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As a customer of Benton PUD, we want you to be informed and have information easily accessible when you have questions or concerns.  Our Customer Service Polices and Rates book is available by calling 509-582-2175, by emailing questions@bentonpud.org or on our website (click here).  It is also available at either office.

Annually, Benton PUD is required by law to remind our customers the following information is available in the Customer Service Policies and Rates book -

• Explanation of credit and deposit requirements.
• Itemized listing of all rates and charges, for which you are responsible, and how to receive notice of public hearings on rate changes.
• An explanation of metering policies, including the process used to verify the reliability of meters and adjusting bills upon discovery of errors in meters or measurements.
• Bill payment policies, including due dates and late fees.
• Explanation of payment arrangement options available to customers, including budget payment plans, and home heating assistance from government and private sector organizations.
• Explanation of method used by the customer to discontinue service, circumstances under which service may be discontinued by the utility, and how to avoid disconnection.
• Explanation of policy governing the confidentiality of proprietary customer information, including ways in which the customer can control access to the information.
• Explanation of the methods by which a customer may make inquiries to and file complaints with the utility, and the utility’s procedures for responding to and resolving complaints and disputes.

Also available is Benton PUD’s annual report containing information for the previous calendar year including a general description of the number of customers per rate class, a summary of the average electricity rates per customer class in cents per kilowatt-hour, an explanation of amount invested in conservation, non-hydro renewable resources, and low-income energy assistance programs and the source of funding for the investments, and an explanation of the amount of federal, state, and local taxes collected and paid by the utility, including the amounts collected by the electric utility, but paid directly by retail electric customers.

Other information required by law for customers to receive annually include -

• Benton PUD offers a voluntary Green Power program which gives customers an opportunity to help support additional purchases of renewable power by Benton PUD. To participate, call 582-2175 or visit Green Power.
• Benton PUD’s fuel mix as of December 31, 2010 is:

Type	Percentage
Biomass	.19%
Coal	6.11%
Hydro	72.95%
Landfill Gases	.02%
Natural Gas	6.97%
Nuclear	11.86%
Petroleum	.06%
Waste	.11%
Wind	1.73%
Other	.02%
TOTAL	100%

 

 

September 2011: Residential Postcard

September 2011: Business Postcard

August 2011: Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

April 2011: Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

March 2011:  Residential Postcard

March 2011:  Business Postcard

 

December 2011

November 2011

October 2011

September 2011

August 2011

July 2011

June 2011

May 2011

April 2011

March 2011

February 2011

January 2011

 

Meeting Minutes
December 13, 2011
November 22, 2011
November 8,2011 - Special Meeting
November 8, 2011
October 28, 2011 - Special Meeting
October 25, 2011
October 11, 2011
October 3, 2011 - Public Hearing 2012 Proposed Budget
September 27, 2011
September 13, 2011
August 23, 2011
August 9, 2011
July 26, 2011
July 12, 2011
June 29, 2011 Special Meeting
June 28, 2011
April 12, 2011
March 22, 2011
March 8, 2011
February 22, 2011
February 8, 2011
January 25, 2011
January 11, 2011

 

Utilities in the Pacific Northwest expect a significant increase in the need for electricity in the coming decade. Regional population growth and new technologies that rely on electric power will fuel this growing need.

"Our responsibility is to provide reliable power at the most reasonable cost, in an environmentally sound way,” says Jim Sanders, General Manager, Benton PUD. “To that end, we plan to diversify with alternative energy resources, intensify conservation and energy efficiency efforts and explore new technologies.”

Traditional resources, such as hydropower and coal, will continue to be a big part of the equation. Also, the use of natural gas, which has been on the rise, will continue to increase.

Development of wind power already tops the list of renewable resource projects and growth is expected to accelerate. Other new renewable technologies being explored include geothermal, solar, wave energy and biomass. 

"Renewable resources protect the environment, but also present challenges,” says Dan Bickford, Director of Power Management for Benton PUD. "Obstacles include significant cost and infrastructure needed to integrate renewables, transmission constraints and the need for back-up to provide reliability, such as other power sources for when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn't shining."

Benton PUD participates in the Plan Today Power Tomorrow regional energy project.  For more information visit www.pnucc.org

Benton PUD, in conjunction with the Benton County Household Hazardous Waste Facility, now offers a place for the disposal of compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs). People may drop off used CFL’s at either Benton PUD offices.

Benton PUD encourages customers to use energy-efficient CFLs to save energy to help lower their electric bills and has distributed CFLs as part of its conservation program.

CFL sales in the Northwest have increased by 300 percent since 2004, according to Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance. CFLs use about one-fourth the amount of energy of a comparable incandescent light bulb. According to the Energy Star® website,”If every American home replaced just one light bulb with an Energy Star® qualified bulb, we would save enough energy to light more than 3 million homes for a year, more than $600 million in annual energy costs, and prevent greenhouse gases equivalent to the emissions of more than 800,000 cars.”

CFLs contain a small amount of mercury (one-fifth of that found in a typical watch battery) so Benton PUD has set up the program to facilitate safe and proper disposal of the bulbs.

Benton PUD has offices located at 2721 W. 10th in Kennewick and 250 N Gap Road in Prosser. CFLs may be dropped off Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Benton PUD and the Benton County Household Hazardous Waste Facility dispose the CFLs in an environmentally conscious manner.

• Cottonwoods & Poplars Populus Species
• Weeping Willow Salix Species
• Australian Willow Salix Species
• Silver Maple Acer saccharinum
• American Sycamore Platanus occidentalis
• Trees of Heaven Ailanthis altissima
• Russian Olive Elaeangnus angustifolia
• Black Locust Robina pseudoacacia
• Elms Ulmus Species

*Any tree maturing at a maximum height of 25 feet is a suitable utility friendly tree. Below are excellent examples:

• Amur Maple Acer ginnala
• Globe Norway Maple Acer platanoides ‘Globosum’
• Paperbark Maple Acer griseum
• Japanese Maple Acer palmatum
• Flowering Dogwood Cornus florida
• Kousa Dogwood Cornus Kousa
• Star Magnolia Magnolia stellata
• Saucer Magnolia Magnolia x soulangiana
• Easter Redbud Cercis canadensis
• Common Smoketree Cotinus coggygria
• Japanese Tree Lilac Syringa reticulate
• Serviceberry Amelanchier x grandiflora
• Flowering Plum Prunus cerasifera ‘Krauter Vesuvius ’, ‘Thundercloud’, ‘Mt.St. Helens’
• Rocky Mountain Juniper Juniperus scopulorum
• Bristlecone Pine Pinus aristata
• Franklinia Franklinia alatamaha

By entering your bank account or credit card information (herein referred to as "Payment Method") for use by Benton PUD’s Power Pay service, you are stating that you are an authorized user of the Payment Method and that the associated information entered (account holder name, financial institution, billing address, etc.) is accurate.  You also authorize Benton PUD to, upon notification by you or your financial institution, modify and/or update the account numbers, expiration dates, or other pertinent information associated with the Payment Method as necessary to complete any authorized transaction.

You further authorize Benton PUD to use the stored Payment Method information to debit your specified bank account or charge your credit card for amounts authorized by you with Benton PUD’s Power Pay service.  If the transaction is an automatic payment setup within the Power Pay service, you authorize Benton PUD to charge the amount due, up to the limit specified in the authorization.  You also authorize Benton PUD to use the Power Pay service to return or deposit to your account any funds due to you by Benton PUD resulting from use of this Power Pay service.

By entering your bank account or credit card information (herein referred to as "Payment Method") for use by Benton PUD’s Power Pay service, you are stating that you are an authorized user of the Payment Method and that the associated information entered (account holder name, financial institution, billing address, etc.) is accurate.  You also authorize Benton PUD to, upon notification by you or your financial institution, modify and/or update the account numbers, expiration dates, or other pertinent information associated with the Payment Method as necessary to complete any authorized transaction.

You further authorize Benton PUD to use the stored Payment Method information to debit your specified bank account or charge your credit card for amounts authorized by you with Benton PUD’s Power Pay service.  If the transaction is an automatic payment setup within the Power Pay service, you authorize Benton PUD to charge the amount due, up to the limit specified in the authorization.  You also authorize Benton PUD to use the Power Pay service to return or deposit to your account any funds due to you by Benton PUD resulting from use of this Power Pay service.

By checking the "I agree” box, you authorize Benton PUD to initiate debit entries for the amount(s) specified, to the checking or savings account(s) you indicate, at the depository financial institution(s) you indicate, and to debit such specified amount(s) to such checking or savings account(s).  You agree that the origination of ACH transactions to your checking or savings account(s) must comply with the laws of the United States of America.

You represent and warrant that you are legally authorized to use the bank account(s) that you have specified on Benton PUD’s Power Pay service.

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Sensus FlexNet meters, installed by Benton PUD, transmit very small amounts of radio-frequency (RF) energy.  The smart meters use wireless communications to transmit data on electricity use, report outages and enable connection and disconnection of service.  The new meters are programmed to transmit data once every four hours for a fraction of a second with a power of two watts resulting in RF energy that is less than what results from typical cell phone use.

Radio-frequency exposure levels from the new smart meters, even at a close range, fall substantially below the guidelines set by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) for the general public.

Below are a number of industry studies and Frequently Asked Questions that address the issue of RF levels in smart meters:

• What consumers need to know about the smart grid and smart meters (Environmental Defense Fund)
• Nevada Energy Comments to the Nevada Public Utilities Commission of Nevada regarding smart meter implementation (NVEnergy) - December 2, 2011
• Health and the Smart Grid (Message from Environmental Defense Fund President Fred Krupp) - July 20, 2011
• Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health: Mobile Phones (World Health Organization) - June, 2011
• Radio-Frequency Exposure Levels from Smart Meters:  A Case Study of One Model (Electric Power Research Institute) - February, 2011
• Health Impacts of Radio Frequency From Smart Meters (California Council on Science and Technology) - January, 2011
• Maine CDC Executive Summary of Review of Health Issues Related to Smart Meters (Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention)  - November 8, 2010
• Government or Government-Affiliated Resources Reviewed on the Health Effects of Non-Ionizing Radiation (Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention) - November, 2010
• Electromagnetic Fields and Public Health (World Health Organization) - December, 2005
• Evaluating Compliance with Federal Communications Commission (FCC) Guidelines for Human Exposure to Radiofrequency Electromagnetic Fields (FCC)  - August, 1997
• Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE) Calculations for FlexNet Endpoint-Equipped Electric and Gas Meters (Sensus FlexNet) - August, 1997
• Radio Frequency Safety - Frequently Asked Questions (FCC)

The Department of Energy has selected a Pacific Northwest team including Benton PUD to conduct a regional smart grid demonstration project designed to expand upon existing electric infrastructure and test new smart grid technology with up to 60,000 customers in five states.

The Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project was one of 16 announced by DOE.  The team combines energy providers, utilities, vendors and research organizations.

Total estimated cost for the project is $178 million.  DOE will provide half the funding through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.  The project’s participants, primarily utilities and industry team members including Benton PUD,  will provide the remaining funds.

The Northwest study will involve more than 60,000 metered customers in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming.  Using smart grid technologies, the study will test new combinations of devices, software and advanced analytical tools that enhance the power grid’s reliability and performance.

At its peak, the project could create about 1,500 total jobs in manufacturing, installation and operating smart grid equipment, telecommunications networks, software and controls in the five states.

“We are thrilled to be a part of this project. It will accelerate the process for Benton PUD to develop Smart Grid concepts for the benefit of our customers,” said Rick Dunn, Benton PUD Director of Engineering.

The project team will install equipment and technology in 2010 and 2011.  Then, for the next two to three years, project leaders will gather data on smart grid performance from 15 test sites that represent the region’s diverse terrain, weather and demographics.  The test sites range from Fox Island in Washington State’s Puget Sound, to the Teton Mountains in western Wyoming, and include the campuses at the University of Washington and Washington State University as well as in Benton PUD’s service area.

The project will involve more than 112 megawatts of power, enough to serve 86,000 households.

In 2006, the region participated in the DOE-funded Pacific Northwest GridWise Demonstration Project on the Olympic Peninsula.  The project was designed to test and speed adoption of new smart grid technologies that can make the power grid more resilient and efficient.  The study showed that advanced technologies enabled consumers to be active participants in improving power grid efficiency and reliability, while saving about 10 percent on their electricity bills in the process.  The new project build on those results expanding the scale of the effort and introducing additional technologies.

Smart grid technology includes everything from interactive appliances in homes to substation automation and sensors on transmission lines.  It is a system that uses various technologies to improve power delivery and use through intelligent, two-way communication.  Generators of electricity, suppliers and users are all part of the equation.  With increased communication and information, smart grid technology enables real time monitoring of electric energy use, exchange of data about supply and demand and adjustments of power use to changing load requirements.

