In response to rising costs, Lewis County PUD Commissioners approved an upcoming adjustment in electrical rates, effective January 1, 2025.
The rates will be increasing 7.1% which roughly translates to a $7.80 increase to the average residential customer’s monthly bill. The commissioners also approved an additional 1.25% adjustment that will take effect January 1, 2026.
“Unfortunately, due to increasing costs of power and materials, we have to make the difficult decision to raise rates,” said PUD Commissioner Ed Rothlin. “The power Lewis County PUD purchases to pass along to our customers is 60% of our budget and there are significant projected increases coming to the cost of that power. To mitigate this as much as possible, we have made the internal cuts we can without sacrificing safety and reliability.”
The PUD is projecting their 2025-2026 budget based on a 10% increase from the BPA.
“Over the last few years, the commissioners have diligently worked with staff to keep rates for our customers as low as possible,” said PUD Commissioner Michael Kelly. “With the anticipated Bonneville Power Association 10% rate increase in 2025, the one-off weather event this last January and other miscellaneous factors the need for a rate adjustment is necessary. The commissioners have carefully analyzed the proposed budget and along with staff have made cuts in 2025 and 2026. These cuts will minimize the impact on rates to our customers while still maintaining the integrity of our publicly owned utility.”
In January of this year, a cold snap saw power prices soar which impacted utilities throughout the region.
“The trickle-down effect of laws that have been passed by our state and federal governments continue to impact us all,” said PUD Commissioner Mike Hadaller. “Every decision that has been made to reduce power supply recently has made it more expensive. Last winter during the cold snap the cost was so steep that we had to dig into our reserves, and we need to replenish those reserves. The rate in Lewis County will still be one of the lowest in the state. Sorry about the pinch, but we all feel it.”
"We understand the impact that rate increases can have on our customers," said PUD General Manager David Plotz. "However, the costs of delivering reliable and safe electricity have risen across the board. The rate increase will allow us to continue providing the high-quality service our customers expect."
The PUD offers programs to assist customers including free home energy audits, rebates and incentives through energy services, low-income weatherization, residential budget payment plans, Project Share assistance, senior low-income program, commercial and industrial efficiency program, and community organization referrals.
"We remain committed to ensuring that our community has access to safe and reliable energy at the lowest possible cost," said Plotz.
About Lewis County Public Utility District
Lewis County PUD is a community-owned, locally governed utility providing power services and telecommunications infrastructure to approximately 35,000 customers throughout most of Lewis County and adjacent communities.
###