Bill Component Calculator
In an effort to help our customers understand the costs associated with their Benton PUD bill, the calculator below outlines the various cost components on a bill. Click on the appropriate rate class, insert the bill amount and it will calculate the costs for each category. An explanation for each numbered category is provided below.
Fish and Wildlife
- Costs associated with efforts to maintain and improve fish runs, such as hatchery operations, fish habitat improvements, fish passage at dams, river habitat, etc.
- The opportunity cost of lost generation that occurs when water is released over dams to raise river levels to improve fish runs. This water could otherwise be used to generate low cost hydropower. The Northwest Power and Conservation Council estimates that the Northwest loses 1,170 average megawatts each year from actions to aid fish migration, enough electricity to supply power to approximately 600,000 homes a year.
Transmission: Costs for transmitting power over the regional high voltage transmission infrastructure for delivery to our customers.
Columbia Generating Station: Costs associated with the operation of Energy Northwest's Columbia Generating Station nuclear plant. A portion of the power generated by the plant serves customers of Benton PUD.
Other BPA Power Production costs: Costs associated with the purchase of power from BPA to cover their cost; such as operations and maintenance of power production facilities, energy scheduling, river management operations, etc.
Conservation/Renewable (net of Sales for Resale and includes the requirements of voter approved Initiative 937)
- Cost of mandated conservation activities that are used to assist customers with energy efficiency improvements in their homes and businesses.
- Cost of renewable energy purchases from Nine Canyon and White Creek wind farms.
Frederickson Gas Plant: Costs associated with the operation of the Frederickson Gas Combustion Turbine located in western Washington. Benton PUD has contracted for a portion of the capacity and uses it to serve customers during peak loads when other generating resources are limited.
Sales for Resale: Revenue generated in the wholesale power market from the sale of surplus energy. The revenue is used to lower rates for all of our customers.
Other Operating Expenses: Costs not related to the purchase and sale of wholesale power. Included within this category are costs associated with operations and maintenance, customer service and administration.
Capital and Debt Service:
- Costs to construct new distribution facilities (poles, wires, transformers, etc.) and upgrade existing facilities to deliver power to Benton PUD customers.
- Costs associated with the payment of principal and interest on amounts borrowed to finance capital projects including renewable energy sources. Benton PUD will periodically issue bonds to fund the construction of new distribution facilities and other equipment to operate the utility
Miscellaneous Revenues: Engineering fees, rental of transmission lines, income from pole contacts, etc.
State Taxes: Benton PUD is assessed taxes by the State of Washington on all kilowatt hour sales.