Pacific Northwest Smart Grid Demonstration Project
Test Site Locations and Corresponding Utilities

Idaho
Idaho Falls (Idaho Falls Power)

Montana
Northwest Montana (Flathead Electric Cooperative, Inc.)
Southwest Montana (NorthWestern Energy)

Oregon
Milton-Freewater (City of Milton-Freewater)
Portland (Bonneville Power Administration)
Salem (Portland General Electric)

Washington
Airway Heights (Inland Power & Light Co.)
Ellensburg (City of Ellensburg)
Fox Island (Peninsula Light Co.)
Kennewick (Benton PUD)
Pullman (Avista Utilities)
University of Washington (Seattle City Light)

Wyoming
Western Wyoming (Lower Valley Energy)

Technology and Vendor Team Members

3TIER, Inc.
AREVA USA
IBM
Netezza Corp.
QualityLogic, Inc. and Drummond Group, Inc.

Additionally, there are several companies that will be collaborating with one or more of the project’s utilities.

Benton PUD continues to install new smart meters.  Over 30,000 have been installed, primarily at residential premises.

So what is a smart meter and how does the new meter work?

The meters are based on the same technology Benton PUD has used for years with added features that enable remote monitoring, connect and discounted.  The digital meters communicate the amount of electricity used through radio frequency telecommunications back to Benton PUD’s administration building rather than having a meter reader come to your house to read the meter.  The communications network is equipped with security features to prevent unauthorized access.

With the new meters and a few clicks on the computer, Benton PUD is able to connect and disconnect most service remotely when a customer is moving in or out of a home.  Since Benton PUD started installing new meters, over 7,000 connections or disconnections have been done remotely with the new meters. This saves Benton PUD time and money, and customers have appreciated the quick service.

Benton PUD has installed over 48,000 advanced meters throughout our residential system and is anticipating the completion of the commercial and agricultural customers by December 2012.  The advanced meters replaced old electromechanical meters enabling Benton PUD to provide better customer service, improve system performance and to operate more effectively.

The new system has many customer benefits.  By using the transmitted power quality information, the system helps pinpoint the location of outages and system performance issues, resulting in faster response to customers.  Customer service representatives are able to answer customer questions about their day-to-day electricity usage.  Analyzing daily energy consumption is also useful when home energy audits are conducted.

Frequently asked questions about the new meters

Benton PUD News Releases

• Newsletter Release:  Benton PUD achieves major milestone - Meter upgrade nearly complete - July, 2011

Customer Rights Statement

Radio Frequency Research and Studies

If you have any questions about your meter or about Benton PUD's automated metering system, please call Customer Service at 509-582-2175 or fill out our online Contact Us form. 

The combination of a funding decrease in state and federal energy assistance programs, a volatile economy and a rate increase is going to have a significant impact on low income individuals in our community. We anticipate our low income customers will need more assistance than ever with their electric bills in 2012.

Benton PUD's Helping Hands Program provides our customers an opportunity to help others on their electric bill. Year around, Benton PUD customers may donate to Helping Hands with a one-time donation or by requesting an additional amount of $1 or more to be added to their electric bill each month.

To encourage donations, through the month of December, a paper link will be added to the Christmas chain displayed in our lobby for each $1 donated to Helping Hands. Donations are accepted in person in our Kennewick and Prosser offices, by phone or by mail. Donations are tax deductible.

If you would like to make a one-time donation or donate each month, you can request an additional amount of $1 or more to be added to your bill each month by noting it on your payment when you pay online or click here to donate now!

Low Income Senior and Low Income Disabled Accounts

Qualifications for Benton PUD's low income discount program were recently expanded in an effort to reach more of our customers. Benton PUD offers a discount of 15% or 20% (based on annual household income) to qualifying low income senior and disabled customers. The qualifications for the programs are listed below. Click here for an application or contact Benton PUD Customer Service at (509) 582-2175 or (509) 786-1841

Low Income Senior Discount

• 62+
• Income must be at or below level listed in the graph below for the number of persons living in the household*

Low Income Disabled Discount

• Qualitying disability for account holder or for a member of the household
• Income must be at or below level listed in the graph below for the number of persons living in the household*

* Income verification is required for either discount and is completed by the Community Action Connection (formerly known as the Benton Franklin Community Action Committee).

Community Assistance...call 2-1-1

United Way of Benton and Franklin Counties collaborated with local and state organizations to bring our community the 2-1-1 telephone referral system. By calling 2-1-1, people can easily access health and human service information and other assistance to meet their needs. Information is also available at www.win211.org.

Lowell Fuher, Benton PUD employee, is an extreme Christmas display designer and it shows at his home in Kennewick. His computer knowledge that helps employees on a daily basis is an important component in his annual light show.  Lowell says safety is first when it comes to lighting displays and has these tips to share when installing your lights this year. 

• Never overload extension cords. It’s tempting but not safe. Don’t plug more than three sets of lights into one extension cord.
• Use lights and extension cords designated for outdoor use to ensure they are weather proof and safe when they get wet from rain or snow.  Household extension cords come in several varieties; Indoor, Outdoor, Outdoor heavy duty.  You should always use the proper cord for the application. Only use lights and extension cords that contain the Underwriters Laboratories (UL) label, which means they meet UL safety standards. 
• Whenever possible try to place outdoor connections in a dry location such as behind the drip line from your roof.  Most homes have a GFCI (Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter) which is designed to help prevent electrocution in wet conditions, if you home has an outdoor GFCI protected outlet it is highly recommended for safety reasons to connect your outdoor lights and devices to this outlet.
• If your cords or lights are frayed or damaged it’s a good bet they may be unsafe and should be replaced.
• Putting lights on a timer is a great way to save energy and it will help you save money on your December electric bill.  Lowell recommends setting timers to turn your lights on about 4:30 p.m.  and off about the time you go to bed.
• When purchasing lights, LEDs come in all shapes and colors and are 80 to 90 percent more energy efficient and are designed to allow you to safely connect many sets of LED lights together on the same cord.
• Be careful with the ladder when installing lights on a high roof. Look up at all times while handling the ladder to make sure you don’t get close to an overhead power line. 

Lowell’s idea of Safety First is the most important part of any lighting project.  An accident involving electricity could really overshadow the wonders of the holiday season.  Be safe – have fun.
 

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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.

Conservation, Renewables and Technology Help Meet Electricity Needs - August, 2009

Utilities in the Pacific Northwest expect a significant increase in the need for electricity in the coming decade. Regional population growth and new technologies that rely on electric power will fuel this growing need.

"Our responsibility is to provide reliable power at the most reasonable cost, in an environmentally sound way,” says Jim Sanders, General Manager, Benton PUD. “To that end, we plan to diversify with alternative energy resources, intensify conservation and energy efficiency efforts and explore new technologies.”

Traditional resources, such as hydropower and coal, will continue to be a big part of the equation. Also, the use of natural gas, which has been on the rise, will continue to increase.

Development of wind power already tops the list of renewable resource projects and growth is expected to accelerate. Other new renewable technologies being explored include geothermal, solar, wave energy and biomass. 

"Renewable resources protect the environment, but also present challenges,” says Dan Bickford, Director of Power Management for Benton PUD. "Obstacles include significant cost and infrastructure needed to integrate renewables, transmission constraints and the need for back-up to provide reliability, such as other power sources for when the wind isn’t blowing or the sun isn't shining."

Benton PUD participates in the Plan Today Power Tomorrow regional energy project.  For more information visit www.pnucc.org

Starting June 2008, Benton PUD customers received a credit on their bill.  Residential customers’ credit was $0.004 per kilowatt hour (kWh) used, which represented approximately a 7% reduction from their standard rate per kWh.  Then in November, Residential customers’ credit on their monthly bill increased to $.0055 per kWh used, representing a 9.5% reduction from their standard rate.  General Service customers’ credits range from $.0055 to $.0066 per kWh used.  The credit concluded May 31, 2009.  Large Irrigation customers received a line item credit of $.0020 per kWh for three months (June – August) due to their seasonal energy usage with a final payment distributed in November. 

Benton PUD received approximately $ 8 million from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) in two payments due to the interim relief payment agreement associated with the Residential Exchange. Benton PUD received approximately $6.4 million in April with the balance due paid to Benton PUD in October at the conclusion of the BPA 2007 Supplemental Rate case. The customer rate credit was adjusted to reflect the final payment received from BPA this week.

The payment to Benton PUD was part of the proposed $257 million BPA agreed to pay to public utilities in the Northwest. The Residential Exchange Program was established in 1980 in the Northwest Power Act to share access to low-cost hydropower with investor owned utilities’ residential and farm customers. In May, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that BPA had exceeded its authority and failed to follow the Act in determining residential exchange benefits for the region’s investor-owned utilities.

Benton PUD customers will see a rate increase on their monthly bill starting January 1, 2010.    Residential customers’ rates will increase 4.6 percent which impacts an average bill of $90 by $4.14 a month.  The cost per kWh will increase from $.0578 to $.0605 and the base charge will increase to $9.20 from $8.80.

The rate increase follows five consecutive rate decreases.  The last increase Benton PUD customers received was in July of 2003.

A $15 million increase in net power costs is the key driver for the rate increase in 2010. Power costs represent nearly two-thirds of Benton PUD’s annual expenditures.  The increase in power costs is driven primarily by three factors:  1) a six percent increase in wholesale power rates from the Bonneville Power Administration as of October 1, 2009,  2) the cost of renewable power resources and conservation programs implemented to meet mandates imposed by the Energy Independence Act (Initiative 937), and 3) a reduction in the amount of revenue Benton PUD receives from selling excess power back into the wholesale power markets, which in turn is driven by a dramatic drop in wholesale power prices due to the recession.  

The primary driver for the increase in BPA wholesale rates are the rising costs in fish and wildlife programs.  In upcoming years, nearly one billion dollars will be spent annually on programs for fish recovery. 

Benton PUD conducts a cost of service study which determines the rate increase for each rate class.  Small General Service will increase 7.1 percent, Medium General Service will increase 8 percent and Large General Service will increase 7 percent.  Irrigation classes will increase 7.2 and 8 percent.

My kids accuse me of talking like an engineer.  When I would be begin to answer their questions, their eyes would roll back and they would patiently wait for me to conclude and then respond, “I just want to know the time, now how to make a watch”.

Sometimes I get accused of talking like an engineer.  From the time I graduated from WSU, I have worked in the electric utility world and have enjoyed the complex engineering aspects of electricity and power.  But in recent years, the industry has grown more complicated in many ways. 

For decades, utilities including Benton PUD invested in infrastructure to ensure we have reliable and affordable power.  Today, utilities face significant and growing challenges to maintaining a reliable power system and keeping our customer’s rates from soaring. Most notable is the challenge of meeting the increasing demand for energy and achieving environmental goals.

We have already been forewarned by the Bonneville Power Administration that our wholesale rates are going to increase with estimates ranging from 12 to 20 percent.  Rising costs in fish recovery plans and integration of new renewable power are two major factors.  The lack of snow this past winter didn’t help either and will impact the river flow for future power generation from the hydro system. The Bonneville Power Administration estimates it will likely finish its fiscal year with negative net revenues of approximately $230 million, a direct result of the Northwest’s low snowpack.  These next few months we will be taking a look at our costs in every way and will work closely with BPA, but at this point in time, we are anticipating a rate increase the first of next year. 

That is an over-simplified look at rate issues, but we will keep you informed as we negotiate through the challenges ahead of us.  We’ll update you through our newsletter, post information on our website and later this fall, will have informational meetings for our customers.  Please feel free to ask questions and we’ll try to answer them without engineering jargon. 

Even with a rate increase in the future, I can’t help from bragging a little. Utilities across the nation and the region are battling many of the same challenges as Benton PUD and have had to raise rates. We may be looking at a rate increase, but fortunately our rates are below most utilities in the region and the nation. We take great pride that an average Benton PUD residential customer’s bill is $94 compared the average for comparable Northwest utilities which is $103. Simply put – we’re work hard to keep our rates low and we will continue to keep it that way!

Jim

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, utilities have invested in conservation, renewable resources, and 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. 

As we deal with rising costs, environmental concerns and growing communities, utilities across the region will be working together today to ensure we continue to serve our customers with reliable low cost power.

Conservation, Renewables and Technology Help Meet Electricity Needs

Utilities Respond to Growing Need for Electricity

Effective January 1, 2012

RATE SCHEDULE 75

AVAILABLE: In all territory served by the District.

APPLICABLE: To agricultural irrigation power for wheelturning for customers that are subject to the Annual Facilities Ccharge.

CHARACTER OF SERVICE: 60 hertz alternating current, three-phase, at available secondary voltage.

RATE: The energy charge shall be determined by adding the kilowatt-hours recorded each year on the meters at the cluster points and multiplying the sum by $0.0372.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Service under this classification is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District or as specified in a special power sales contract.

Effective January 1, 2012

RATE SCHEDULE 74

AVAILABLE: In all territory served by the District.

APPLICABLE: To agricultural irrigation power for wheelturning for customers that are not subject to the Annual Facilities Charge.

CHARACTER OF SERVICE: 60 hertz alternating current, three-phase, at available secondary voltage.

RATE: The energy charge shall be determined by adding the kilowatt-hours recorded each year on the meters at the cluster points and multiplying the sum by $0.0427.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Service under this classification is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District or as specified in a special power sales contract.

Effective January 1, 2012

RATE SCHEDULE 73

WITH ANNUAL FACILITIES CHARGE

AVAILABLE: In all territory served by the District.

