Thursday, October 1, 2026
EAST WENATCHEE — Douglas County PUD commissioners met on November 4 to continue 2026 budget hearings and approve a series of agreements spanning education, hydropower maintenance, and fish-habitat monitoring.
Commissioners Molly Simpson, Aaron J. Viebrock and Ronald E. Skagen voted to keep the hearing on the utility’s 2026 Electric Distribution, Hydrogen, and Wells Hydroelectric Project budgets open until December 2, allowing time for additional public input.
Commissioners also held a brief public hearing required under the state’s Clean Energy Implementation Plan to identify vulnerable populations that could be affected by utility policy. No public comments were received, and the hearing was closed.
One highlight of the meeting was the renewal of a long-standing partnership with the North Central Educational Service District (NCESD). The PUD approved a $40,152 agreement for the 2025–26 school year to continue classroom lessons for every kindergarten through fifth-grade student in Douglas County. The program, in place since 1987, teaches electrical generation, conservation, and safety, and funds fourth-graders’ participation in the River of Power field experience.
On the hydro side, commissioners approved Change Order No. 114 to the Wells Hydroelectric Project generator rebuild contract, finalizing some minor payment adjustments for the tenth turbine unit.
They also authorized a $1.17 million professional-services agreement with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife for 2026 hatchery monitoring and evaluation. The plan fulfills requirements of the Wells Habitat Conservation Plan and runs through December 31, 2026.
The next regular meeting of the Douglas PUD Commission is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. Nov. 18 at the Wells Hydroelectric Project in Pateros.
Andrew Simpson: 509-433-7626 or andrew@ward.media
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