Electric bills could climb in Pasco, Franklin County for 1st time in 6 years

Franklin PUD in Pasco is considering its first rate increase in six years.

A 3% hike in the cost of electricity used is proposed annually from May 1 of this year through May 1, 2027. It would cost the average residential customer about $4 more each month this year.

Each of the next three years the Franklin Public Utility District Commission would review the 3% increase, if approved, and would only implement it if needed, according to a Franklin PUD presentation.

“These are unprecedented times that have significantly increased the cost to do business,” said Rosario Viera, a spokesperson for the PUD in a message to the Tri-City Herald. “We believe it is necessary to do a rate action.”

The 3% increase for energy used would be for all customer classes, including residential, farm, irrigation and industrial customers.

The base fee, or system charge, for residential customers would not be changed. All residential customers pay a monthly charge of $34 for service, with an additional charge for electricity used that now averages about $94.

It would average about $98 if the commission approves the May rate increase for a total average monthly bill for the remainder of 2024 of about $132.

Demand charges, which do not apply to residential customers, also would go up 3%.

“Many other utilities have had significant increases, and we are fortunate to be only seeking 3% increase,” Viera said.

Franklin PUD’s service area has continued to grow, but it has been providing service to customers with fewer employees, she said.

That has been done through not replacing employees who leave and finding creative solutions to provide services, she said.

The PUD continues to evaluate its electric infrastructure to ensure equipment and parts are being used to their full potential and, when possible, refurbishing equipment to provide electricity safely and reliably, she said.

It also is using its automated meter infrastructure to increase efficiency and work to reduce costs, she said.

“Franklin PUD is committed to navigating the challenges of a changing energy market in the most pro-active, economical and least impactful way for our customers,” Viera said. “By planning for incremental rate increases, Franklin PUD aims to provide our residents and businesses with the ability to anticipate and adapt to their future energy costs.”

The Franklin PUD serves Pasco and other parts of Franklin County, including the Connell, Kahlotus, Ringold, Sagehill and Levey areas.

Public hearings are planned at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, April 3, and during the 8:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 23, meeting of the PUD commissioners. Both hearings will be at the Franklin PUD’s auditorium at 1411 W. Clark St., Pasco.

The meetings also will be available online via Zoom. Links are posted at franklinpud.com/who-we-are/commission-meeting-information. The PUD’s rate increase presentation, with specific information for each rate class, is posted at the same link.

A decision on the rate increase is expected at the commission’s April 23 meeting.