APPLICABLE: To agricultural irrigation power in excess of 300 horsepower served by one meter or as covered by special power sales contract and subject to the District's Annual Facilities Charge.

CHARACTER OF SERVICE: 60 hertz alternating current, three-phase, at available secondary voltage.

RATE:
Monthly Energy Charge

Monthly Demand Charge: $2.87 per kilowatt billing demand.

MINIMUM ANNUAL BILL: For each pumping station served at 2.4 kV or higher voltage, the Minimum Annual Bill may be computed as follows:

1. $2.70 per kVA of the self- cooled rating of transformer serving the pumping station or as determined by separate contract.
2. This Minimum Annual Bill is in addition to any Annual Special Facilities Charge as computed below.

BILLING DEMAND: The billing demand shall be the measured demand for the month, adjusted for power factor.

DELIVERY POINT: The above rates are based upon the supply of service through a single delivery and metering point or as specified in a special power sales contract.

DETERMINATION OF DEMAND: Demand measurement shall be made by suitable instruments at the point of delivery. Demand for any month shall be defined as the average kilowatt delivery during the thirty-minute period in which the consumption of energy is the greatest during the month for which determination is made.

POWER FACTOR ADJUSTMENTS: If the average power factor at which power is delivered to the purchaser is less than 97% lagging, the measured demand shall be increased by one percent for each percent or major fraction thereof that the average power factor is less than 97% lagging. The average power factor will be determined by measurement of kilowatt-hours and reactive kilovolt-ampere-hours during the billing period using the following formula:



Where pf = Average Power Factor
Where kWh = Kilowatt-Hours
Where kvarh = Reactive-Kilovolt-Ampere Hours

The meter measuring reactive volt-ampere-hours shall be ratcheted to prevent reverse rotation when the power factor of the load is leading.

SPECIAL ELECTRIC FACILITIES: District electrical distribution facilities that are required to provide electric service to the customer's facilities located on the customer's irrigation project. Upon the customer's written request and the District's approval, the District will furnish and install these Special Electric Facilities.

The amount of the District's investment in Special Electric Facilities shall be computed annually after each addition or change requested by the customer. The District will itemize and certify the amount of investment for the customer.

ANNUAL FACILITIES CHARGE FOR SPECIAL ELECTRIC FACILITIES: In addition to all other charges above, there may be an Annual Special Facilities Charge which shall be determined by multiplying the District's investment in the Special Electric Facilities as defined below by 18% or as determined by separate contract. This amount is due and payable April 1st of each year.

GENERAL TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Service under this classification is subject to the Customer Service Policies of the District or as specified in a special power sales contract.

The District may provide time-of-day demand meter installations for pumping stations in excess of 300 horsepower.

For customers served under Schedule 73, but electing non-time-of-use metering, energy consumption will be billed at the on-peak seasonal rates included in this schedule.

INCREMENTAL LOAD: Additional irrigation load for a customer served under this schedule is to be billed under this same schedule.

Si experimenta interrupcion servicio, llamar a Benton PUD a 582-2176 en Kennewick o al 786-4461 en Prosser.

Para preguntas sobre su cuenta, para obtener o cancelar servicio, o si su cuenta esta atracada, favor de llamar al 582-2175 y oprima 4750.

Oprima aqui para obtener informacion para Conservar Energia!

Maneras de pagar su cuenta:

En persona en nuestras oficinas

• Drive-Thru (favor de tener su numero de cuenta disponible).
• Para hacer pago en las oficinas de Kennewick o Prosser, un interprete estara disponible para ayudarle en persona o por telefono.

Por correo

• Favor de incluir su numero de cuenta.

Caja de pagos (Drop Box)

• Localizado enfrente de las officinas en Kennewick y en Prosser.

Por telefono

• Para hacer su pago a cualquier hora del dia, los siete dias de la semana, siga los pasos siquientes:

Paso 1:  Llame a Servicio al Cliente en Kennewick al 582-2175, oprima 8 para Espanol, o en Prosser al 786-1841 siguiendo las instruciones.

Paso 2:  Oprima 1 para Servicio al Cliente, cobros, y informacion sobre pagos.

Paso 3:  Oprima 2 para hacer pago por telefono.

Paso 4:  Oprima 1 para Ingles o 2 para Espanol.

Paso 5: Oprima 1 para continuar con su pago.

Paso 6:  Oprima sus 10 digitos de cuenta, sigiendo del simbolo de numero. (#)

Paso 7:  Oprima los ultimos cuatro digitos de su codigo postal del factura (99336-1234 o 99336 si no tiene cuatro despues) sigiendo del simbolo de numero. (#)

Paso 8:  Selecion su metodo de pago.  (cuenta de banco o tarjeta de credito/debito)

Paso 9:  Oprima los numeros de su cuente de banco o tarjeta de credito/debito.  Usted recivira el numero de confirmacion despues que su transacion sea completa.

2009 content

2010

2011 Key Newsletters

With the cold weather, your energy use has probably increased.  Use this checklist to make your home more efficient by inspecting your own home.

Clean up on energy savings in the kitchen

• Clean condenser coils on the refrigerator.  Dirty coils make it use more energy. Maintain the recommended setting in your refrigerator and freezer. Settings between 38°F and 42°F in the refrigerator and 0°F and 5°F in the freezer are sufficient to keep your food cold and safe.
• Check the dishwasher owner’s manual for recommendations on the water temperature.  Your dishwasher may have internal heating elements that allow you to set the water heater at a lower temperature.

Do you have savings going down the drain?

• Replace old showerheads with energy efficient ones to reduce hot water use.  You’ll hardly notice a difference in water pressure, but you’ll reduce the water you have to heat.
• Check the water heater temperature.  Set the temperature at 120 degrees. 
• Repair leaky water faucets.

Don’t let energy savings escape

• Seal and caulk around windows, doors, electrical outlets and plumbing fixtures.
• Apply weather stripping around doors.
• Install common draft guards beneath the doors.
• Clean or replace furnace filters. Check manufacturer’s maintenance instructions for service recommendations.  Heat pumps should be serviced annually or as noted by the manufacturer. 
• Clean the registers.  Make sure nothing is blocking the air flow.
• Close the vents to the crawlspace of your home to prevent cool air from penetrating under your house.
• Check your duct work for leaks and sections that may have separated. Secure the connections with mechanical fasteners such as sheet metal screws. Seal the joints with duct mastic.
• Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls.
• If you use a fireplace, installing tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system will blow warmed air back into the room. Close the damper when not in use. As much as 14% of your warm air escapes out a chimney.
• Look for dirty spots in your insulation, which indicate air leaks in and out of your house. Seal the holes by stapling sheets of plastic over the holes and caulking the edges of the plastic.

All around savings

• Install compact florescent light bulbs throughout the house.  Don’t forget the garage.
• Turn off lights and electronics when not in use.  Encourage others to do the same.
• Unplug chargers when not in use. 
• When shopping for a new appliance or electronic device, look for the Energy Star® logo.
• If you have an old refrigerator in the garage that isn’t getting much use, get rid of it or replace it with an energy efficient one.
• Check with Benton PUD for rebates on home improvements such as windows, insulation, heat pump or duct sealing project. 

2010 Annual Report		5,284 KB
2009 Annual Report		3,275 KB
2008 Annual Report		4,364 KB
2007 Annual Report		7.31 MB
2006 Annual Report		13.8 MB
2006 Annual Report - smaller file with financial information only		1.48 MB
2005 Annual Report		3.06 MB
2004 Annual Report		2.27 MB
2003 Annual Report		1.64 MB
2002 Annual Report		826 KB
2001 Annual Report		1.51 MB

A Guideline to Your Bill

Your Benton PUD bill has been improved. As a result of customer input and comments, we have made changes on the bill. Here is a guide to understanding your new bill.

1. The NEW return stub is at the bottom with easy perforation. Please return it with your payment to ensure your account is credited correctly.
2. Your customer account number.
3. The date your bill was generated.
4. The total amount due to Benton PUD.
5. The date your bill is due. The due date is 20 days after the day of the bill.
6. Each month, you will find a new message in this location.
7. Your meter readings include your previous reading, the new reading and total kWh used for the month. Meters are read once a month.
8. Previous balance and amount paid.
9. The monthly base charge.
10. Consumption at the current rate.
11. The line item "tax base" includes state privilege tax at 2.14%. When applicable, the City Occupational tax (varies by city) is listed as a line item. The line item "New Charges" includes state revenue tax at 3.873%.
12. This graph shows your electrical usage, number of days accounted for in the bill for that month, average user per day and average temperature for the month.
13. The location of both offices and customer phone numbers are listed. If you have questions about the new bill, please call either number.

Checks should be made payable to Benton PUD.

NEW envelope, too - The return envelope is designed to be more secure and easier to use.

Save a stamp - You can pay your bill online by using Benton PUD's Power Pay service.

The Budget Payment Plan enables you to divide your bill into equal payments. Your payment amount is calculated by averaging the last12 months billing period. To determine the amount of the payment, we total the past 12 months bills and divide by 12 to estimate your average monthly payment. The payment amount is adjusted bi-annually. If a customer has a credit balance on their account, the credit is divided by 12 and deducted from that monthly average. If there is a balance due, it is divided by 12 and added to the new monthly average. To sign up, you must have a zero balance.

For more information, check out our Frequently Asked Questions below or contact our Customer Service Department at 582-2175 in Kennewick or 786-1841 in Prosser.

**Benton PUD customers are responsible for payment of their actual electric usage.  The Budget Payment amount given to customers is only an average and based on their previous consumption.  Weather and changes in consumption habits are factors that may cause Budget Payment amounts to increase or decrease.

powerpay content

If your payment is past due or your electric service is disconnected,
PLEASE  DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR PAYMENT ONLINE.

To make your payment, contact Customer Service in Kennewick at (509) 582-2175 or in Prosser at (509) 786-1841.

To contine paying your bill using e-Bill, click here.

To continue paying your bill with Quick Pay, click here.

Questions?

If you have any questions about Benton PUD's e-Bill or Quick Pay service, please click here to send an email to Customer Service or call 509-582-2175 from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. We will contact you during normal business hours regarding your question.

Trouble logging in?

Contact Customer Service at powerpay@bentonpud.org.

Please choose from the questions below for help when using e-Bill or Quick Pay.

Is there a cost to use e-Bill? How do I sign up for e-Bill? I am having trouble signing up - I'm getting a message that says "authentication failed" or "We could not authenticate your information" What if I forget my password? What if I forget my User ID? Is my account and payment information secure? How do I view my bill using e-Bill? What form of payment can I use? How do I add a payment method? How do I update my payment method information? How do I delete my payment method information? What is the account nickname? How do I update my credit card expiration date? Will I continue to receive my bill by mail or email? How do I update my email address?	Do I need to enroll each time I use e-Bill? Can I still donate to Helping Hands? If I have a question about e-Bill, what can I do? Automatic Payment Rules How do I set-up Automatic Payments on e-Bill? How do I update or change my Automatic Payment Method? How do I delete a Payment Method associated with an Automatic Payment Rule? How do I delete an Automatic Payment Rule?
Is there a cost to use Quick Pay? How do I use Quick Pay to pay my bill? I am having trouble using Quick Pay - I'm getting a message that says "authentication failed" or "We could not authenticate your information" What form of payment can I use? Is my payment information secure?	Will I receive a confirmation of my payment? How long does it take to process my payment? Can I pay my bill in advance? Can I still donate to Helping Hands? If I have a question about Quick Pay, what can I do?

