P.O. Box 500
1492 Wind River Hwy
Carson, Washington 98610
Pay by Phone (Available 24-hours): 844-936-2697
Phone: 509-427-5126
Toll-Free 800-922-5329
SKAMANIA COUNTY PUD BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS MEETING DATE REVISION
Our regularly scheduled 2nd meeting in March has been moved from the 21st to the 28th to allow Washington PUD Association staff to addend the meeting.
Skamania PUD is starting construction on a project to upgrade and underground sections of the main electrical feeder between North Bonneville and Stevenson. Construction is scheduled to start August 2, 2022 and will impact traffic. Please see project details here.
Skamania PUD has completed a broadband feasibility study to facilitate assessment and mapping of existing broadband capacity within Skamania County to identify gaps in coverage, current access providers and possible options or alternatives for new construction or expansion of networks.
The study is available here: Skamania PUD Broadband Feasibility Study
Skamania PUD’s lobby will open to the public on Monday, January 10. Our lobby business hours are Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Payments may be deposited in the mailbox located inside the lobby to the left of our entrance. Receipts will be mailed or e-mailed upon request. All other business may be completed by appointment. Please call us at 509-427-5126 to schedule.
Skamania PUD follows Covid-19 protocol as directed by the State of Washington. All visitors are required to wear a face covering and follow social distancing practices. Our community room will remain closed to the public.
SEPA2022-01: Carson and Underwood Water System Plan Update. The Public Utility District No. 1 of Skamania County (PUD) intends to adopt an update of the Carson and Underwood Water System Plans. This update provides a comprehensive long-range plan for the orderly development of facilities necessary to provide adequate water service to Carson and Underwood water service areas. This plan has been developed to meet the requirements of WAC 246-290-100.
Snow, ice, freezing rain, and wind can cause power poles to snap and tree limbs to fall bringing down our power lines. This can cause a potentially dangerous situation. If you notice a power line that is down, treat it with extreme caution and always assume that it is energized. Never touch it or anything near it and stay far away from the area-at least 100 feet. Please immediately call the PUD to report the location of the line at 509-427-5126. It is very important to leave ALL maintenance and repair to utility professionals and emergency personnel.
Skamania PUD is seeking public comment on the Draft Clean Energy Implementation Plan scheduled to be submitted to the WA Department of Commerce by December 31, 2021. The draft version can be read, here: Draft Clean Energy Implementation Plan. Comments may be submitted to Randy Payne at rpayne@skamaniapud.com.
Skamania PUD is warning its customers of scam calls from people claiming to work for Skamania PUD. They are asking for payment and threatening disconnection. The calls can be very convincing, but they are fake and illegal. Do not make a payment if you receive this type of call. Please hang up and call the Utility at 509-427-5126 to inquire the status of your account.
Learn how to protect yourself from phone scams: LEARN MORE >
Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) announced on July 28, the organization would cut power rates but increase transmission rates. Please click here to read what this means for Skamania PUD.
We switched to a new software system – SmartHub – effective August 2, 2021. If you are a customer who is currently enrolled in Autopay or prefers to pay your bill online, you will need to register your account in SmartHub, starting August 2. To register, you will need to use the primary name on your account and your existing or new account number. You can register by clicking here, and selecting the “New User?” link at the bottom of the page.
SmartHub is a web and mobile app that is available for all customers. It will allow you to pay your bill, view energy and water usage and even report power outages, by the click of a button. Click here to register, today!
At Skamania Public Utility District (PUD), we’re undertaking an important project to evaluate how our customers could benefit from the 21st-century technology that’s improving the delivery and reliability of utility services – and enhancing customer service, convenience, and efforts to conserve. We’re considering replacing our customers’ existing water and electric meters with advanced meters.
Advanced metering uses a two-way communication device that measures and transmits water and electric usage data. This data can provide detailed system information such as voltage levels, current, and power factor on the electric side and pressure levels and leak alerts on the water side. Data would be sent to the PUD through a secure wireless network, where it’s safely and securely stored for customer billing. A meter reader would no longer be required to visit a customer’s home every month. Visit the Advanced Metering Infrastructure Project Webpage to learn more.
