Letter to the Editor: Miller for PUD

A substantial amount of this debt was funneled into the landfill gas project in Roosevelt (beset by cost overruns), which is now losing money. These losses are brought about by low wholesale prices for electricity and a high debt load on this project. As a result, the PUD is raising electric rates to cover the losses.

The current commissioner says these are “circumstances beyond our control.” Sound business practices take into consideration unforeseen events, especially when risking ratepayers money. Klickitat PUD residential rates are higher than any PUD in the state. Since 2001, residential rates have risen 85 percent with more increases planned for 2017.

PUD commissioners are now in pursuit of yet another risky generation project called the “pump storage project.” This project actually loses energy and is predicated on gambling with time-of-day wholesale rates to be profitable. The PUD has spent more than one million dollars of ratepayers’ money pursuing this project and is currently paying a consultant to move the project forward.

I am supporting Doug Miller for PUD commissioner. Doug is a 30-year retired PUD employee and has a great deal of knowledge of PUD operations. I have known Doug for over 30 years and worked alongside him at the PUD for most of those years. He has unquestionable honesty and integrity. Doug will bring common sense to the board to control costs and will oppose risky projects such as the “pump storage project.” Doug will be a breath of fresh air to a board set in its ways and determined to pursue risky generation projects.

Bob Havig

White Salmon