Benton PUD and the City of Richland Agreement Finalized

Benton PUD and the City of Richland have reached an agreement on the purchase of Benton PUD electric facilities within the city limits.  Benton PUD customers located in the Richland Wye, Crested Hills and Meadows Park will be transferred to the City of Richland this summer.

The agreement includes the sale of infrastructure for $3,250,000 to be paid over five years and service area agreement for both entities. The agreement, which concludes a two-year negotiation process between Richland and Benton PUD, defines the utilities’ service areas, provides for transfer of electric utility lines within those areas, and establishes procedures for Richland’s future acquisition of the PUD facilities within the city’s service or urban growth areas.

 “The City of Richland and Benton PUD’s decision is in our customer’s best interest.  It avoids duplication of facilities, promotes orderly growth as well as ensures employee safety while working on electrical equipment,” said Jeff Hall, Benton PUD Commissioner.