Is there a cost to use e-Bill?                                                                                                                                                             No, it's FREE.                                                                                                                                                                                            back to the top

How do I sign up for e-Bill? Step 1.  Visit our e-Bill website Step 2.  Click on the red sign up link Step 3.  Select the customer type (residential customers select Individual) Step 4.  Enter your account number Step 5.  Enter the last four digits of your zip code from the mailing address on your most recent bill (99336 or 99336-1234). Step 6.  Click Continue Step 7.  Enter a User ID and Password – you will have to retype your password Step 8.  Select a hint question and answer Step 9.  Fill in your contact information Step 10.  Be sure to check the Terms and Conditions box Step 11.  Click Continue Step 12.  You will need to enter your new User ID and Password to login to your e-Bill account                                                             back to the top

I am having trouble signing up – I’m getting a message that says “authorization failed” or “We could not authenticate your information.” Please verify that your account number and the last four digits of your zip code are correct.  You can find this information on your most recent bill.  Please note: If your bill address has a five digit zip code use the last four digits (99336). If your bill uses the nine digit zip code, use the last four digits following the dash (99336-4567).  Multiple failed attempts at signing-up may result in the account becoming locked.  Please call us at 509-582-2175 for assistance. back to the top

What if I forget my password? Step 1.  From the login page, click Forgot your password? Step 2.  Enter your User ID and one of the following:  Account Number or Email Address and click Continue Step 3.  You will be prompted to answer your previously established hint question and click Continue Step 4.  Fill in the boxes with your new password and click Submit Step 5.  Click Go to Login to login with your new password                                                                                                                     back to the top

What if I forget my User ID? Step 1.  From the login page, click Forgot your User ID? Step 2.  Enter your Account Number and Email Address then click Continue Your User ID will be sent to your email address.                                                                                                                                       back to the top

Is my account and payment information secure? Yes, Power Pay has security measures implemented to protect your accounts and payment information.                                            back to the top

How do I view my bill using e-Bill? Step 1.  Login to e-Bill Step 2.  From your Inbox, click on the red underlined link in the Description section. Please note - The bill displayed is an electronic copy of the same bill you would receive in the mail.  You are able to print or save this bill for your records.                                                                                                                                                                                                    back to the top

What form of payment can I use? We accept VISA and Mastercard.  You may also withdraw from your checking or savings account.                                                      back to the top

How do I add a payment method? If you would like to update/change your payment method associated with an Automatic Payment Rule, click here. Step 1.  Login to e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Payments Step 3.  Click on Payment Methods Step 4.  Choose from the drop down menu to set up a bank account or credit card and click Go Step 5.  Fill in your payment method and billing information Step 6.  Be sure to check the Terms and Conditions Box and click Add                                                                                                   back to the top

How do I update my payment method information? If you would like to update/change your payment method associated with an Automatic Payment Rule, click here. Step 1.  Login to e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Payments Step 3.  Click on Payment Methods Step 4.  Click on the Payment Method you need to update Step 5.  Update the necessary information and click Update                                                                                                                  back to the top

How do I delete my payment method? If you would like to update/change your payment method associated with an Automatic Payment Rule, click here. Step 1.  Login to e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Payments Step 3.  Click on Payment Methods Step 4.  Click on the Payment Method you want to delete Step 5.  Click Delete Step 6.  Click Submit                                                                                                                                                                                 back to the top

What is the account nickname? You can set up your payment methods with account nicknames to help identify which payment method to choose when paying your bill.   back to the top

How do I pay my bill using e-Bill? You need to be an enrolled user in e-Bill before paying your bill through e-Bill (see How do I sign up for e-Bill) You will need to set-up a Payment Method prior to paying your bill on e-Bill (see How do I add a payment method) Step 1.  Login to e-Bill Step 2.  From your Inbox click on the PAY button located to the right of the bill you want to pay Step 3.  Be sure to check the box of the bill you want to pay and click Continue Step 4.  Verify the payment amount and date is correct and then select a Payment Method Step 5.  Verify the payment information is correct and click Make Payment Please note - Payments made online are limited to a minimum payment of $5.00 per day, unless the balance due is of a lower amount.                                                                                                                                                                                                  back to the top

Will I receive a confirmation of my payment? Yes, you will receive an email that confirms the payment was received.                                                                                                 back to the top

How long does it take to process my payment? Payments take a maximum of two business days to process. Payments made after 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Central Time) will be processed the next business day.  Payments made after 7:00 P.M. will not be processed until two days following the payment. Important - If the account is past due, an online payment may not prevent late fees or disconnection.                   back to the top

Can I view my payment history? Yes, you can access your payment history by logging into your e-Bill acount and clicking Payments in the column on the left side of the screen.                                             back to the top

Can I pay my bill in advance? Yes. This is an easy way to pay if you plan to be out of town.                                                                                                               back to the top

How do I update my credit card expiration date? Step 1.  Log into e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Payments Step 3.  Click on Payment Methods Step 4.  Select the payment method that you need to update Step 5.  Update your credit card expiration date Step 6.  Click Update Please note – In order to update the expiration date on a credit card that is associated with a payment that has already been scheduled, please call us at 582-2175.  You can see if your payment has been scheduled by looking at the Payment Activity status in e-Bill.                        back to the top

Will I continue to receive my bill by mail or by email? Enrolled e-Bill customers will receive their bill monthly by e-mail.                                                                                                             back to the top

How do I update my email address? Step 1.  Log into e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Accounts Setup Step 3.  Click on Contact Information Step 4.  Enter your password Step 5.  Enter your new email information Step 6.  Click Update                                                                                                                                                                                back to the top

Do I need to enroll each time I use e-Bill? No. Once you are enrolled, simply login using your User ID and Password to pay your bill.                                                                   back to the top

Can I still donate to Helping Hands? Yes, you have the option to enter an amount to donate towards Helping Hands when submitting a payment through e-Bill.  If you are a customer using Automatic Payments and are interested in donating to Helping Hands, click here.                                                                     back to the top

If I have a question about e-Bill, what can I do? If you have any questions, please email us at powerpay@bentonpud.org or call us Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 582-2175 or in Prosser at 786-1841.                                                                                                                                                                                back to the top

How do I set-up Automatic Payments on e-Bill? Step 1.  Login to e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Payments Step 3.  Click on Automatic Payments Step 4.  Click on Add automatic payment rule Step 5.  Fill in the Payment Amount (optional) and click Submit (pelase note - by filling in a Helping Hands amount during this process, you are electing Benton PUD to withdraw this amount from your Payment Method along with your bill amount every month) Step 6.  Fill in your Payment Method information and click Continue Step 7.  Click Submit Step 8.  Confirm Automatic Payment Rule and click Submit The Automatic Payment Rule will not take effect until your next bill.  Payments are automatically withdrawn on the due date. back to the top

How do I update or change my Automatic Payment Method? If you are updating your existing payment method or are changing from one credit card to another, or from one bank account to another, please follow the steps below: Step 1.  Log into e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Payments Step 3.  Click on Payment Methods Step 4.  Select the payment method you need to update or change Step 5.  Enter the updated information or new Payment Method information Step 6.  Click Update Please note - in order to update the expiration date on a credit card that is associated with a payment that has already been scheduled, please call us at 582-2175.  You can see if your payment as been scheduled by looking at the Payment Acitivity status in e-Bill. If you are changing from a credit card to a bank account, or vice versa, you will need to delete your existing Automatic Payment Rule and add a new one.  Please follow the steps below: Step 1.  Log into e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Payments Step 3.  Click on Automatic Payments Step 4.  Click Rule ID Step 5.  Click Delete Step 6.  Click Submit Step 7.  Follow the steps to set-up Automatic Payments back to the top

How do I delete a Payment Method associated with an Automatic Payment Rule? Step 1.  Log into e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Payments Step 3.  Click on Automatic Payments Step 4.  Click Rule ID Step 5.  Click Delete Step 6.  Click Submit Step 7.  Click Payment Methods Step 8.  Click on the Payment Method you would like to delete Step 9.  Click Delete Step 10.  Click Submit back to the top

How do I delete an Automatic Payment Rule? Step 1.  Log into e-Bill Step 2.  Click on Payments Step 3.  Click on Automatic Payments Step 4.  Click Rule ID Step 5.  Click Delete Step 6.  Click Submit back to the top

Is there a cost to use Quick Pay? No, it's FREE.                                                                                                                                                                                            back to the top

How do I use Quick Pay to pay my bill? Step 1.  Visit our Quick Pay website Step 2.  Enter your account number Step 3.  Enter the last four digits of your zip code from the mailing address on your most recent bill (99336 or 99336-1234).   Please note - multiple failed attempts when entering this information may result in the account becoming locked.  Please call us at 509-582-2175 for assistance. Step 4.  Click Continue Step 5.  Fill in the Payment Information and click Continue Step 6.  Fill in your contact information and click Continue Step 7.  Fill in the Payment Information and click Continue Step 8.  Confirm your payment                                                                                                                                                                back to the top

I am having trouble using Quick Pay – I’m getting a message that says “authorization failed” or “We could not authenticate your information.” Please verify that your account number and the last four digits of your zip code are correct.  You can find this information on your most recent bill.  Please note: If your bill address has a five digit zip code use the last four digits (99336). If your bill uses the nine digit zip code, use the last four digits following the dash (99336-4567).  Multiple failed attempts at signing-up may result in the account becoming locked.  Please call us at 509-582-2175                       back to the top

What form of payment can I use? We accept VISA and Mastercard.  You may also withdraw from your checking or savings account.                                                      back to the top

Is my payment information secure? Yes, Power Pay has security measures implemented to protect your payment information.                                                                  back to the top

Will I receive a confirmation of my payment? Yes, you will receive an email that confirms the payment was received.                                                                                                back to the top

How long does it take to process my payment? Payments take a maximum of two business days to process. Payments made after 3:00 p.m. Pacific Time (5:00 p.m. Central Time) will be processed the next business day.  Payments made after 7:00 P.M. will not be processed until two days following the payment. Important - If the account is past due, an online payment may not prevent late fees or disconnection.                   back to the top

Can I pay my bill in advance? Yes. This is an easy way to pay if you plan to be out of town.                                                                                                               back to the top

Can I still donate to Helping Hands? Yes, you have the option to enter an amount to donate towards Helping Hands when submitting a payment through Quick Pay.       back to the top

If I have a question about Quick Pay, what can I do? If you have any questions, please email us at powerpay@bentonpud.org or call us Monday - Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 582-2175 or in Prosser at 786-1841.                                                                                                                                                                                back to the top

What does the customer do to recycle a refrigerator or freezer?

Customers may schedule a refrigerator or freezer collection date by calling 1-866-899-5539 or visit www.bentonpud.org and click on the “See Ya Later Refrigerator” link. JACO will call the customer two or three days ahead of the scheduled collection date to confirm the appointment.

How much is the rebate?

Benton PUD customers will receive a $30 rebate approximately 30 days from the collection date.

What qualifies for the program?

Refrigerators and freezers must be at least 10 cubic feet in size, empty and working at the time of pick up. Refrigerators and freezers must be located at a Benton PUD customer’s home or business.

Why is Benton PUD offering this program?

A refrigerator that was manufactured before 1990 will consume about 1,500 kWh annually compared to a new energy efficient one that consumes about 442 kWh annually. Old refrigerators waste energy and cost Benton PUD residential customers about $90 per year in electricity.

Does Benton PUD offer rebates on new refrigerators or freezers?

Benton PUD offers a $25 rebate for the purchase of qualified new ENERGY STAR® refrigerators as well as rebates on clothes washers, dishwashers and water heaters. Click here for more details. We do not offer rebates on freezers at this time.

SAFETY FIRST...

At Benton PUD, safety is given a top priority at all times.  We believe in solid work procedures and ongoing training which help ensure our employees return home at the end of the day as healthy as they started it.

Benton PUD has established a safety and accident prevention program that emphasizes the integration of safety and health measures into each job.  Some of the tools we use to reduce work hazards are:

• Timely and appropriate safety training
• A management and employee safety committee
• An active on-site inspection program
• Proper mechanical guards
• Personal protective equipment
• Active involvement in the electrical safety industry

Everyone at Benton PUD plays a role in ensuring safety remains top priority:  When you join our team you join a “Safety First” organization! 

WZ & HVAC CONTRACTORS

General Information

• Contractor Application - **Please review the REEP Contractor’s Agreement for Services - SAMPLE prior to submitting Contractor Application
• REEP Participation Agreement
• Surety Bond

Weatherization, Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

• Contractor Checklist for HVAC and Weatherization Measures
• WZ & HVAC Rebate Application
• WZ & HVAC Ductless Heat Pump Installation Form

Weatherization

• WZ Insulation Installer’s Certificate
• WZ Window Installer’s Certificate
• WZ Final Inspection Checklist Site Built
• WZ Weatherization Specifications

Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)

• HVAC Inspection Checklist HVAC Measures
• HVAC PTCS Air Source Heat Pump Installation Commissioning Procedures
• HVAC PTCS Air Source Heat Pump Installation Standards
• HVAC PTCS Duct Sealing Specifications
• HVAC PTCS Ground Source Heat Pump Specifications

Helpful Website Links

• Air Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute - Search              
• Northwest Energy Star Homes
• Benton County Assessor's      
• Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) Certified Technicians    
• Performance Tested Comfort Systems (PTCS) Home Page             
• Ductless Heat Pumps    

BUILDERS

ENERGY STAR® Homes Builders

• ENERGY STAR $1000 Rebate Application

The Agriculture program includes incentives for sprinklers, nozzles, replacement of 25 to 500 horsepower pump motors and variable frequency drives iinstalled in onion and potato sheds.  Please contact Kevin Fischer at 585-5395 for 2012 funding availability.

To apply for the rebate, please fill out our Commercial Energy Efficiency Program Deemed Project Application.

To find out more information contact Kevin Fischer at fischerk@bentonpud.org or call 585-5395.

Benton PUD's Commercial Energy Efficiency Program includes rebates for special projects that improve efficiency or process related systems including, but not limited to, compressed air, variable frequency drives, industrial lighting interactive with HVAC systems, and refrigeration.  Please contact Kevin Fischer at 585-5395 for 2012 funding availability.

To apply for the rebate, please fill out our Commercial Energy Efficiency Program Custom Project Application.

To find out more information contact Kevin Fischer at fischerk@bentonpud.org or call 585-5395.

Benton PUD's Lighting Energy Efficiency Program (LEEP) includes rebates for deemed savings on energy efficient lighting.  Please contact Kevin Fischer at 585-5395 for 2012 funding availability.

Before you start work please fill out the LEEP Authorization Application for Rebates and contact Kevin Fischer to schedule an audit at fischerk@bentonpud.org or call 585-5395.

More Information:

• Common Fluorescent Lighting Wattage
• Lighting Waste Disposal Form

What rebates are available from Benton PUD?

