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NEWPORT — Pend Oreille Public Utility District commissioners passed an $89.9 million budget at Tuesday’s meeting Dec. 16, up from the $80.9 million budget for 2025.
“The budget gives us a clear picture of where resources need to be directed next year,” Chris Jones, General Manager of the PUD, said in a news release. “It’s about keeping our systems strong, preparing for future challenges, and making thoughtful investments for our customers and the community.”
The budget funds PUD operations, infrastructure improvements and investments that support safety, affordability, reliability, wildfire mitigation and the community’s long-term energy needs.
Most of the PUD’s expenses next year are related to power costs, totaling $32 million. These costs include power purchases from Seattle City Light’s Boundary Dam and market energy purchases needed to meet customer demand.
Of the total budget: Power supply costs: $32 million Debt service payments: $11 million Taxes: $3.6 million Protection, Mitigation, and Enhancement (PM&E) measures under the Box Canyon FERC license: $5.5 million Together, these costs account for nearly 60% of the PUD’s total projected expenses for 2026.
The budget also addresses operational needs across the electric, production, community network and water systems. Funding is included for continued design and equipment for the Bare Mountain Substation; wildfire mitigation efforts such as vegetation management and new protective equipment; and capital improvements across all systems. Administrative and general costs remain at 2025 levels, despite continued inflation affecting materials, insurance, equipment and services.
Most of the nearly $11 million in debt service, $9.6 million, is in principal and interest for maintenance and upgrades to Box Canyon Dam. Another $880,000 in principal and interest goes towards the electric system, $440,000 goes toward the community network system and $36,000 goes towards the district’s water systems.
