2022-02-14 Quarterly Update with PUDQuarterly Update with PUD
February 14, 2022
2:30 p.m.
Present: Commissioner Pollock, Commissioner Grose, Austin Majors, Willie Painter, Semere Huckleberry
Guest(s): None
Recorder: Tammy Martin
South County substation and transmission project: Willie Painter said there are two industrial park
developers along with significant growth requiring additional need for infrastructure. Phase I is a 25
megawatt substation costing $13.4 million for the first phase. If there are additional needs at the
industrial center for more power, additional upgrades can be made to the substation.
Broadband updates: The PUD has been working on broadband deployments. Lewis County received.
There was $12.9 million received for the for the Elbe area. The PUD were encouraged to re-apply for the
second funding rounds. Willie asked for the Commissioners’ support in with the application process. The
goal is to have broadband available from private internet service providers.
Utility bill arrearages: Willie said arrearages are now at approximately $523,000 which is down from
over $800,000. This is after waiving disconnect and late fees. Willie said the PUD is working to make
payment arrangements for those affected.
LED street light conversion: Willie said the conversion of high-pressure sodium vapor lights to LED lights
are mostly complete. 1,300 lights have been converted and the PUD is working with towns and cities to
complete the rest of the fixtures by the end of 2022.
Willie wanted to inquire about partnership in a multi-jurisdictional radio system with Lewis County as
Lewis County looks at replacing their radio systems. Willie mentioned the PUD radio system has met
with some infrastructure needs. He said the radio system is critical to the PUD in supplying services to
its customers. Willie said the same people serviced by the PUD are serviced by Lewis County and it
would be beneficial to both parties to consider a partnership.
Meeting ended at 3:05 p.m.