*Must meet specifications

For a detailed list of rebates and specifications, stop by our office or call 582-1234.

How long does the program last?

The program is effective through September 30, 2013, or until funding expires. 

How can I apply for a rebate?

• See ya Later Refrigerator
• ENERGY STAR® Appliances
• Weatherization and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC)
• ENERGY STAR® Homes
• ENERGY STAR® Manufactured Homes

When will I receive the rebate?

• See ya Later Refrigerator:  Customers with a qualified refrigerator will receive a rebate approximately 30 days from the collection date.
• ENERGY STAR® Appliances: Once the application (including the receipt) is completed and processed, the rebate will applied to the customer's Benton PUD account.  Exceptions may apply.
• Weatherization and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC):  Rebates are provided to customers in the form of a credit on the project invoice from an Approved Benton PUD Contractor once the project is completed.
• ENERGY STAR® Homes:  The rebate is provided to ENERGY STAR® Home builders.  Please call 582-1234 for more information.
• ENERGY STAR® Manufactured Homes:  Once the application (including the Certificate of Compliance) is completed and processed, the rebate will be mailed to the customer within 30 days.

Why should I purchase energy efficient appliances or make energy efficient home improvements?

The more energy efficient your home is, the less it costs to heat and cool and the lower your utility bills. Energy Efficient appliances will also help lower your utility bills.  Using less energy is also good for the environment because it helps reduce air pollution and conserve natural resources.

Where can I purchase ENERGY STAR® appliances, heat pumps, insulation or windows?

Qualified appliance products can be found in most stores. Some retailers have partnered with ENERGY STAR® to train their sales staff about energy efficiency so they can provide you with advice about purchasing energy-efficient products for your home and office. To find an ENERGY STAR® store, visit www.energystar.gov.

Please contact an Approved Benton PUD Contractor for more information on heat pumps, insulation and windows.

What is ENERGY STAR®?

ENERGY STAR® is a government-backed program helping businesses and individuals protect the environment through superior energy efficiency. Results are already adding up. Americans, with the help of ENERGY STAR®, saved enough energy in 2005 alone to avoid greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to those from 23 million cars — all while saving $12 billion on their utility bills.

Where can I find a list of ENERGY STAR® Manufactured Home dealers, ENERGY STAR® home builders, or weatherization and HVAC contractors?

Click here for ENERGY STAR® Manufactured Home dealers.

To find ENERGY STAR® builders in our area visit www.northwestenergystar.com/partners.

 Click here for approved Weatherization and HVAC contractors.

Can I install my own insulation, heat pumps or windows and still receive the rebate?

No, all weatherization and HVAC measures must be performed by an Approved Benton PUD Contractor. 

Does Benton PUD offer a commercial and agricultural rebate program?

Yes. For more information about our commercial and agricultural rebate program, please visit our Commercial Rebates web page or call Kevin Fischer at 585-5395.

Benton PUD has partnered with JACO Environmental, Inc. to provide the See Ya Later Refrigerator recycling program to Benton PUD customers. The program provides customers a way to recycle eligible refrigerators and freezers, save energy and earn a $30 incentive from Benton PUD.

Currently, many people buy new refrigerators and freezers and keep their old ones. These inefficient units usually end up in a garage where they become storage for just a few items – a waste of energy and money.

Follow the See Ya Later Refrigerator recycling program steps below to earn a $30 incentive from Benton PUD.

To Qualify

• Your refrigerator or freezer must be empty, plugged in and working at time of pick up.
• You must be a Benton PUD customer.
• Your refrigerator or freezer must be between 10 and 27 cubic feet in size.
• Limit two units (refrigerator or freezer) per household, per year.

To Participate:

• Call JACO Environmental, Inc. at 1-866-899-5539. You'll be asked for your Benton PUD address and zip code. JACO will determine your eligibility over the phone and schedule a pickup date and time.
• Click here to schedule your refrigerator or freezer pickup online. Simply enter in your zip code and select a pickup date. If eligible, JACO will call you two or three days ahead of the scheduled collection date to confirm the appointment.

Qualifying Benton PUD customers will receive a $30 incentive approximately 30 days from the collection date.

• Energy Saving Refrigerator Facts
• Frequently Asked Questions for the See Ya Later Refrigerator recycling program

Purchasing a new refrigerator to replace the old one? Benton PUD also offers a $15 rebate on the purchase of new qualified ENERGY STAR® refrigerators. Click here for more information on additional appliance rebates.

Mobile Home Dealers:

All American Homes

3300 W. 19th Ave., Kennewick

783-3780

Western Heritage Homes
5705 W Clearwater Ave, Kennewick
783-4947

Valley Quality Homes
900 S Ely St., Kennewick
783-5473

Tri-City Home Center
3213 W 19th Ave., Kennewick
586-0707

Benton PUD offers rebates to buyers of ENERGY STAR® Manufactured Homes.  ENERGY STAR® Manufactured Homes provide comfort that is unsurpassed in the manufactured home industry. They are built to save as much as 30 percent on heating bills through more insulation in ceilings, walls and floors, better windows and doors, specially designed ventilation system, better-sealed heating ducts and a reduction in drafts. Homes must be electrically heated and located in Benton PUD's service territory to receive the rebate. Rebates are valid through September 30, 2013 or until funding expires.

Rebate: $750 to purchasers.

ENERGY STAR® Manufactured Homes Rebate Application
Manufactured Home dealers

Benton PUD offers rebates to ENERGY STAR® Home builders.  ENERGY STAR® qualified homes are independently verified to be at least 30% more energy efficient than homes built to the 1993 national Model Energy Code or 15% more efficient than the state energy code, whichever is more rigorous. These savings are based on heating, cooling, and hot water energy use and are typically achieved through a combination of:

• building envelope upgrades,
• high performance windows,
• controlled air infiltration,
• upgraded heating and air conditioning systems,
• tight duct systems and
• upgraded water-heating equipment.

These features contribute to improved home quality and homeowner comfort, and to lower energy demand and reduced air pollution. ENERGY STAR® also encourages the use of energy-efficient lighting and appliances, as well as features designed to improve indoor air quality.

To find ENERGY STAR® builders in our area visit, www.energystar.gov.

Rebates are valid through September 30, 2013 or until funding expires. For more information, please contact Ed Monson at monsone@bentonpud.org or call at 582-1272.

Benton PUD is offering rebates on weatherization, heating, ventilation and air conditioning.  Rebates are available for electrically heated homes only.  Measures below must be performed by an approved contractor.  Rebates are valid through September 30, 2013 or until funding expires.

To apply for Weatherization and HVAC rebates, please follow these simple steps:

1. View our Customer Instructions
2. Contact one of our Approved Contractors

Weatherization

Please contact an Approved Contractor for detailed rebate requirements

Rebates

• Insulation rebates range from $0.05 to $.85 a square foot depending on location (floor, attic or wall) and home type (single family, multi-family or manufactured home). 

• Window replacement rebates are $6 a square foot for single family, multi-family and manufactured homes.

HVAC

Please contact an Approved Contractor for detailed rebate requirements

Rebates

• Heat pump rebates range from $500 to $2,000
• Ductless heat pump rebates are $1,500 - To learn more about ductless heat pumps, click here
• Heat pump commissioning and controls rebates are $300
• Duct sealing rebates are $400

Questions?  Please call us at 582-1234 and we'll be happy to assist you.

Benton PUD is offering rebates on ENERGY STAR® appliances.  Rebates are valid through September 30, 2013 or until funding expires. 

To apply for a rebate, please follow these simple steps:

1. Appliance must be installed within Benton PUD's service territory
2. Complete the Appliance Rebate Application
3. Attach a copy of your receipt to the application (the receipt must include your name, address, appliance make, appliance model and purchase date)
4. Return the application and receipt within 30 days of purchase to:

                    Benton PUD - ATTENTION:  Conservation

                    P.O. Box 6270

                    Kennewick, WA 99336 

            ** Rebate(s) will be applied to the customer's Benton PUD account.  Exceptions may apply.

ENERGY STAR® Appliances

• ENERGY STAR® Clothes washers
  ENERGY STAR® qualified clothes washers clean clothes using 50% less energy than standard washers. Most ENERGY STAR® qualified washers extract more water from clothes during the spin cycle. This reduces the drying time and saves energy and wear and tear on your clothes.
  Rebate: $30 - Heat provided by electric water heater (Clothes washer must have MEF of >2)
  Rebate: $20 - Heat provided by gas water heater  (Clothes washer must have MEF of >2)
• ENERGY STAR® Refrigerator & Freezers
  ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerators provide energy savings without sacrificing the features you want. ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator models use high efficiency compressors, improved insulation, and more precise temperature and defrost mechanisms to improve energy efficiency. ENERGY STAR® qualified refrigerator models use 40% less energy than the conventional models sold in or before 2001.   
  Rebate: $15 - Both must be 7.75 cubic feet or greater                                            

• Water heater
  Water heating can account for 14%–25% of the energy consumed in your home. You can reduce your monthly water heating bills by selecting the appropriate water heater for your home. Look for the yellow Energy Guide label that provides an estimate of the product's energy consumption or energy efficiency.
  Rebate: $25 - Must be electric, Energy Factor ratings as follows: 25-54 gallon > .94,  55-74 gallon > .93, 75-99 gallon > .92

ENERGY STAR® is a government/industry partnership that offers businesses and consumers energy-efficient solutions, making it easy to save money while protecting the environment for future generations. Products with the ENERGY STAR® label means it meets strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the US Environmental Protection Agency and the US Department of Energy.

For additional rebates, check out Washington State's Cash For Appliances Program

Questions?  Please call us at 582-1234 and we'll be happy to assist you.

Benton PUD purchases wind energy from the White Creek Wind Project

In anticipation of meeting renewable mandates now required by law, Benton PUD has purchased a 3% share (6.14 megawatts) of Klickitat PUD’s 16 percent of the White Creek Wind Project. Based on one-third capacity factor, this represents two average megawatts which is enough energy for approximately 1,070 homes served by Benton PUD. 

Benton PUD invested $11 million from reserves that were built up from better than expected wholesale power sales from the White Creek Wind project to meet mandates imposed by The Energy Independence Act (Initiative 937).  Passed in 2006, Benton PUD is now required to have at least three percent of the utility’s power from renewable sources by 2012 (not counting hydropower), nine percent in 2016 and 15 percent by 2020.  Benton PUD’s purchase, in addition to the purchase of three average megawatts from the Nine Canyon Wind project and one average megawatt from White Creek previously purchased, provides the District six average megawatts of renewable power.  This is enough to cover the forecasted amount Benton PUD needs for the 2012 mandate. This is enough power for 3,200 homes.

With the increased demand for renewable power by other utilities due to mandates imposed not only in Washington but in Oregon and California, the price and availability for renewable resources will be volatile in the future. The cost of White Creek is the lowest cost alternative for renewables that qualify for the state mandates.  What makes this purchase even more advantageous is that Power excessive of Benton PUD’s need is contracted to be sold until 2011.  The mandates come into effect in 2012.  Lewis PUD recently purchased some of Klickitat PUD’s shares also to meet renewable mandates. 

The White Creek Project is located in the Columbia River Gorge on 9,500 acres of ranchland, 21 miles east of Goldendale.  It has 89 wind turbines with the total capacity of 205 megawatts with a projected annual output of 68 average megawatts.  Each 2.3 megawatt wind turbine is 262 feet tall with 141 long blades. 

The project produces enough clean, renewable electricity to meet the needs of 38,000 Pacific Northwest residences.  Wind studies have shown that another 100 megawatts expansion is feasible at this location.

The project was developed by Cowlitz PUD, Klickitat PUD, Lakeview Light & Power and Tanner Electric Co-Op.  The project construction began in summer 2006 and started producing power in November 2007. 

Once a solar system is installed on a home, a net metering system is installed by Benton PUD which enables the power that is generated by the solar panels to offset the power used in the home.  There would not be an energy bill from Benton PUD but there would still be a monthly Meter Reading charge.

There is a state renewable incentive program available.  For more information visit http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=82.16.120.  There may also be Federal Tax incentives available for solar systems. Check with a tax advisor for more information.

Windmills are eligible to participate in Benton PUD’s Net Metering program; however local planning departments should be contacted for requirements in regards to the pole, location on the property, etc.

Frequently Asked Questions about Net Metering

Does Benton PUD have a Net Metering Program?
YES – Benton PUD has a Net Metering Program where a customer can generate electricity to offset the energy use in their home or business.

How much does will 1 kW of solar generate in one year?
One kW of solar panels will generate approximately 1,600 kWh of energy in a year.

How big of a system do I need for my house to eliminate my power bill?
The average house in Benton County uses approximately 17,000 kWh of energy in a year and would need a 10.35 kW solar system to offset their energy usage. Though there would not be an energy bill from the utility there would still be a Meter Reading charge.

Does Benton PUD pay a rebate for solar systems?
No - At this time Benton PUD does not have rebates available for solar or wind systems, however, Benton PUD does participate in the state renewable incentive program and there are production incentives available through that program. For more information visit http://apps.leg.wa.gov/RCW/default.aspx?cite=82.16.120 For copies of the Department of Revenue incentive form, visit http://dor.wa.gov/Docs/forms/Misc/RenewEnerSystCertInvCstRecIncPrgm.pdf

What type of system should I get?
The utility does not recommend one system over another system and it is up to the customer to research the systems to find one that meets their requirements.

