Chelan PUD reviews customer feedback ahead of Nov. 16 vote on five-year rate plan

WENATCHEE — Chelan PUD customers raised concerns about the cost of living and asked about the impact of data centers on their bills and whether surplus hydropower revenue could be used to lower rates as commissioners prepare to vote Nov. 16 on a proposed five-year rate plan.

Commissioners reviewed about two dozen comments submitted by email or in person, the utility said in a Nov. 5 release. The PUD will continue accepting comments through Nov. 16.

The plan proposes annual residential rate increases of 5% for electricity, 2.5% for water and 4% for wastewater. Based on average use, the PUD estimates those increases would add about $3.50 to a monthly electric bill, $2 to a water bill and $4 to a wastewater bill. If approved, the increases would take effect June 1 each year from 2027 through 2031, subject to annual board review. The plan also proposes a 2.5% annual wholesale fiber rate increase, with the 2027 increase deferred.

The PUD said its typical 3% annual rate increase can no longer keep pace with rising costs for materials, supplies and equipment. The utility uses proceeds from surplus hydropower sales to help keep rates low and pay for capital projects. It said relying on those sales to cover a growing share of operating costs would leave it more exposed to fluctuations in wholesale power prices.

Commissioners approved a separate expansion of the PUD’s bill assistance program in February, and it took effect in June. The program previously served low-income seniors and customers with disabilities. It now offers households that meet its income guidelines a 25% discount on basic and usage charges for residential electricity, water and wastewater. Customers already enrolled transferred automatically. Households can check income limits and apply at chelanpud.org/discounts.

Later this fall, the PUD plans to begin offering larger rebates for home energy upgrades. The rebates include $4,300 to replace an electric forced-air furnace with a qualifying ducted heat pump and $1,800 to switch to a qualifying heat pump water heater. The program also covers some window and insulation upgrades.

Homeowners may qualify with a household income at or below 120% of Chelan County’s area median income. The home must be their primary residence and have permanently installed electric heat as its main source of heat in winter. The PUD says customers who receive the 25% bill discount will automatically meet the rebate program’s income requirement. Rebate amounts and project requirements are available at chelanpud.org/reach.

The proposal and answers to frequently asked questions are available on the PUD’s five-year rate plan page.

Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media