My Snohomish County PUD electric bills are outrageous. Higher than any other utility I’ve ever used. In fact, SnoPUD’s rates exceed all other PUD rates in Washington. I wanted to know why, so I did my research. SnoPUD’s website discloses, “PUD rates are set by the Board of Commissioners.” The commissioners are also responsible for green-lighting financial nightmares.
The Herald’s article, “PUD claims gentlemen’s agreement over tidal project funding” revealed that SnoPUD’s $20 million tidal project ballooned to $38 million. Why didn’t the commissioners pull the plug before they spent $8 million? Other money losers:
SnoPUD’s geothermal project: $3.7 million.
Young’s Creek jydro: $1.6 million in a year.
Jackson hydro: $8.8 million in a year.
The Sunset Falls project: They don’t know.
As of April 22, 2014, in a letter from SnoPUD, they admitted that the 2011 budget hadn’t been updated, despite their overages and design changes. Incredibly, SnoPUD already studied Sunset Falls. The location was found to be “financially infeasible” for hydro.
SnoPUD’s rates are so high because current SnoPUD commissioners blow ratepayers’ and taxpayers’ money on foolish, controversial money-suckers instead of doing what a PUD is supposed to do: Provide reliable power at an affordable rate. We need new commissioners.
Dave Aldrich is running for commissioner again. His last campaign promised to lower rates. They’ve risen under his watch.
Bruce King is also running for SnoPUD commissioner. Bruce has created and run many successful businesses, so he knows not to pursue money-losing projects. I believe he’s the change we’ve been waiting for.
Andrea Matzke
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