PUD to Hold Public Power Week Open House

October 2, 2009

Columbia River People's Utility District (PUD) is celebrating 25 years of service with a Public Power Week Open House, to be held October 5-9, 2009.

PUD customers are invited to stop by the office in Deer Island between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. for coffee and refreshments.  Customers can also enter into a daily prize drawing and vote for their favorite photographs in the 2010 PUD calendar photo contest. 

Columbia River PUD was formed in 1941 but did not become operational until August 31, 1984, when it began providing electric service to 6,000 former customers of Portland General Electric (PGE). Today, the PUD provides electric service to 18,560 customers in the areas of St. Helens, Scappoose, and Rainier, Oregon.

"We are proud to be a public power community," said PUD General Manager Kevin Owens. "Our focus goes beyond providing electricity to customers. We serve our community."

When it began providing service, Columbia River PUD made a promise to customers that it would keep electric rates at least 5% below PGE. Over the past 25 years, that promise has produced huge savings for PUD customers. In 2009, the PUD's residential rates are 36.5% less than PGE rates, resulting in $7.9 million in savings for PUD customers this year alone.

"Our economy is struggling, and every dollar counts," said Owens. "I can't imagine how much worse it would be if another $7.9 million was leaving the local economy each year."

In addition to providing safe, reliable electric service at affordable rates, the PUD has grown to become one of the area's most well-respected companies. With a staff of 48, the PUD provides products and services that rival the largest utilities, including renewable energy and energy efficiency programs and a full suite of bill payment options.

The PUD is governed by a five-member Board of Directors.  Current board members include Dave Baker from Scappoose, Loren Tarbell from Warren, Richard Simpson from St. Helens, Darrel Purkerson from St. Helens and Carol Everman from Rainier.  Board members are elected by the voters within the PUD's political boundaries and serve four-year terms. 

Columbia River PUD is one of more than 2,000 publicly owed utilities that provide electricity on a not-for-profit basis to 45 million Americans. Public Power Week is a national, annual event sponsored in conjunction with the American Public Power Association in Washington, D.C.