2021-11-08 Quarterly Update with PUD
Quarterly Update with PUD
November 8, 2021
2:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Swope, Becky Butler, Austin Majors, Willie Painter
Guests: Frank Corbin, Eric Rosane
Recorder: Tammy Martin
Willie Painter provided the following updates:
Winlock Substation and Transmission Facilities: PUD received a planning grant as well as PUD
contributions for an analysis to construct the substation and transmission facility in Winlock. PUD was
allocated $3.5 million from the American Rescue Plan Act, and recently a $2.5 million request was
advanced to the 2022 appropriations bill at the federal level. PUD is seeking a grant from Economic
Development Association (EDA) funding program to support the project. PUD estimates the project to
be in the $9 million - 12 million range. PUD is still in negotiations to determine the best site for the
Winlock substation.
PUD has been able to temporarily supply power to the Lowe’s distribution center. There is a need for a
new substation and infrastructure. They are looking to scale the infrastructure meet incremental needs
as they come forward. The goal is to start with a 25 megawatt substation and increase 25 megawatts to
meet future needs. The cost for the initial phase is approximately $13 million. They received a
commitment for $1 million from Benaroya. There is also a $2.5 million appropriations bill being
presented to Legislature that would help support the substation development. Willie said there have
been numerous partners collaborating for the utilities portion of the Winlock substation.
LED Light Conversion: PUD launched a countywide program to change all high-pressure sodium lights to
LED lights. They have converted approximately 600 lights. Phase II will include light poles and will begin
in 2022. Private customers receiving these LED lights will see a reduction in billing for rates due to the
conversion.
This initiative was identified in the 10-year plan. This was to update outdated and obsolete equipment.
This will save money. 2,632 lights that were converted. Non municipal lights started first and will likely
be completed in the first quarter of 2022. Any fixtures that have burned out or need replacement, have
been converted. The electricity rate fees are considerably lower.
Broadband Network and Deployment Plan: Willie said that broadband is a great deficiency in Lewis
County. The PUD has a network architecture plan utilizing current infrastructure. They have divided
Lewis County into 17 zones. Once grant funding is secured, PUD will own, maintain and operate the
infrastructure. Through partnership with private internet providers, the provider would then supply the
service to private or commercial residents.
PUD resubmitted the pre-application for the Randle area. LCPUD is looking for funding to support.
SmartHub App for customers: This in an integrated software program. This will include all systems
within LCPUD. There will be great new features for customers. There will be a smart phone app for
customers. Access energy use and update account information, contact various departments, can much
more effective reporting of power outages. They will also be able to push notification on power outage
fix expectancy. They have approximately 34,000 customers in Lewis County and this program will help
those that prefer to communicate digitally.
Willie provided an update on arrearages. The disconnect moratorium ended October 30, 2021. The PUD
contacted all those in arrears to start a payment plan. The PUD has been working with those in arrears.
Disconnects will begin mid-November if individuals owing haven’t started a payment plan, made plans
to pay down the bill or connect with a financial assistance option. The amount owed was over $800,000,
and LCPUD has been able to collect a considerable amount. There are currently 710 customers owing
$465,274.
Meeting adjourned at 3:03 p.m.