Lewis County PUD Approves $70.3 Million Budget; Rate Increase Expected in 2017

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The Lewis County Public Utilities District commissioners recently approved a $70.3 million budget for 2016.

The approved budget does not include a rate increase for PUD customers, but an increase is expected in 2017.

In the 2016 budget, expenditures are projected to outpace revenues for a shortfall of $1.1 million.



Money in the Rate Stabilization Fund created in December 2013 will be used to offset the deficit, according to a press release.

“Costs for purchased power, operations and maintenance, labor and benefits and capital improvements continue to escalate and as a result a rate increase will be likely for the ratepayers of Lewis County PUD in 2017,” the release states.

During the second half of 2016, a cost of service analysis will be conducted, which includes public hearings, to determine the expected rate increase for 2017.