Skamania PUD, on behalf of the Carson Water System, has issued a contract to McNealy Excavating to replace the existing, aged, and undersized waterline along a section of Wind River Highway. The project is scheduled to commence Monday, January 4, 2021 and is anticipated to take up to three months to complete most of the work. Water service during the project will be interrupted. Affected customers will be notified. For full project details, click here.
Our 2020 Winter Newsletter is hot off the press! It includes information on our switch to monthly billing, our new payment by phone option, system and rate announcements, a message from our commissioner, helpful winter tips, and more. A copy is in the mail or you can read it here.
During the October 6, 2020 Commissioner Meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved the 2021 Electric Rates: 2021 Electric Rates
2021 Electric Rates were established through an Electric Utility Revenue Requirement Update and the Cost of Service Analysis: Skamania PUD Electric Update 2020_10.01.2020
During the October 6, 2020 Commissioner Meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved the 2021 Carson and Underwood Water Rates: 2021 Carson and Underwood Water Rates
2021 Carson and Underwood Water Rates were established through the Cost of Service Analysis: click here
During the October 6, 2020 Commissioner Meeting, the Board of Commissioners approved the 2021 Budget: 2021 Approved Budget.6.20
SEPA2020-1 – MDNS for North Bonneville Substation and Feeder Project. This proposal is a project action to rebuild and expand the North Bonneville Substation, underground approximately 4.4 miles of 12.47-kV distribution feeder lines, wreck-out of existing overhead 12.47-kV distribution lines, and install a backup power generator at the Skamania PUD Headquarter Building. Comments must be submitted no later than 5:00PM on Thursday, September 24th, 2020.
Skamania PUD is training two new meter readers. In our continued effort to safeguard our employees and customers from the COVID-19 virus, our employees are practicing social distancing, which means one employee per utility truck. Until the training is complete, you might see several vehicles in one location. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to call our office. We greatly appreciate your support and patience in this matter.
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act was signed into law on March 27, 2020. It offers help in many forms for individuals and businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Skamania PUD is pursuing funds through the CARES Act that will reimburse expenses incurred while adopting procedures to limit exposure to the coronavirus. These costs include additional vehicles that were leased to allow employees to drive by themselves and a study to redesign the office building that will incorporate features to keep employees and the public healthy and safe.
The following programs are available to Skamania PUD customers who need assistance paying their bills due to economic hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Details are here: Covid-19 Customer Support
The Carson and Underwood Water 2020 Drinking Water Quality Report (CCR) is now available. This report contains important information about the source and quality of your drinking water. Please call (509) 427-5126 if you would like a paper report delivered to your home.
For more information about Carson and Underwood Water Systems or to view previous year’s reports go to the water services page.
Skamania PUD is accepting applications for their COVID-19 Hardship Assistance Program. Customers can apply for a special rebate for people with loss of income as a result of the pandemic. The application is here: COVID19 Rebate Form
The PUD is making an initial contribution in the amount of $10,000 to the Hardship Assistance Program and will match all private donations received up to $25,000. Find out how you can make your kind contribution to our impacted community here: Skamania PUD Hardship Assistance Program Donations
For Immediate Release
March 16, 2020
Skamania County PUD 1 Taking Proactive Measures to Protect Customers and Employees from COVID-19
Carson, WA – Skamania County PUD No. 1 is monitoring information from the Center for Disease Control and Prevention regarding recent Coronavirus (COVID-19) concerns. The World Health Organization has declared COVID-19 a pandemic.
Skamania County PUD 1 provides essential utility services to our community and will continue to be available to ensure power and water reliability. However, due to the highly contagious nature of this virus, the PUD office and operations buildings will be closed to the public until further notice. We are working to ensure services are provided to customers, while also working to protect our employees and community.
Customer service representatives will still answer phones, provide account information, and accept payments over the phone. Payments may also be made to our drop box. Any household experiencing a financial hardship related to COVID-19 should call customer service to set up a payment arrangement for their utility account. Customers who communicate their situations with the PUD and keep their arrangements will not be subject to disconnection. The opportunity for payment arrangements is available year-round to all PUD customers.
For more information, contact
John Goodman, General Manager or
The Skamania PUD’s Customer Service Representatives
(509) 427-5126
Skamania PUD conducted three public rate hearings in January and February to discuss the Cost of Service Study and proposed rate changes. Check out the documents below for more information:
Cost of Service Study Video Presentation
Cost of Service Study Presentation Slides
Glossary & Additional Information
See the Manager’s Message to learn more about Skamania PUD’s accomplishments for 2018.
