Infrastructure investments, regulation, added tree trimming and increased power costs push PUD rates higher.
Bonneville Power Administration’s cost increases, depressed surplus power revenue, renewable energy mandates, and deferred infrastructure investments were the key factors of Lewis County PUD Commissioners approving a rate increase effective January 1, 2020. The price per kilowatt-hour (kWh) will increase for all metered accounts and varies by rate schedule. There is no change to the daily fixed charge. A residential customer using 1,400 kWh per month will see an increase of $4.43 per month, before city taxes, which works out to be a 3.6% increase on the bill.
Lewis County PUD offers many programs and services available to assist customers, such as: free energy audits, rebates and incentives for conservation measures, low income weatherization, and energy efficiency loans. Qualifying customers can also take advantage of Project Share, a low-income assistance program administered through Community Action Council.