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NEWPORT – Public Utility District No. 1 of Pend Oreille County will hold a public rate hearing during its Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, March 3, at 9:30 a.m. at the PUD’s Newport headquarters. The hearing will address proposed increases to electric and Community Network System (fiber) rates and fees.
The hearing can also be viewed online at popud. org/top-links/aboutyour- pud/commissioners- and-meetings/meeting- information.
During the hearing, PUD staff will present various rate adjustment scenarios, explain how each option would affect the utility’s operations, and outline the potential impact of not implementing a rate increase this year.
The discussion will include factors driving the need for adjustments, such as inflation, rising costs for operations and materials, power purchases, and long-term infrastructure investments required to maintain financial stability and reliable service, according to a press release from the PUD.
According to the PUD’s updated 10-Year Financial Forecast, failing to implement incremental rate adjustments would lead to a sharp decline in cash reserves, limiting the PUD’s ability to fund essential projects like substation upgrades and ongoing maintenance at Box Canyon Dam.
A 2025 customer survey indicated that most customers prefer smaller, predictable increases rather than infrequent, steep rate changes.
The Board of Commissioners will accept public comments during the March 3 hearing and is scheduled to consider the proposed rate adjustments for approval at its March 17 meeting.
If approved, new rates would take effect April 1, 2026.
Members of the public are encouraged to attend and provide input.