Starting in June, Skamania PUD will begin upgrading the Carson substation and distribution lines near you. For more information see the Construction Notice.
The Carson and Underwood Water Systems 2018 Drinking Water Quality Report (CCR) is now available. This report contains important information about the source and quality of your drinking water. Please call (509) 427-5126 if you would like a paper report delivered to your home.
For more information about Carson and Underwood Water Systems or to view previous year’s reports go to water services page.
Take a moment to read the latest message from our General Manager.
Skamania County PUD #1 currently has a Small Works Roster for Electrical & Water Projects under $300,000. Contractors interested in being considered for placement on the Roster must complete an Application for Contractor Pre-Qualification available online at https://www.skamaniapud.com/about-us/contracting-bidding/. Please submit forms by December 31, 2017. Contractors who are approved for the roster are responsible for submitting a new application every three years.
Skamania PUD No. 1 is inviting statements of qualifications and performance information from firms interested in providing architectural, engineering, and/or other Professional Services for calendar year 2018 in conjunction with PUD sponsored projects for the electric system and two water systems. For more information click here.
The PUD offers to its customers an equal pay plan that calculates and bills an average amount each month based upon the account’s past year of usage. The annual recalculation of equal pay amounts will be performed beginning in April.
Our policy requires the actual account balance be paid to below $250.00 before the equal pay recalculation occurs. Please note your actual account balance on the current statement.
If you desire to remain on the equal pay plan, please ensure it meets the requirements stated above. Your April or May bill will reflect the new equal pay amount. If you have any questions, please call the PUD.
Dave McKenzie was elected to the Skamania County PUD Commission in 2016. He has over 40 years of experience in the Private and Public Sectors which include Banking, Real Estate and Appraising complex Commercial and Industrial Properties. He presently serves as Skamania PUD’s appointed board member at Energy Northwest. He and his wife Kathy have four grown children and 12 grandchildren and wouldn’t live anywhere else other than the beautiful Columbia River Gorge.
Low income seniors or persons with disabilities may qualify for a special discount on their electric bills. To read more about our Energy Assistance Programs click here.
Dan Boyes was appointed to the PUD Commission in August 2016. He grew up in Naches, WA and moved his family to Skamania County in 1992.
Dan started his career as an electronics technician in 1984 at Micron Technology in Boise, ID. He currently works as a photolithography equipment tech at Linear Technology in Camas.
Dan lives in Skamania with his wife and enjoys the gorge with his 3 married children and 8 grandchildren.
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Randy Payne to the position of Manager of Finance & Administration. Randy received his Bachelor of Science degree in accounting from Portland State University.
Randy performed similar roles with Tidewater Barge Lines and the Port of Skamania County. His combined private and public sector work experience provide a strong background for helping the PUD strive to meet its goal of providing the best possible utility service at the lowest cost consistent with sound business principles.
Outside the office Randy enjoys fishing, coaching his sons’ youth sports teams and spending time with his family.
Skamania PUD is pleased to announce our online bill pay feature. You are now able to view your account, track your usage, and pay your bill from any computer 24-hours a day. Online payment with paperless billing is easy, secure and free. Payments are made from your credit card, checking account, savings account, or e-check. To access Online Bill Pay click here.
The Public Utility District No. 1 of Skamania County Board of Commissioners will have its 2017 Budget Hearing during the regularly scheduled Commissioner Meeting at PUD Headquarters on Monday, October 3, 2016 at 9:00 a.m.
Copies of the 2017 Proposed Budget are available upon request.
Take a moment to read the latest message from our General Manager regarding the BPA Overpayment Case.
Underwood substation construction is now complete! The work began in July 2015 and finished in March 2016. The completion of this project marks a significant upgrade in quality and reliability of service for the Underwood, Mill A and Willard areas. Read the latest Manager’s Message for more information.
Remodeling? Building a new home or purchasing a manufactured home? Replacing appliances or lighting? If your answer is yes to any of these questions, are you aware that there are likely energy efficiency rebates available to you through the PUD? You can find more information on how to take advantage of the PUD’s Energy Efficiency program by reading this month’s Manager’s Message.
