PUD commissioners shun another rate hike

Snohomish County PUD commissioners deserve a pat on the back for holding the line on electricity rates in the 2004 budget they approved this week.

The PUD will absorb a 2.2 percent rate increase from the Bonneville Power Adminstration, from which the PUD buys 80 percent of its power. It will do so without smoke and mirrors, but with old-fashioned belt-tightening — 14 open positions will go unfilled, fewer outside consultants and contractors will be hired, and savings will be found in operations and maintenance, already a lean department.

County ratepayers have been stung hard by rising rates since the power crisis of 2000-2001, paying among the highest power bills in the state. Most of the forces that caused rates to spike were out of the PUD’s control, but the organization’s response has been to aggressively find ways to save money, through its own responsible budget cuts to fighting unfair rate increases in court.

Keeping rates at a reasonable level will be an ongoing challenge, of course. From reworking the PUD’s relationship with BPA to pushing for more conservation, the commissioners are taking proactive steps. It’s just what they should be doing.