Rates for electric and water service remain unchanged, no increases required
VANCOUVER – In a regular public meeting today, the Clark Public Utilities Board of Commissioners approved 2025 annual budgets for the electric, generating and water systems, with no rate changes.
“Electric utilities continue to face a number of challenges with extreme weather events, regional capacity constraints and state mandates for decarbonization,” said Commissioner Jim Malinowski. “This budget is a testament to staff’s diligence in balancing these requirements with a continuous commitment to reliability, customer service and cost control.”
The operating revenue budget for the electric system for 2025 is $488 million, compared to $455.5 million in 2024. Of the total, $314.8 million is allocated to power supply costs, which include contracted and market hydropower and wind purchases, and transmission services to meet forecasted load. The operating and maintenance budget is $82.3 million, compared to $76.8 million in 2024, with the remainder comprised of taxes, debt service, rate-funded capital and funding for energy efficiency programs. The generating system operating revenue budget is $97.5 million for 2025, down from $99.6 million in 2024, and the water system operating revenue budget is $23.3 million compared to $23.1 million in 2024
Capital budgets for both electric and water prioritize service reliability and long-term system resilience with planned infrastructure maintenance and upgrades. The combined electric and generating systems capital budget is $97.9 million. Capital projects slated for 2025 include substation, transmission and distribution line construction and upgrades, and generating system improvements. The $27.3 million water system capital budget allocates funds for reservoir and source enhancements and water main improvements to enhance service in developing areas of unincorporated Clark County.
“The planned investments in 2025 are aligned with our strategic priorities focused on improving system reliability, maintaining infrastructure safety and security, and supporting long-term growth and economic development in Clark County as we implement state clean energy transition mandates,” said Lena Wittler, CEO and General Manager.
Clark Public Utilities maintains the lowest per customer operations and maintenance costs of any public utility district in Washington. The utility also continues to operate one of the most reliable electric grids in the nation, with outage frequency and durations well below both state and national averages, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration.
About Clark Public Utilities
Clark Public Utilities is a customer-owned public utility that provides electric service to more than 235,000 customers throughout Clark County. The utility also provides water service to about 41,000 homes and businesses in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lakeshore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas.
Clark Public Utilities has been ranked highest in customer satisfaction among midsize utilities in the west by J.D. Power 16 years in a row. More information at (360) 992-3000 or www.clarkpublicutilities.com.