Winter wind, ice, snow – the Gorgeous weather is coming and power outages go hand in hand with the winter storms. November 17 marked our first this season. Reliability is a major factor in the value of your electric service. Yet as electric system reliability improves, awareness of our dependence on electricity declines. Being unaware of and unprepared for the possibilities when the lights go out can lead to difficult and even dangerous situations. Read the latest Manager’s Message for more information.
Take a moment to read the latest message from our General Manager regarding the 2015 Bond Issue.
Due to drier conditions and above average temperatures a statewide drought emergency has been declared by Governor Jay Inslee for the State of Washington. The Skamania PUD is actively monitoring our Carson and Underwood Water System water sources and will keep our customers informed about developing conditions. Read the Water Supply Update for more information.
As part of the PUD’s commitment to providing safe‐reliable electric services to our customers, we are rebuilding the Underwood Substation near 300 Newell Road. Preliminary site preparation has begun in anticipation of construction commencing on July 1st. There will be increased traffic in this area during the five month construction schedule. Vehicles of the general contractor Wilson Construction, as well as Wilson’s subcontractors, will be present in the area, in addition to PUD personnel. Scheduled power outages will be necessary to install the new equipment and customers will be notified well in advance. Please direct any questions regarding the project to PUD staff, Brent Bischoff, General Manager or Gary Leonard, General Foreman.
With the prospect of an especially dry summer, the PUD will be particularly proactive keeping vegetation out of the power lines this summer. We would appreciate your assistance identifying locations where trees have grown very close to (within 1 foot) the energized power lines. The energized lines are only the lines at the very top of the power poles. If you see locations where trees have grown into or very close to the power lines, please note the nearest power pole tag number (yellow tag on the pole about 6 feet up that has SK PUD on it) and phone it into the PUD (509) 427-5126 or email it to info@www.skamaniapud.com. We appreciate your help.
We are pleased to announce the hiring of Jennifer “Jen” Jackson to the position of Accountant/Human Resource Generalist. Jen grew up in the Pacific Northwest, graduated from the University of San Diego, and established her career in the Bay Area in the venture capital industry. She decided to make Skamania County her permanent home 14 years ago, and joins the Skamania County PUD following seven years managing the events and recreation programs for Skamania County. In addition, Jen is the secretary of the Home Valley Water District and the local AYSO Youth Soccer League. When not working, Jen enjoys hiking, kickboxing, reading, and spending time with her two children. She looks forward to the great opportunity of being the new team member of the PUD.
To view the 2015 hydropower public opinion poll click here.
Presentations from the recent Rate Hearings are now available:
Dr. Leach was first appointed to the PUD Board of Commissioners representing District #3 in April 1996. He was then elected and served three consecutive terms for a total of 19 years. One of Dr. Leach’s most notable accomplishments at the PUD, together with his wife Connie, was to secure funding to build a new water storage reservoir in the Underwood water system significantly improving firefighting capacity following the 2007 wildfire. The reservoir carries his wife’s name-sake, Connie Reservoir. In December 2014, Dr. Leach was recognized with the Washington PUD Association’s Heritage Life Member Award. We appreciate Clyde’s many years of devoted service to the PUD.
Liz was sworn into office as the District #3 Commissioner of Skamania County PUD #1 by County Auditor Robert Waymire on January 5, 2015. Having graduated from Columbia High School, Liz has lived in Skamania County for over 40 years. She holds a BA in education from Washington State University. Liz actively volunteers in community activities including the local fire department, school and church. Willard is her hometown where she resides with her husband Ron and their three daughters. PUD staff looks forward to working with Commission Green.
Take a moment to read the latest message from our General Manager.
We are pleased to present the 2014 Water Quality Report for the Carson and Underwood Water Systems. This report is designed to provide details about where your water comes from, what it contains, and how it compares to standards set by regulatory agencies. To access the report click here.
Find out more about the rebates available to you in our Electric Conservation section.
Find out more about the project in our Services section on the Water sub-page.
Skamania PUD will undergo an extensive utility network mapping project starting in 2014, which is expected to take a year to complete. The project will be conducted by contractors.
You may notice workers using handheld computers looking at the utility poles and equipment in your neighborhood during the project. They will also be accessing the meter at each home and business.
The large-scale mapping project will provide the PUD with specific GPS locations of all of its electrical equipment, and those locations will be used to create a GIS database to help better manage the system and provide efficient service to our customers.
A Powerful Creation