At the August 4 Public Utility District No. 2 meeting, Bonneville Power Administration rates that will be passed down to local PUD customers go into effect this October 1.
General Manager Doug Miller spoke that BPA has made their final decision about the new rate structure and will see rates depending on service ranging from 4.4% to as much as 7.9%. The PUD management and staff will have the final evaluation about the rate increase ready for public information at the next PUD meeting in Long Beach, August 18.
After authorizing a few service extensions, PUD Commissioners went through the next agenda item, consideration of bid no. 2015-2, installation and splicing of fiber optic cables in various locations in Pacific County. Prices to install, splice and test in six locations were discussed and two bids were looked at.
The recommended bid by North Sky Communications at approximately $154,459, not including tax was put up. Manager Miller spoke that there was a difference of $10,000 based on how the job was estimated between the PUD and the two contractors. Miller noted that the project is ready to get started. The Commissioners passed the bid based on PUD staff recommendations awarding the bid to North Sky Communications.
The next bid had to do with work in vaults and the PUD had solicited four bids but had only two contractors respond. After going through a list of bid items, Miller advised that the engineering staff of the PUD would be further looking at the numbers to give the commissioners a report at the next PUD meeting in Long Beach.
A pair of solar/electric generating facilities by Pacific County residents, one located in Long Beach another in Ocean Park, are requesting an agreement to sell unused energy back to the PUD. The two facilities would have an inter-tie with the PUD to sell any unused energy for PUD use. The request was authorized.
Manager Miller brought out that the PUD is looking to join the National Joint Powers Alliance in order to save money and time in acquiring some equipment for the PUD. Looking to replace a manlift truck utilized at the beach, the new partnership with NJPA saves the PUD the money and time it takes to go through bidding. With a truck at the beach reaching its 15th year in service it is time that the PUD looks at replacing the unit and it taking advantage of a new program to make the purchase. Manager Miller spoke of other PUD's in Mason and Lewis Counties that are already utilizing this program and are finding it very economical. There was further discussion to understand that the NJPA has the power to get a fleet price on equipment which in turn svae son a single unit price by PUD's.
During public comment, resident Pat Myers questioned the use of the new wing or addition that the PUD is building. It was answered that the new extension would house a auditorium, a conditioned room for extended record retention and up to seven office spaces. It was further explained that the current auditorium that houses the Commissioners meetings would be converted into a small meeting room and storage space.
The next meeting of the PUD Commissioners will be in Long Beach on August 18, where they hope to have an updated finical report.