Changes at Benton PUD

Long time employee, Randy Gregg, Director of Power Management, recently retired from Benton PUD and began a new chapter in his life at The Energy Authority, a public power energy trading and risk management company. 

To fill the vacancy in the Director of Power Management position, the opening was advertised nationally and senior management went through a rigorous interview process with potential candidates.  In the end, Dan Bickford, Benton PUD Manager of Risk Management & Treasury Operations, was the most qualified candidate and was promoted to Director of Power Management.  In addition to his extensive knowledge of treasury operations, Dan is an experienced leader in risk management, integrated resource planning, rate forecasting and development, and cost of service analysis.  Dan has been with Benton PUD since 2001, and prior to joining our staff, he was the Assistant Treasurer at Energy Northwest for 20 years. 

Dan’s promotion also left an opening in another important position, Manager of Risk Management and Treasury Operations.  Janet White, Benton PUD’s Manager of Accounting/Deputy Auditor since 2001, was named to fill the opening.  Janet has been responsible for financial statement preparation, auditing, taxes, accounts payable, payroll and financial analysis.  Her expertise and leadership has resulted in receiving the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting award from the Government Finance Officers Association for Benton PUD’s comprehensive annual financial reports, every year since 2002.  The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a governmental entity and its management.  Janet’s work experience covers over 30 years of progressively responsible positions in both private industry and government, including Finance Manager for the City of Kennewick. 

With another significant position left vacant by Janet’s move, senior management didn’t have far to look for a highly qualified candidate for Manager of Accounting, in Jon Meyer.  Since 2001, Jon has demonstrated a high level of expertise and talent in accounting, financial reporting, project management, and systems at Benton PUD.  Jon successfully led the Electronic Bill Presentment and Payment implementation, receiving the Innovation in Customer Service award from CS Week and Electric Light & Power magazine for the project.  Most recently, Jon’s technical knowledge has played an integral role in the deployment of the Advanced Metering Infrastructure.  Prior to coming to Benton PUD, Jon earned a Bachelor of Arts Degree and a Master of Accounting Degree from WSU. He is a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Management Accountant, and Certified Financial Manager.  

Please join us in congratulating Randy, Dan, Janet and Jon on the new challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for each of them.

Rate Credit Ends - Over $8.1 million Returned to Customers

For the past year, there has been a temporary rate credit on your bill as a result of the BPA Residential Exchange settlement.  Benton PUD refunded over $8.1 million to customers since the temporary rate credit began in June 2008.  The final rate credits will be prorated on the June bill for May usage. 

Plan Today, Power Tomorrow

With a flick of a switch, electricity is there… something that we all take for granted.  You may not think about it but Benton PUD does everything we can to ensure you have safe, reliable and affordable power when you need it. For decades, Benton PUD and utilities throughout the Pacific Northwest have invested in conservation, renewable resources, new technologies and have collaborated with other regional partners on issues that impact energy. 

Utilities today face significant challenges - energy needs are growing, environmental goals are increasing - at the same time utilities strive to keep electricity reliable and affordable.  Utilities must invest in infrastructure upgrades, integrate new renewable resources and increase energy efficiency which will, no doubt, impact rates.

The Plan Today, Power Tomorrow campaign developed by electric power utilities across the region, will keep our customers informed and policy makers updated on the realities of future energy challenges and help engage all to become part of the solution. 

As utilities in the region collaborate to find solutions to our region’s complex energy challenges, it is imperative that we continue to communicate these issues and be responsible stewards for our energy future. 

Utilities Respond to Growing Need for Electricity

There’s no doubt that the call for energy in the Pacific Northwest will be increasing.

Our region’s population is growing and so are new technologies that rely on electricity as a power source.  The demand for electricity is expected to increase significantly in the next decade.

Many utilities have added renewable power sources and are exploring others in response to environmental goals mandated by recent legislation.  Greater energy demand, resources, plus new environmental requirements will all influence Benton PUD’s plans for providing reliable, affordable power in the future.

“Utilities engage in long-term planning and regularly assess the risks and benefits of various energy resources, new technologies and energy-efficiency methods to meet future electricity needs,” says Jim Sanders, General Manager for Benton PUD.

“Our customers count on us to provide reliable electricity at the most reasonable price possible, while protecting the environment,” explains Sanders.

Utilities will partner with consumers to intensify energy efficiency efforts.  At the same time, utilities will explore and support new technology development, invest in infrastructure upgrades and integrate additional renewable resources to keep pace with the growing power demand.  For example, Benton PUD is in the process of implementing an advanced metering infrastructure that will provide the capability to read meters remotely, improve customer service and operate more efficiently. 

There are still many unknowns and utilities face complex challenges regarding electricity resources and demand.  Utilities are working, independently and as a team, with regional energy partners to inform customers and policymakers so that we all can be part of the solution.

If you would like more information about Benton PUD's conservation programs, contact Kevin Fischer at 585-5395. 

Check out Our New Website - www.bentonpud.org

It has a new look, more information and three distinct headers on the home page: Power Links, What’s New at Benton PUD and Go Green.  Plus other quick links to help you easily find information, including conservation programs and up-to-date Benton PUD news, such as this newsletter.  It also provides quick access to Power Pay for online bill payment.