With new leadership at both the state and federal levels, ensuring affordable and reliable electricity remains a top priority for our community. As the elected board of Pacific PUD, we are dedicated to advocating for policies at the regional, state, and federal levels that safeguard our customers’ access to dependable and cost-effective power. Through involvement in industry organizations and advocacy efforts, we work to protect energy rates and maintain a stable power supply for Pacific County.

We believe it is valuable for our community to understand the industry and advocacy organizations we are part of, as they enable us to collaborate with other utilities and amplify our collective impact within the broader public power community in the Pacific Northwest.

Pacific PUD is a member of the Washington Public Utility District Association (WPUDA), which supports PUDs in legislative affairs at the state, regional, and national levels. Each commissioner serves on different WPUDA committees, and during the state legislative session, we advocate for policies that strengthen essential utility services, including power, water and telecommunications.

At the regional and national level, we participate in the Public Power Council (PPC), which represents consumer-owned utilities across the Northwest. PPC works to ensure favorable policies for utilities that rely on the Federal Columbia River Power System (FCRPS) and the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) for wholesale power and transmission. BPA provides clean, renewable energy, helping keep electricity rates affordable.

Recognizing the importance of broadband access, we participate in the Northwest Open Access Network (NOANet) to expand high-speed internet services in rural Washington. Through NOANet, Pacific PUD provides wholesale telecommunications services to improve connectivity.

Last week in Washington, D.C., regional trade associations came together for the annual APPA (American Public Power Association) conference. Each year WPUDA, PPC, NWPPA (NorthWest Public Power Association) and others meet with members of Congress and the administration to advocate for the interests and concerns of public power. We are aware of the staffing concerns at BPA and are continuing to work with our federal representatives to ensure that BPA continues to run smoothly and our voices are heard. They are communicating to legislators that BPA is self-funded by ratepayers (public power), not taxpayers, so the reductions being sought will not reduce the deficit.

We hope this information is helpful and remain committed to keeping you informed. Your participation and input are always encouraged. Our Board meetings are held on the first and third Tuesdays of each month. For more information, visit www.pacificpud.org, follow us on Facebook, or contact us directly.

MICHELLE LAYMAN, President

PAM HICKEY, Vice President

DEBBIE OAKES, Secretary