CLARK PUBLIC UTILITIES BOARD ADOPTS 2019 BUDGET FOR ELECTRIC, GENERATING AND WATER SYSTEMS
– Rates for electric and water service remain unchanged, no increases required. –
VANCOUVER, WA – December 4, 2018 – The Clark Public Utilities commission voted today to approve annual budgets for the electric, generating and water systems. Electric and water rate increases are not currently required to fund the approved budgets.
The combined operating budget for the electric and generating systems for 2019 is $366.2 million, compared to $367.1 million in 2018. Power supply remains the large majority of the budget at $232.7 million—down from $239.2 million in 2018—and the Operating and Maintenance budget is $56.8 million. The remainder is comprised of taxes, debt service, rate-funded capital and funding for energy efficiency programs.
Commissioners also approved $21.3 million for the 2019 water system budget, compared to $17.55 in 2018. The increase largely reflects an addition of rate-funded capital for system upgrades.
“This utility continues to offer at-cost power with the reliability and service our customers should expect,” said Jim Malinowski, president of the board of commissioners. “The staff of this utility consistently develops disciplined budgets to balance many priorities and carefully manage resources.”
Capital budgets for both the electric and water systems allocate funds for system maintenance and improvements. For the electric and generating systems, projects planned for the combined $47.7 million capital investment include ongoing treatment and replacement of aging underground cable; substation, transmission and distribution line construction and upgrades; and road improvement projects. The $17.1 million capital budget for the water system allocates funds for main extensions and upgrades and investment in the Paradise Point Regional Water Supply System.
About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 195,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 35,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas.
Clark Public Utilities has been ranked highest in customer satisfaction among midsize utilities in the west by J.D. Power eleven years in a row. More information at 360-992-3000 or www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
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