also making sure every customer pays the same amount. The PUD has estimated the average residential customer using 1500 kilowatts per month would see an increase of $3.45 to their bill if the proposal is approved.
Should the rate increase be approved, a small rate increase would be seen by area businesses. The monthly residential system charge would go from $40.54 to $39.