Community meeting scheduled for 6 p.m. on Wednesday, January 17

information released

Chelan PUD will host a community meeting in Peshastin next week regarding the planned acquisition of the Peshastin Water District.

The acquisition has been in the works since 2016, when Peshastin Water District asked Chelan PUD to take on the 240-meter system for better efficiency. Peshastin Water District has held about six community meetings to update customers.

Under the agreement signed in September 2023, Chelan PUD would pay the water system’s debts and cover system improvements to bring Peshastin Water District up to the same standard as other community water systems that Chelan PUD operates. The utility plans to complete the acquisition in late March.

For most Peshastin Water District customers, monthly rates will be the same or less under Chelan PUD’s rate structure. However, customers will see a temporary monthly adder to cover the cost of system improvements. The adder will sunset after the debt is paid.

For example, the average residential water customer pays about $67 per month under Peshastin Water District rates. Chelan PUD rates would be about $63 per month, plus a $17 rate adder. Low-income senior and disabled customers are eligible for a discount.

Chelan PUD will continue to pursue eligible grant funding.

The Peshastin community meeting will be held at 6 p.m. Jan. 17 at Peshastin Dryden Elementary School. Customers can also submit comments to contactus@chelanpud.org, or attend a rate hearing at the Jan. 22 Commission meeting. Commissioners will vote on the rate plan Feb. 5.

In other news, commissioners:

  • Heard a progress report on a maintenance project at Tumwater Dam.

For more information about Chelan PUD, visit their website.