How much does a solar system cost?
Cost can vary with the size of the system with the price per kW dropping with the size of the system. Prices can range from $9,000 - $11,000 per kW.

Can I sell my electricity back to the PUD?
Yes - However that is under a different program other than the Net Metering program and the price that the utility pays for the electricity is based on the utilities wholesale rate.

Can I put in a windmill?
Windmills are eligible to participate in Benton PUD’s Net Metering program; however, we recommend that you check with your local planning department to find out any of their requirements in regards to the pole, location on the property, etc.

Are there other incentives available?
Benton PUD does participate in the state renewable incentive program and there are production incentives available through that program. There may be Federal Tax incentives available for solar systems, and the customer should check with their tax advisor for more information.

Who installs the equipment?
A good resource for solar information can be located on the internet at http://www.solarbuzz.com

Where do I find out more about wind?
There are a variety of wind products available and we recommend that customers interested in finding out further information search on the internet.

Where can I buy solar equipment?
A good resource for solar information can be located on the internet at http://www.solarbuzz.com

As the debate continues on fish programs related to the hydrosystem, sometimes it’s difficult to separate fact from fiction.  Here are some myth busters from the Public Power Council.

Myth 1:  Spilling water over dams creates the safest route of passage for fish.

Facts:  

• Fish navigating through spill water is not natural and has risks.
• More water spilled does not always lead to higher fish survival
• Increased water speed does not equal increased fish survival.
• High water spill volumes can make it harder for adult salmon migrating upstream.

Myth 2: Salmon and steelhead will recover by removing the four Lower Snake River Dams.

Facts:

• Removal of the dams does not guarantee increased fish survival.  Current juvenile fish passage survival rates are at or above 95% at all four dams.
• The dams only affect 4 out 13 Endangered Species Act listed salmon and steelhead stocks in the Columbia River basin.
• Dams impact only 10% of the historic fall Chinook spawning habitat in the Snake River; other species were less affected.  Removal will not significantly improve access to historic spawning areas.
• The removal of the dams would have tremendous negative impact on our economy and environment by eliminating about 1,020 average megawatts of clean, carbon-free energy, increasing green house gasses by 4.4M tons per year, reducing navigation and irrigation capabilities.

Myth 3: Lost generation costs are not real

Facts:

• Spill and flow augmentation reduce the amount of water available to generate power which reduces BPA’s ability to meet contractual obligations and requires them to purchase replacement power.  It also reduces BPA’s ability to sell surplus power and reduce rates.
• The Northwest Power Act requires lost generations costs to be identified in order to do a cost benefit analysis of fish and wildlife mitigation actions.
• Cost-based rates are increased by both the additional costs of replacement power and the loss of a source of power revenue.
• To achieve an honest cost-benefit evaluation, estimates of specific biological benefit of hydro system mitigation actions are needed. 
• The costs associated with lost generation are legitimate and appropriate to be included in cost and rate impact evaluations.  Quantifying the impact o f lost generation is needed in order to make informed decisions about the relative cost-effectiveness of measures.

Myth 4: The federal hydro system is the greatest source of mortality for salmon in the Columbia River.

Facts:

• The quality of freshwater habitat is a primary factor affecting the survival of salmon and steelhead in the Columbia River basin.
• Ocean conditions are a significant factor affecting the return of adult salmon and steelhead. Ocean researchers have found that water temperature, food availability and the number of predators that eat juvenile salmon have a much greater effect on salmon and steelhead stocks than the federal dams on the Columbia River. 

Myth 5: Little has been done to improve fish survival past the federal dams.

• Significant improvements have been made, and continue to be made, at federal dams to enhance salmon and steelhead survival. From the early 1900’s through 2006, more than $2.5 billion was invested to develop and install new and improved fish passage facilities at the federal dams on the lower Columbia and Snake Rivers.  Screens have been installed in front of turbines to keep juvenile fish from entering.  Bypass systems have been built to collect juvenile fish and route them around dams.  “Fish slides” and other surface bypass systems that pass fish safely over dams have been installed at the dams. 
• Improvements to fish and wildlife habitat and hatchery programs is ongoing.  Ratepayers have funded more than $1.8 billion for building and operating hatcheries, improving fish and wildlife habitat such as spawning and rearing habitat in tributaries and protecting wildlife habitat for waterfowl and large mammals.
• Ratepayers will fund nearly $1 billion a year in fish and wildlife mitigation programs beginning in 2010-2011.  The federal biological opinion for the federal hydro system requires continued improvements for fish survival at the dams and fish habitat in the Columbia River tributaries, including spill, flow augmentation, turbine operations, fish collections and transportation, hatcheries and funds for the Northwest Power and Conservation Council Fish and Wildlife Program. 

Solar Demonstration Project at Benton PUD

Benton PUD, in conjunction with Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), has installed solar demonstration projects at their Kennewick and Prosser offices to provide customers an opportunity to get a closer look at how solar works. 

Located at Benton PUD’s Kennewick facility, there are 24 two foot by four foot panels mounted three different ways to demonstrate various mounting techniques. The fully operational 4kW system in Kennewick can generate 6,570 kWh per year.  (Click here to view the solar energy generated graph in Kennewick)

The system located at the Benton PUD facility in Prosser is a 3 kW system with 18 two foot by four foot panels that uses a pole mount system.  The 3kW system can generate 4,927 kWh a year.  The charging system for Benton PUD’s Prius Plug-in vehicle is tied into the system. The Prius Plug-in is a hybrid electric car that has been modified under a statewide study program to test the use of electricity to charge the vehicle in addition to the car’s hybrid design.  (Click here to view the solar energy generated graph in Prosser)

The solar systems were paid for through the BPA conservation program.

If an average Benton PUD residential customer wants to have a system large enough to offset their annual electric usage (approx. 17,000 kWh per year) they would need to install a 10.3 kW solar system on their house and participate in the Benton PUD’s Net Metering Program.  One kW solar panel will generate approximately 1,600 kWh of energy in a year.  The cost of a solar system varies depending on the size of the system with the price per kW dropping with the size of the system.   Prices can range from $9,000 - $11,000 per kW.

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions about our Solar Program

Click here to learn more about our Net Metering Program

Northwest RiverPartners' poll shows support:

Northwest citizens support clean renewable hydropower; staunchly oppose destroying lower Snake River dams

Northwest voters understand hydroelectric power is the region's premier source of clean, renewable energy and staunchly support keeping the lower Snake River dams.

Flores noted that more than 67 percent of the region's voters – including a striking 79 percent in Idaho – support the importance of the Snake River dams to the region's power system – a view unchanged since polling began in 2005.

"Despite an ongoing campaign by a small group of anti-dam activists, public opposition to destroying the dams is unwavering," said Terry Flores, executive director of Northwest RiverPartners.  "Voters in the Northwest clearly value dams and their contribution to our clean, renewable power system and realize the lower Snake River dams are vital.

Davis, Hibbitts & Midghall, a Portland polling firm, conducted a public opinion poll in March for Northwest RiverPartners, which promotes policies to protect and restore healthy runs of salmon and the many benefits provided by the Columbia and Snake Rivers and hydro system.

In the poll of 700 registered voters in Oregon, Washington and Idaho, hydro power is viewed as clean, renewable and climate friendly with 70 percent of respondents recognizing it does not contribute to global warming.

"Many are aware that the hydropower system is a vital link to bringing even more renewable energy sources on line in the Northwest," Flores said.  "Voters continue to see hydro, wind and solar as part of a renewable team to provide energy to the Northwest and hydro continues to be seen as the most practical source of energy," said pollster Tim Hibbitts, citing a response in which 42 percent identified hydroelectric power as the most practical energy source for the region with wind power a distant second at 26 percent.  "Voters continue to care about salmon as they always have, but in these tough economic times, they are also very sensitive to increased energy costs," Hibbitts said.

Nearly 70 percent of respondents say they would be concerned – 34 percent would be very concerned – if their electricity rates increased five percent every couple of years solely to improve salmon runs.  More than half were concerned or very concerned with even a 2 ½ percent increase in their power bills.

Flores also said the public's endorsement of the region's clean, renewable hydropower emphasizes need to move ahead with the plan to help the Northwest's protected salmon and steelhead which has been stuck in court for two years.

"The plan has been developed collaboratively by federal agencies, three states, Native American tribes and other stakeholders and includes the best science for protecting fish runs," Flores said.  "Under the 2008 plan, hydro and fish can co-exist and prosper which aligns with the public's goals."

Northwest RiverPartners is an alliance of farmers, utilities, ports and business that promote the economic and environmental benefits of the Columbia and Snake Rivers and salmon recovery policies based on sound science.

Click here for more information about the poll.

What impacts your bill month to month?

Your bill can vary month to month for several reasons. Here are some guidelines to help you understand why your bill can fluctuate so dramatically.

• Your meter is read on or about the same day every month, however, changing month lengths and holidays can cause each monthly billing cycle to vary in the number of days it covers from 27 days to up to 35 days. Look at your average daily usage to see if your consumption has changed or if the billing cycle is different.
• Weather has a big impact on your bill. Cold winter months and hot summer months prompt more power usage to heat or cool your home.
• Family members all contribute differently to electric consumption and the number of people in your home reflects in your usage. Guests, a new baby or college age children home during their break mean more lights in use, more hot water consumed and more appliances in operation.
• Hot tubs and swimming pool pumps are big energy users. If your hot tub or pump is not on a separate meter from your house meter, pay attention to what months these systems are in use, as they will surely have an impact on your bill.
• When a large appliance such as a freezer, big screen tv or second refrigerator is added to your existing appliances, your electric bill will go up. When buying new appliances, make sure they are energy efficient by using the yellow energy guide to compare yearly energy costs.
• Fires are cozy during the cold winter months, but can show up on your bill if you leave the electric resistance heat on at the same time. The open fireplace damper is like leaving a hidden window wide open. Since warm air loves to rise up and out, your electric resistance heat has to make up for that escaped air causing an increase in your power use.
• Pay attention to months where you’re home more often than usual. Holiday months or months with five weekends will show more electric usage. The more time you spend at home, the more electricity you will use on laundry, cooking and leisure activities.

December 11, 2007		PDF 3.21 MB
November 27, 2007		PDF 611 KB
November 13, 2007		PDF 265 KB
October 23, 2007		PDF 3.41 MB
October 9, 2007		PDF 3.99 MB
October 1, 2007		PDF 293 KB
September 25, 2007		PDF 773 KB
September 11, 2007		PDF 3.78 MB
August 28, 2007		PDF 665 KB
August 15, 2007		PDF 324 KB
August 14, 2007		PDF 2.01 MB
July 24, 2007		PDF 5.60 MB
July 10, 2007		PDF 3.62 MB
June 29, 2007		PDF 5.04 MB
June 26, 2007		PDF 1.51 MB
June 12, 2007		PDF 3.76 MB
May 22, 2007		PDF 4.15 MB
May 8, 2007		PDF 3.50 MB
April 24, 2007		PDF 4.78 MB
April 10, 2007		PDF 9.15 MB
March 27, 2007		PDF 523 KB
March 5, 2007		PDF 112 KB
February 27, 2007		PDF 802 KB
February 13, 2007		PDF 6.6 MB
January 30, 2007		PDF 7.5 MB
January 9, 2007		PDF 6.4 MB

December 12, 2006		PDF 8.52 MB
November 28, 2006		PDF 739 KB
November 14, 2006		PDF 4.6 MB
October 24, 2006		PDF 5.1 MB
October 10, 2006		PDF 407 KB
October 2, 2006		PDF 1.86 MB
September 27, 2006		PDF 1.89 MB
September 26, 2006		PDF 3.56 MB
September 12, 2006		PDF 4.46 MB
August 22, 2006		PDF 438 KB
August 8, 2006		PDF 816 KB
July 25, 2006		PDF 661 KB
July 11, 2006		PDF 958 KB
June 27, 2006		PDF 2.27 MB
June 8, 2006		PDF 1.42 MB
June 8, 2006 Special		PDF 723 KB
May 30, 2006		PDF 2.4 MB
May 16, 2006		PDF 300 KB
May 9, 2006		PDF 2.4 MB
April 25, 2006		PDF 2.3 MB
April 11, 2006		PDF 2.3 MB
March 27, 2006		PDF 2.27 MB
March 14, 2006		PDF 2.92 MB
February 24, 2006		PDF 2.38 MB
February 14, 2006		PDF 2.99 MB
January 24, 2006		PDF 16 KB
January 10, 2006		PDF 2.63 MB

