For the fifth consecutive time, the Grays Harbor PUD has been found to be in compliance with the energy-conservation requirements of the Energy Independence Act, a state law that requires utilities to use renewable energy.

Passed by the voters in November of 2006, the Energy Independence Act requires utilities with more than 25,000 customers to meet targets for renewable energy and energy conservation. The PUD’s Energy Services staff works with residential, industrial and commercial customers to find areas where equipment and structural improvements or better energy practices can contribute to more efficient energy use and cost savings.

“I’m just very proud of Melinda James-Saffron and our Energy Services Department for all the work they put into this,” said PUD Board President Russ Skolrood. “For me, the real benefit of this is to our customers. If we can help them to save money and get the most out of the energy they are using while being in compliance with the EIA, that makes it a worthwhile program.”

In an examination by the Washington State Auditor’s Office, auditors found that for the 2018-19 biennium, the PUD acquired “at least 14,708 (mega-watt hours) of energy conservation savings, exceeding the Commissioner-adopted 2018-2019 target of 12,790” for a 15% betterment of the target number.