Okanogan County PUD commissioners heard multiple updates during their May 11 virtual meeting. The board:
- Authorized the general manager to sign Addendum No. 8 of its operation and service agreement with Douglas County PUD. In this new addendum, Okanogan PUD’s service rates were adjusted based on a new arrangement the Douglas PUD has entered into with Portland General Electric in regards to real-time power sales. Staff advised the agreement is beneficial to all parties.
- Heard that wholesale power sales were less than budgeted in April, and retail sales through March continue to be under budget. Weather is the largest driver of power sales, and with a more mild winter and warmer spring, power sales have been down. Director of Power Resources and Broadband Services Ron Gadeberg said it would be difficult at this time to determine if any reductions in retail sales were due to COVID-19 closures.
- Heard that Telecom sales continue to increase, a trend before COVID-19 restrictions that has continued. Gadeberg said almost no projects have been possible during restrictions, but the system has 3,196 users currently.
- Heard that drive-in WiFi hotspots were being installed throughout the county to aid resident students in their online schooling. (More in a separate story)
- Heard that the final payment from FEMA for the 2015 Okanogan Complex wildfires arrived April 27 for $624,000.