December 13, 2005		PDF 5.9 MB
November 22, 2005		PDF 5 MB
November 8, 2005		PDF 4 MB
October 11, 2005 - Proposed Prosser Facility		PDF 1 MB
October 11, 2005		PDF 3.9 MB
October 3, 2005 - Budget		PDF 1.6 MB
September 27, 2005		PDF 3.5 MB
September 20, 2005		PDF 44 KB
September 13, 2005		PDF 44 KB
August 9, 2005		PDF 44 KB
July 26, 2005		PDF 1 MB
July 20, 2005		PDF 30 KB
July 13, 2005		PDF 30 KB
July 12 , 2005		PDF 68 KB
June 28, 2005		PDF 84 KB
June 23, 2005		PDF 37 KB
June 14, 2005		PDF 81 KB
Workshop - Strategic Planning June 9, 2005		PDF 64 KB
Workshop - Financial Planning May 31, 2005		PDF 66 KB
May 24, 2005		PDF 160 KB
May 10, 2005		PDF 5.4 MB
April 26, 2005		PDF 640 KB
April 12, 2005		PDF 160 KB

December 8, 2009		PDF 663 KB
November 24, 2009		PDF 476 KB
November 10, 2009   Special Commission Meeting - Rate Workshop		PDF 206 KB
November 10, 2009  Special Commission Meeting - Conservation Plan		PDF 104 KB
November 10, 2009		PDF 562 KB
October 27, 2009		PDF 381 KB
October 13, 2009		PDF 474 KB
October 5, 2009		PDF 215 KB
September 22, 2009		PDF 410 KB
September 8, 2009		PDF 335 KB
August 25, 2009		PDF 192 KB
August 13, 2009 Special Commission Meeting - Rating Agency Discussion with Moody's		PDF 62 KB
August 13, 2009 Special Commission Meeting - Rating Agency Discussion with Fitch		PDF 63 KB
August 12, 2009		PDF 57 KB
August 11, 2009		PDF 253 KB
July 28, 2009		PDF 400 KB
July 14, 2009		PDF 227 KB
July 7, 2009		PDF 103 KB
June 23, 2009		PDF 408 KB
June 18 , 2009		PDF 215 KB
June 9 , 2009		PDF 349 KB
May 26, 2009		PDF 431 KB
May 12, 2009		PDF 456 KB
April 28, 2009		PDF 370 KB
April 14, 2009		PDF 619 KB
March 24, 2009		PDF 485 KB
March 10, 2009		PDF 558 KB
February10, 2009		PDF 656 KB
January 27, 2009		PDF 542 KB
January 6, 2009		PDF 412 KB

December 9, 2008		PDF 456 KB
November 25, 2008		PDF 426 KB
November 12, 2008		PDF 456 KB
October 28, 2008		PDF 313 KB
October 14, 2008		PDF 502 KB
October 13, 2008		PDF 243 KB
September 25, 2008		PDF 106 KB
September 23, 2008		PDF 475 KB
September 9, 2008		PDF 443 KB
August 26, 2008		PDF 379 KB
August 12, 2008		PDF 409 KB
August 5, 2008		PDF 190 KB
July 22, 2008		PDF 511 KB
July 8, 2008		PDF 166 KB
June 24, 2008		PDF 246 KB
June 10, 2008		PDF 2.17 MB
May 27, 2008		PDF 861 KB
May 13, 2008		PDF 4.9 MB
April 22, 2008		PDF 3.8 MB
April 16, 2008		PDF 1.54 MB
April 08, 2008		PDF 4.6 MB
March 25, 2008		PDF 6.3 MB
March 11, 2008		PDF 4.5 MB
February 12, 2008		PDF 925 KB
January 22, 2008		PDF 5.4 MB
January 08, 2008		PDF 3.6 MB

December 14, 2010		PDF 633 KB
November 23, 2010		PDF 427 KB
November 9, 2010		PDF 520 KB
October 26, 2010		PDF 527 KB
October 4, 2010		PDF 210 KB
September 28, 2010		PDF 289 KB
September 14, 2010		PDF 385 KB
August 24, 2010		PDF 430 KB
August 10, 2010		PDF 272 KB
August 3, 2010 - Special Meeting		PDF 415 KB
July 27, 2010		PDF 415 KB
July 13, 2010		PDF 415 KB
June 8, 2010		PDF 368 KB
May 11, 2010		PDF 289 KB
April 27, 2010		PDF 465 KB
April 13, 2010		PDF 576 KB
March 23, 2010		PDF 471 KB
March 9, 2010		PDF 562 KB
March 2, 2010 - Special Meeting		PDF 146 KB
February 9, 2010		PDF 502 KB
January 12, 2010		PDF 566 KB

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April 10, 2012
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2007 Archive
2006 Archive
2005 Archive

Broadband contact form

Documents

2007 Marketing Materials

October 1, 2007	Prosser Residential & Business Mailer		188 KB
September 4, 2007	Residential Postcard		304 KB
May 18, 2007	Business Postcard		188 KB
May 18, 2007	Residential Postcard		169 KB
May 1, 2007	Tri Cities Area Journal of Business Ad		199 KB
April 1, 2007	Tri Cities Area Journal of Business Ad		166 KB
March 19, 2007	Business Postcard		111 KB
February 20, 2007	Residential Postcard		110 KB
January 2, 2007	Multitenant Flyer - Fiber		124 KB

Documents

2008 Marketing Materials

October - November 2008	Business Flyer		158 KB
February 2008	Business Postcard		166 KB
January - February 2008	Mutli-tenant Flyer		99 KB

Documents

2009 Marketing Materials

September 2009:  Tri Cities Area Journal of Business		93 KB
September 2009:  Mountain top flyer with invitation		97 KB
September 2009:  Mountain top flyer		90 KB
September 2009:  Multi-Tenant flyer		95 KB
September 2009:  Business postcard		244 KB
September 2009:  Residential postcard		257 KB
May 2009:  Multi-tenant flyer		156 KB
May 2009:  Residential postcard		126 KB
May 2009:  Business postcard		113 KB

Documents

2010 Marketing Materials

September 2010:  Residential Postcard		145 KB
September 2010:  Business Postcard		192 KB
July 2010:  Fiber Lateral Letter		183 KB
July 2010:  Multi-Tenant Letter		181 KB
July 2010:  Residential and Business postcard for Benton City		222 KB
June 2010:  Residential postcard		210 KB
June 2010:  Business postcard		213 KB
April 2010:  Multi-Tenant Letter		67 KB
April 2010:  Fiber Lateral Letter		67 KB
March 2010:  Residential postcard		208 KB
March 2010:  Business postcard		234 KB
February 2010 Tri Cities Area Journal of Business		110 KB

Benton PUD Broadband Extends to Prosser

A fiber optic backbone was installed in the city of Prosser in early spring this year to provide access to high speed broadband services to much of the business area of Prosser.

Now, Benton PUD has added fixed wireless to extend service to many business and residential areas that do not have access to the fiber system. The fixed wireless site has just been completed. To access this new wireless service, contact one of the participating Retail Service Providers listed on the Benton PUD Broadband web site, or call Tonya Tier, Broadband Account Specialist at 509-585-5374 for a list.

This new service responds to Benton PUD‚s commitment to provide broadband access to the rural areas of Benton County through our Retail Service Providers.

Benton PUD Broadband Expands in Kennewick

Benton PUD Broadband fiber and wireless systems are available in some areas of south Kennewick and Badger Canyon and is continuing to expand. We’re connecting our fiber network to the Center Parkway area including Sunset View school and we are also expanding all the way to Prosser this August.

Residents in the serviceable areas who wish to access high speed connections should contact one of the Retail Service Providers (RSP’s) listed on the Benton PUD Broadband web site, www.bentonpud.org , or call the Benton PUD office at 509-585-5374 and we’ll send you a list. The RSP’s provide a variety of services, pricing and setup.

Benton PUD is dedicated to providing our RSP’s and the end users with a reliable, solid link to the world. We have designed our system to offer links to areas where there is little or no access to high speed broadband alternatives at competitive pricing.

We will keep our customers updated on all new access points and fiber laterals deployed and provide a service area map (see below) to show existing broadband areas. We are excited about providing our customers broadband access. Electricity and Broadband, A Powerful Combination!

The World on a String

From a school district partnership to residents and businesses, Benton PUD Broadband connects a community to high-speed Internet.
By Dave Turner

Nearly three years ago, Benton Public Utility District (PUD) Broadband began a partnership with the Kennewick School District to provide high-speed Internet services for the system’s administration building and five of its schools. Eighteen district schools have a broadband connection today, and all 21 campuses in the school system will be on Benton PUD Broadband’s fiber optic network this spring. The advanced network has been built out to be a robust resource for not only the school system, but also for residents and businesses across the community.

“We have 40-plus route miles of fiber in loop format around Kennewick as well as fixed wireless in the Badger Canyon, Canyon Lakes, and Thompson Hill areas” says Rich Nall, broadband systems engineer for Benton PUD Broadband.

The network provides hardwired Ethernet services community-wide and the latest Wi-Fi technology in selected areas. “In addition to serving businesses and residents with fiber and wireless access to the Internet, the Wi-Fi network supports transient or conventional access by the day or by the hour,” says Rich. “We’ve deployed this in the vicinity of Three Rivers Coliseum, between Hwy. 395 and Columbia Center Boulevard on Clearwater, and in downtown Kennewick,” he says.

As for the partnership with schools, Benton PUD Broadband’s initial involvement was an effort to bridge the digital divide. “We wanted to make sure that our community had maximum access, especially those who had none,” says Gary McCollum, manager of special projects for Benton PUD. “To no small degree, it’s about helping provide economic stability,” he says. “You have to have a high-tech base because that’s where the world is going—it’s where the world has gone.”

For the Kennewick School District, being plugged in to a cutting-edge fiber optic network has been a boon at every level. The wide area network (WAN) costs for the district have remained flat for the most part but speed has increased to five times what its former T1 access provided.

Before the fiber optic connection, getting support to solve computer problems at the district meant submitting a help-desk ticket and waiting several days for resolution. “Now we can phone the help desk, they access the PCs remotely, see what’s going on and fix it right away,” says Ron Cone, executive director of information technology for the Kennewick School District. It lets students, teachers and administrators get on with their prime directive—education—without the frustration of long waits and making do with less when it comes to technology.

The network is also helping with security, providing cameras at athletic facilities and other areas that allow security personnel to monitor them in real-time from remote locations. “It’s helped improve school safety,” says Cone.

What’s more, the infrastructure has allowed Cone to put in PowerSchool, a centralized student data system that, among other things, lets parents access student grades. “I’m not exactly popular with the students,” he says, “but parents love it.”

The district has saved thousands on phone costs with a voice-over IP network provided through Benton PUD Broadband, cutting 600 lines to 66 yet putting a phone in every classroom.

Cone says everyone—from teachers and administrators to students and parents—gain tremendous advantages from the technology. “This is a very important partnership.”

For more information:
Benton PUD
2721 W. 10th Ave.
Kennewick, WA 99336
(509) 582-1228
www.bentonpud.org

Benton PUD Broadband Available in Selected Areas

Benton PUD has deployed broadband wireless access points in some areas of south Kennewick and Badger Canyon to provide high speed access through our Retail Service Provider partnerships. The areas that are currently being served are Canyon Lakes, the Creekstone area, and much of Badger Canyon.

Residents in the serviceable areas who wish to access high speed connections should contact one of the providers listed on the Benton PUD Broadband web site or call the Benton PUD office at 509-585-5374 and we’ll send you a list. The Retail Service Providers provide a variety of services, pricing and setup.

On the Benton PUD broadband system, users will experience the same speed for both downloading and uploading data and information.

Benton PUD is dedicated to providing our Retail Service Providers and the end users with a reliable, solid link to the world. We have designed our system to offer links to areas where there is little or no access to high speed broadband alternatives at competitive pricing.

Benton PUD Broadband Available in Selected Areas

Benton PUD has deployed broadband wireless access points in some areas of south Kennewick and Badger Canyon to provide high speed access through our Retail Service Provider partnerships. The areas that are currently being served are Canyon Lakes, the Creekstone area, and much of Badger Canyon.

Read more

The World on a String

From a school district partnership to residents and businesses, Benton PUD Broadband connects a community to high-speed Internet.

Read more

Benton PUD Broadband Extends to Prosser

A fiber optic backbone was installed in the city of Prosser in early spring this year to provide access to high speed broadband services to much of the business area of Prosser.

Read more

Benton PUD Broadband Expands in Kennewick

Benton PUD Broadband fiber and wireless systems are available in some areas of south Kennewick and Badger Canyon and is continuing to expand. We’re connecting our fiber network to the Center Parkway area including Sunset View school and we are also expanding all the way to Prosser this August.

Read more

Documents

2012 Marketing Materials

April 2012: Residential Postcard

April 2012: Business Postcard

April 2012: Tri-Cities Area Journal of Business

2011 Marketing Materials

2010 Marketing Materials

2009 Marketing Materials

2008 Marketing Materials

2007 Marketing Materials

Documents

Connected Premise Addresses		50 KB
Rates		98 KB
RTC Document		236 KB
Outage Escalation List		20 KB
Master Service Agreement for Telecommunications		107 KB

What is broadband?

Broadband is a fast connection to information services (such as voice, video and data) with the ability to send and receive large amounts of information quickly, securely, and conveniently. Benton PUD’s broadband backbone uses fiber optics which is the fastest, most reliable broadband medium.

How does Benton PUD fiber network link into the "outside Internet world"?

The Benton PUD fiber network is connected to NoaNet (a statewide high-speed network). NoaNet in turn, is connected to the international internet backbone at hubs in Seattle and Portland.

