Following recent public hearings, Grant PUD commissioners approved a $305.7 million budget for 2013. Commissioners also approved a plan to increase rates by 6 percent for all Grant County electric customers.

The new rates will impact customers differently depending on their rate class and individual usage. For an average residential customer, the change represents an increase of approximately $5 per month (based on an average use of 1,500 kW). The new rates go into effect for all meters read after Jan. 1, 2013.

The budget includes significant dollars allocated for:

• Turbine and generator replacements at Wanapum Dam

• Hatchery site improvements and construction

• Recreation site enhancements

• Ongoing electric system reliability improvements.

“These are not easy decisions, but ultimately I believe we found a balance between the needs of the public and the demands of aging infrastructure,” said Commission President Tom Flint. “By working together, we were able to reduce the proposed increase from 8 percent down to 6. I believe it’s important for the public to know that we are making good on our commitment to our customers while fulfilling the obligations of our federal license to operate Priest Rapids and Wanapum dams.”