Plan would significantly expand financial assistance and increase rebates for home energy-efficiency improvements

information released

Chelan PUD commissioners considered about two dozen customer comments regarding the proposed five-year rate plan on Monday. Through email and in-person testimony, customers raised several common themes:

  • Cost of living concerns
  • Using surplus hydropower sales to reduce rates
  • The role of data centers on customer rates

Chelan PUD will continue gathering comments until Nov. 16, when commissioners are scheduled to vote on the proposed five-year rate plan. If adopted, the plan would increase rates on June 1, 2027-2031, subject to yearly board review.

Chelan PUD published a frequently asked questions page, with resources to help customers understand the proposal and its potential impact.

The plan is designed to provide predictable, gradual increases that keep pace with the cost of providing service. Rising costs for materials, supplies and equipment needed to maintain reliability are outpacing what the utility’s typical 3% annual increase can support.

Another goal for the plan is to not rely too heavily on wholesale energy sales to cover operating costs. Chelan PUD uses surplus hydropower sales to help keep rates low and support capital investment. As the gap grows between the cost of service and customer rates, depending on an uncertain energy market becomes less sustainable.

Based on average usage, here’s how the proposed plan would affect residential bills:

  • Electricity: 5% annual increase, or about $3.50 more on the average monthly bill
  • Water: 2.5% annual increase, or about $2 more on the average monthly bill
  • Wastewater: 4% annual increase, or about $4 more on the average monthly bill
  • Wholesale fiber, 2.5% annual increase deferred for 2027

The utility recently expanded its bill assistance program to provide a 25% monthly discount on water, wastewater and electricity bills for income-qualified households. Customers can apply at chelanpud.org/discounts.

Later this fall, the PUD will launch increased rebates to make home energy efficiency improvements more affordable for income-qualified households. Learn more at chelanpud.org/reach.