What does broadband mean for the community?

Reliable high-speed information exchange is one component in economic growth and diversification within a community. It draws and sustains high tech business, medical providers, and others who want to live in rural areas yet still be connected to the world.

In the Tri-Cities, agri-businesses need high-speed connections to monitor field conditions, to meter water and electric usage, and to access market information. Businesses need high-speed connections for daily commercial traffic – payroll, bills of lading, purchase orders, automated library systems, medical information. Healthcare providers need high-speed connections to share diagnostic images and confidential information with other physicians. Schools need high-speed connections to provide educational tools, research sharing, and distance learning opportunities.

Who are Benton PUD's broadband customers?

Benton PUD provides broadband services to the community on a wholesale basis. This means Benton PUD's customers are Retail Service Providers (RSPs). These RSPs serve the end-users. Click the following link for a list of RSPs that provide services on Benton PUD's network.

How can I find out if broadband services are available in my area?

Please see Benton PUD's coverage map for general information. For specific information, please contact a local Retail Service Provider or Benton PUD at broadbandinfo@bentonpud.org or 509-585-5374 to learn where coverage exists and what additional build outs are in construction.

How much does the service cost?

Monthly service charges and hookup fees depend on the requested service(s). In addition each Retail Service Provider sets their own rates. Shop around to best meet your needs.

What does Benton PUD offer over its broadband network?

Benton PUD Broadband offers a number of different wholesale services on its network. These include point-point fiber connections, point-point wireless connections, fixed wireless connections for internet only, and WiFi connections for internet only. Please explore our website for additional information on these services. You might also discuss your specific needs with a Retail Service Provider for help defining a solution for those needs.

Who should I call to get signed up?

Interested parties can contact Benton PUD at 509-585-5374 or broadbandinfo@bentonpud.org or a Retail Service Provider to sign up for services.

Benton PUDs broadband system was designed to carry advanced telecommunications and data services throughout Kennewick and to the world.

Benefits our network includes:

• Increased Data Speed: Benton PUD's network transmits large amounts of data quickly (downloading and uploading), securely and conveniently. The system is highly scalable – if your business requires more speed today than yesterday, Benton PUD can provide the additional speed all remotely and overnight.
• Lower Costs: A Benton PUD fiber optic connection, with nearly five times the speed of a T1, is typically retail priced at or below the cost of a T1.
• New Service Options: With fiber-optics you have new options for business networking, distance learning, security, voice (internal and external), and video conferencing, just to name a few.

Maps

Broadband Complete Fiber - Google Map
Kennewick Fiber	Wi Fi
Kennewick Wireless	Prosser Fiber
Prosser Wireless	Benton City Fiber

Benton PUD provides broadband services on a wholesale basis and has non-exclusive agreements with a number of Retail Service Providers (RSPs). These RSPs resell Benton PUD’s services to end-users. This business arrangement provides competitive pricing and customer choice.

Benton PUD offers residential internet services through local Retail Service Providers using a Fixed Wireless infrastructure. Speed is 3 Mbps symmetrical (upload and download files at the same speed) which is perfect for home office VPNs, movie downloads (e.g., www.movielink.com), VoIP, or just really fast web surfing.

For more information please contact a Retail Service Provider or Benton PUD at (509) 585-5374 or by email at broadbandinfo@bentonpud.org.

Benton PUD has built a state-of-the-art broadband network with the same care, dedication and effort first demonstrated on our electrical system. We are committed to supporting business applications throughout Benton County with this network. We can provide both TDM connections for traditional telephony applications to serve legacy data networks and Ethernet connections for modern data networks including new “Voice over IP” applications.

For more information please contact a Retail Service Provider or Benton PUD at (509) 585-5374 or by email at broadbandinfo@bentonpud.org.

Heating Tips:

• Clean or replace furnace filters. Dirty filters slow air-flow through your HVAC system making it work harder and costing you more money.
• Check manufacturer's maintenance instructions to make sure your furnace and heat pump are in best working order and have your HVAC system serviced if it has been over a year. Keep your outdoor unit free of debris from fallen leaves or overgrown shrubbery.
• Clean registers, baseboard heaters, and radiators. Make sure furniture, carpeting or drapes does not block their air-flow or pose a fire hazard.
• Close the vents to the crawlspace of your home in the fall to prevent cool air from penetrating under your house.
• Caulk and seal air leaks where plumbing, ducting or electrical wiring penetrate exterior walls, floors and ceilings.
• Test your home for air tightness. On a windy day, hold a lit incense stick next to your windows, doors, electrical boxes, plumbing fixtures, electrical outlets, ceiling fixtures and other locations on exterior walls. If the smoke moves sideways, you have located an air leak that may need caulking, sealing or weather-stripping.
• Check your ductwork for leaks and sections that may have separated. Secure the connections with mechanical fasteners such as sheet metal screws. Seal the joints with duct mastic or butyl rubber tape.
• Set your thermostat as low as comfortable in the winter. A programmable thermostat allows you to program day, night and weekend settings.
• Install foam gaskets behind outlet and switch plates on exterior walls.
• If you use a fireplace, installing tempered glass doors and a heat-air exchange system will blow warmed air back into the room. Close the damper when not in use. As much as 14% of your warm air escapes out a chimney.
• Use ventilating fans wisely. Fans pull warmed or cooled air out of the house. Turn fans off as soon as they have done the job.
• Look for dirty spots in your insulation, which indicate air leaks in and out of your house. Seal the holes by stapling sheets of plastic over the holes and caulking the edges of the plastic.

Benton PUD connected our community with electricity and has provided outstanding reliable service to our customers since the 1940’s. Now we are able to provide our community with the “next” utility – reliable, affordable fiber optic and wireless based broadband telecommunications in the same manner.

By working together with local retail service providers and using the combination of fiber optics and wireless technologies, we are able to bring state of the art communications to businesses and homes in our community.

2011 Fast Facts

December 2010		334 KB
November 2010		418 KB
October 2010		334 KB
September 2010		340 KB
August 2010		342 KB
July 2010		342 KB
June 2010		738 KB
May 2010		309 KB
April 2010		340 KB
March 2010		342 KB
February 2010		342 KB
January 2010		342 KB

December 2009		463 KB
November 2009		418 KB
October 2009		334 KB
September 2009		340 KB
August 2009		342 KB
July 2009		342 KB
June 2009		738 KB
May 2009		309 KB
April 2009		340 KB
March 2009		342 KB
February 2009		342 KB
January 2009		342 KB

December 2008		463 KB
November 2008		418 KB
October 2008		334 KB
September 2008		340 KB
August 2008		342 KB
July 2008		342 KB
June 2008		738 KB
May 2008		309 KB
April 2008		340 KB
March 2008		342 KB
February 2008		342 KB
January 2008		342 KB

December 2007		463 KB
November 2007		418 KB
October 2007		334 KB
September 2007		340 KB
August 2007		342 KB
July 2007		342 KB
June 2007		738 KB
May 2007		309 KB
April 2007		340 KB
March 2007		342 KB
February 2007		342 KB
January 2007		342 KB

December 2005		463 KB
November 2005		418 KB
October 2005		334 KB
September 2005		340 KB
August 2005		342 KB
July 2005		342 KB
June 2005		738 KB
May 2005		309 KB
April 2005		340 KB
March 2005		342 KB
February 2005		342 KB
January 2005		342 KB

December 2006		463 KB
November 2006		418 KB
October 2006		334 KB
September 2006		340 KB
August 2006		342 KB
July 2006		342 KB
June 2006		738 KB
May 2006		309 KB
April 2006		340 KB
March 2006		342 KB
February 2006		549 KB
January 2006		342 KB

December 2004		463 KB
November 2004		418 KB
October 2004		334 KB
September 2004		340 KB
August 2004		342 KB
July 2004		342 KB
June 2004		738 KB
May 2004		309 KB
April 2004		340 KB
March 2004		342 KB
February 2004		342 KB
January 2004		342 KB

Benton PUD travels throughout the community promoting electrical safety with their Safety Trailer. Contact us at 582-1276 to schedule the trailer for your next safety event!

Annual Crossing Guard Picnic	Girl Scouts	Tri-City Court Club

Benton PUD defines a temporary service as a means of supplying electricity to your site for a period of time, less than one year.

Typically, a temporary service is installed to provide power for the construction phase of your project while provisions are being made for your permanent power system.
 

Several items need to be completed before we can schedule a construction crew to energize your service. They are:

1.     Determine if you need overhead or underground service
2.     Complete an application for service
3.     Request a temporary service
4.     Pay all necessary fees
5.     Install your service equipment
6.     Obtain an electrical inspection
7.     After your inspection is complete, call us and request that your service be energized.

The above items must be done to obtain a temporary electrical service. For more information on temporary services, to request a copy of the Residential Customer Service Packet or if you have any questions, please call our Engineering Department at (509) 582-1230.

Unmetered temporary services are intended for incidental power requirements related to construction (interior lighting, saws, compressors, painting equipment, etc.). If you intend to power heating systems, area lighting, construction shacks or recreational vehicles from your temporary service, install a METERED temporary.

If you wish to obtain temporary service from an existing 120/208V, three-phase transformer, please contact our Engineering Department and discuss your installation with a Field Engineer. In some instances, you may need temporary service prior to the installation of equipment that will provide the permanent service.

The cost of installing transformers and/or primary wire for the sole purpose of providing temporary service is to be paid by the customer. While this situation is more common with commercial installations due to site work, timing, or voltage requirements, it may occur at residential construction sites.

If you need installation information for permanent, single-family residential services, there is a Benton PUD Residential Customer Service Packet. For information on commercial, nonresidential, or multi-family structures, contact our Engineering Department.
 

Overhead or Underground Service
Figure 1	Figure 2	Figure 3

There are two types of temporary services: overhead and underground. Both are available as either 120-day or metered temporary services. If the power system in your area is a series of poles, as shown in Figure 1, you are in an area served by overhead, and you should request a temporary overhead service. If your area is served underground, items like those shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 should be visible. In this case, you should request a temporary underground service.

For more information on temporary services, request a copy of the Residential Customer Service Packet. You can request this by calling (509) 582-1230 during regular business hours. If nothing like Figures 1, 2 or 3 exist in your area, if you wish to have a service other than 120/240 volts, 0-200 amps, single-phase, or if you just have questions, call our Engineering Department and a Field Engineer will be glad to assist you. * Please note: All temporary services for commercial buildings will be metered.

Requesting Temporary Services: Before any work can be done on your temporary service a request must be made and fees paid at Benton PUD's business office in Kennewick, or in Prosser. The fee for unmetered temporary service is $200.00, which includes energy, payable in advance for 120 days. At the end of 120 days, the temporary service will be automatically disconnected unless a request has been made for an additional 120 days. Each 120 days thereafter requires another request and a $125.00 renewal fee paid in advance. The fee for a metered temporary service is $125.00 plus monthly account and energy charges, and requires an account to be set up. An application for service must be completed and fees must be paid before any work can be done on the temporary service.

Benton PUD is providing our community with the next utility, broadband telecommunications, with the same commitment to reliable, accessible and affordable services.

We have built an extensive fiber optic and wireless network that allows business, industry and residents to compete in a high-speed, technical world.

Benton PUD now offers Green Power, a program to give our customers an opportunity to make a contribution to our environment in a simple way.

The cleanest power with the least impact on our environment, Green Power is produced from renewable energy sources such as wind, solar, biomass, geothermal and small run-of-river hydro sources. Many people prefer these clean power sources because they support recycling which protects the earth and its resources.

Green Power is a customer choice. Your commitment and level of participation is completely up to you. The level at which you choose to participate will be billed monthly and included on your bill. The Green Power program offers you the opportunity to make a choice, to make a positive environmental contribution and to make a big difference at a minimal cost.

Can Green Power be directed to your home or business? Green power purchased by Benton PUD is placed into the northwest power grid. It is impossible to track each electron through the miles of power lines to your home. The concept is simply this- by purchasing green power from the most environmentally friendly energy suppliers, you are supporting renewable resources and helping to preserve our environment.

Yesterday's trash becomes tomorrow's Green Power. Benton PUD purchases Green Power from Klickitat PUD, our neighbor in Goldendale. Klickitat PUD produces renewable energy at our region's largest landfill gas-to-energy power plant. It generates renewable energy, using methane produced from municipal waste. This is the least expensive renewable energy option available in our region today, however, it does cost slightly more. The plant is the ultimate in recycling - yesterday's trash becomes tomorrow's renewable energy.

New to our area are renewable energy generating wind mills. Wind power is the cheapest, fastest-growing source of Green Power. Benton PUD has purchased 6.25% of the total load of the Jump Off Joe Butte wind project.

These are the least expensive renewable energy options available in our region today, however, they do cost slightly more than more conventional options.

Benton PUD supports Green Power. We are always looking to the future and planning ahead.

Yes, I want Green Power! To Please Enroll me in the Green Power Program.

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About Retails Service Providers

Benton PUD provides broadband services on a wholesale basis and has non-exclusive agreements with a number of Retail Service Providers (RSPs). These RSPs resell Benton PUD's services to end-users. This business arrangement provides competitive pricing and customer choice.