PUD expects budget for electricity to grow

The Snohomish County Public Utility District believes its electricity budget for 2008 could be about $45 million larger than what was approved for 2007.

The PUD is calling for a $653 million electricity budget, up from the $608 million approved for this year. The 2007 budget was a $12 million increase over 2006.

The expected increases in the electricity budget stem from growing customer needs, additional maintenance work, infrastructure improvements and an ongoing commitment to conservation programs, officials said. A rate increase is not anticipated.

The PUD also passes a separate generating-system and water-system budget. Together, they bring the PUD's proposed budget for next year to about $730 million.

Under state law, the PUD must produce a preliminary annual budget in August, but typically it doesn't begin deliberating actual numbers until later in the year after federal energy rates are introduced.

The PUD purchases most of its power from the Bonneville Power Administration, which usually submits rates in September.

The PUD will introduce a budget with firmer numbers Oct. 1. Following a number of public hearings, the PUD's three-member commission is expected to approve the 2008 budget Dec. 4.

Christopher Schwarzen: 425-783-0577 or cschwarzen@seattletimes.com