Meeting of Commissioners of
Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County, Washington
November 7, 2023
A meeting of Commissioners of Public Utility District No. 1 of Clark County was held at Clark Public Utilities, 1200 Fort Vancouver Way, Vancouver, Washington, on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Present: Vice President Jim Malinowski, Secretary Nancy Barnes Commissioners, CEO/General Manager Lena Wittler, Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny, Director of Energy Resources Dan Bedbury, Director of Employee Resources Nichole Reitzenstein, Director of Information Services Jeff Groff, Director of Communications Erica Erland, Director of Engineering Cal Morris, Director of Operations/Interim Director of Water Gene Morris, General Counsel John Eldridge, Director of Customer Service Lisa Fix, Power Manager Steve Andersen, Clean Energy Program Manager Matt Babbitts, Community Engagement Specialist Morgan Van Fleet, Customer Service Work Group Leader Stacey Metz, and Assistant to the CEO/General Manager Margaret Anderson.
Staff via digital conference (phone or video): PIO/Media Specialist Dameon Pesanti
Others present via digital conference (phone or video) or in person: Gordon Matthews, Don Steinke, Alona Steinke, Rick Marshall, Tom Gordon, Monica Zazueta, Bryan Kast, and Chris Thobaben.
At 9:00 a.m., Vice President Malinowski called the meeting to order for the transaction of formal business Commissioner Van Dyke was excused from the meeting and the agenda was approved as presented (Materials B).
Public Comment
The following represents a brief summary of comments made by members of the public in attendance:
Don Steinke provided comments on solar growth and the upcoming availability of grants, Mr. Steinke encouraged the utility to hire staff to write grants.
Rick Marshall asked for accessibility to the Integrated Resource Plan earlier in order to have more meaningful public participation, a request for a clearer explanation regarding unbundled RECs and clearer understanding for the public regarding the implied carbon offset cost.
Gordon Matthews shared his concerns over our August financial presentation, increase in temperatures in the northwest and the need for more community solar.
Monica Zazueta read a summary of blockchain technology from the book titled Doughnut Economics.
Chris Thobaben is looking for a real time breakdown of power purchase prices, by resource, hour by hour.
If written comments are submitted, they may be obtained by contacting Margaret Anderson at [email protected] or 360-992-3378.
Consideration of the Minutes of October 17, 2023
The minutes were approved as presented.
Consideration of Accounts Payable
The board, by a unanimous vote, approved the following payment amounts as listed on the Letter of Transmittal dated November 7, 2023 from the District Auditor (Materials C):
Electric Revenue Fund – $13,117,116.60
Water Revenue Fund – $909,909.91
Generating System Fund – $431,634.21
For a total of $14,458,660.72
Consideration of Establishment of LUD Nos. 1437, 1464, 1467 and 1469
Director of Engineering Cal Morris addressed the board regarding the Establishment of Local Utility District Nos. 1437, 1464, 1467 and 1469.
Resolution No. 7809 – LUD No. 1437 – 62nd Avenue Cottages
Resolution No. 7810 – LUD No. 1464 – Felida SL Subdivision
Resolution No. 7811 – LUD No. 1467 – Pacific Landing
Resolution No. 7812 – LUD No. 1469 – Crossing at Pleasant Valley
After the presentation by Mr. Morris, Commissioner Malinowski opened the public hearing for comments. There being none, a motion was made by Commissioner Barnes, seconded by Commissioner Malinowski and unanimously carried that Resolution Nos. 7809 – 7812 be adopted (Materials D).
Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act (PURPA) Standards Review
Clean Energy Program Manager Matt Babbitts provided the board with an overview of PURPA and its intended response to the 1970 energy crisis (Materials E). Mr. Babbitts reviewed the two standards that need consideration, Standard (20) – Demand Response Practices and Standard (21) – Electric Vehicle Charging Programs. Staff will come before the board on December 5, 2023 with a recommendation for consideration.
September Financials
Director of Finance Melissa Ankeny addressed the board (Materials F). Weather was warmer and drier than normal, which resulted in electric revenues and off system sales above budget. September residential sales were 97.6% of budget, commercial sales were 107.4% and industrial sales were 93.7% of budget. September ended with a net income loss of $1.6 million compared to a budgeted net income loss of $447,000. Year-to-date net income loss is $1.4 million compared to a budgeted net income of $14.3 million.
The Water System ended September with 776 new customers, which is a growth rate of 2.56% year-to-date. September ended with a net income of $1.3 million compared to a budgeted net income of $937,000. Year-to-date net income is $5.0 million compared to a budgeted net income of $1.7 million.
September Wholesale Operations
Power Manager Steve Andersen addressed the board (Materials G). Mr. Andersen provided an update on power supply noting that September Slice generation was 9 average MW below budget and loads in September were .5 average MW above budget.
Mr. Andersen reported that the projected annual Slice generation is 159 aMW, which is below the conservative budget number of 175 aMW used by the utility.
Clark Public Utilities’ gas hedging program has netted a year-to-date savings of $21.4 million.
Commission Reports and Comments
Commissioner Barnes reported on her attendance at a Public Power Council Fuel meeting.
Commissioner Malinowski reported on his attendance at the Energy Northwest meetings.
Staff Reports
CEO/General Manager Lena Wittler reminded the board and members of the public about our Budget Workshop, November 14 from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Other Business before the Board
There being no further business to come before the Board, the meeting was adjourned at 10:37 a.m.