Franklin PUD rate hike may be canceled

Franklin PUD customers may not see their electric rates go up in May, after all.

Last year the Franklin PUD Commission passed an overall rate increase of 3 percent based on anticipated higher costs of the electricity it buys to distribute to its customers.

Rather than raising rates more then, the commissioners agreed to again raise rates up to 5 percent starting in May 2016. However, they planned to revisit the hike this year to see if it could be deferred or be less than 5 percent.

Last month the PUD’s rate advisory committee reviewed the district’s 2015 financial results and recommended that rates hold steady. PUD staff agreed.

The commissioners will consider rescinding the tentative rate increase it approved for May at its March 22 meeting, although the earlier 3 percent rate hike would stand. The meeting is at 1 p.m. at 1411 W. Clark St., Pasco.

This story was originally published March 18, 2016 at 6:46 PM with the headline "Franklin PUD rate hike may be canceled."