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Basic Customer Charge

The basic customer charge is a monthly fee that may be prorated on the customer’s first and last bills depending on the number of days on that bill. The amount varies depending on the size or type of service as outlined in the Schedule of Deposits and Charges. It must cover the cost of all operations and maintenance for the utility.

Items encompassed in the basic customer charge are:

  • Distribution expense
  • Substation expense
  • Transformer expense
  • Service expense
  • Line maintenance
  • Meter readers, meter reading, and meters
  • Trucks and fuel
  • Billing
  • Customer service
  • Administration
  • Depreciation
  • Debt service
  • Capital improvements and maintenance
  • To make energy available to customers no matter how much or how little they use

While a "Cost of Service" defines it as the cost of a distribution system to deliver 1 kWh of energy to each and every metering point, a good way to look at it is the cost incurred by the PUD before the first kWh of energy is delivered to you. This would be the minimum system requirement for our utility. The energy charge on the bill covers the cost of consumption of our purchased power from Bonneville along with the necessary system improvements to handle the peak load. So in theory, it costs our utility the same amount of operations and maintenance to deliver 1 kWh to you, and 1,000 kWh to your neighbor.

Public Utility Tax (Also known as State Utility Tax. RCW 82.16.020)

  1. There is levied and collected from every person a tax for the act or privilege of engaging within this state in any one or more of the businesses herein mentioned. The tax is equal to the gross income of the business, multiplied by the rate set out after the business, as follows:
    (b) Light and power business: 3.62%;
    (g) Water distribution business: 4.7%;
  2. An additional tax is imposed equal to the rate specified in RCW 82.02.030 multiplied by the tax payable under subsection (1) of this section.
  3. 20% of the moneys collected under subsection (1) of this section on water distribution businesses and 60% of the moneys collected under subsection (1) of this section on sewerage collection businesses must be deposited in the education legacy trust account created in RCW 83.100.230 from July 1, 2013, through June 30, 2023, and thereafter in the public works assistance account created in RCW 43.155.050.

State Privilege Tax (RCW 54.28.02)

  1. There is hereby levied and there shall be collected from every district a tax for the act or privilege of engaging within this state in the business of operating works, plants or facilities for the generation, distribution and sale of electric energy. With respect to each such district, except with respect to thermal electric generating facilities taxed under RCW 54.28.025, such tax shall be the sum of the following amounts: (a) 2% of the gross revenues derived by the district from the sale of all-electric energy which it distributes to consumers who are served by a distribution system owned by the district; (b) 5% of the first 4 mills per kilowatt-hour of the wholesale value of self-generated energy distributed to consumers by a district; (c) 5% of the first 4 mills per kilowatt-hour of revenue obtained by the district from the sale of self-generated energy for resale.
  2. An additional tax is imposed equal to the rate specified in RCW 82.02.030 multiplied by the tax payable under subsection (1) of this section.

City Tax (Also known as Municipal Tax RCW 54.28.070)

Any city or town in which a public utility district operates works, plants or facilities for the distribution and sale of electricity shall have the power/ability to levy and collect from such district a tax on the gross revenues derived by such district from the sale of electricity within the city or town, exclusive of the revenues derived from the sale of electricity for purposes of resale. Such tax when levied shall be a debt of the district, and may be collected as such. Any such district shall have the power to add the amount of such tax to the rates or charges it makes for electricity so sold within the limits of such city or town.

CETA Fee

The Clean Energy Transformation Act passed by Washington effectively required utility assistance be targeted towards a reduction in Energy Assistance Needs. The WA State Legislature and Governor have mandated that all electric utilities in WA State implement low-income programs effective July 31, 2021. The cost of these programs are not to be born by low-income customers and therefore the cost of the program is excluded from electricity rates. The $1.28 line item assessment on your bill is how this new mandated program is funded while ensuring low-income customers are not burdened with program costs.

Do you have an option to help budget for my utility bill?

Budget Payment Plan or the Average Payment Plan, allows you to pay the same amount every month, calculated from your own usage, making higher winter bills easier to handle. Your monthly Budget payment is recalculated and updated in June, so keep an eye on your May bill to see what your next season’s monthly payment will be.

Why does my electric/water bill seem unusually high?

It’s never a pleasant surprise when your bill seems higher than normal. Making comparisons is difficult because everyone uses electricity and water differently. But comparisons aside, the cost of heating your home increases as the outside temperature in winter drops. The extent that this affects your electric bill depends on your lifestyle and how energy efficient your home was built: i.e., insulation values of walls, ceilings, floors, doors, windows, skylights; type of heating system; amount of air infiltration; solar orientation; and floor space or volume of your home. Visit our High Electric Bill page for troubleshooting tips and measures you can do to help diagnose or prevent high bills.

What do I do if I cannot pay my bill on time?

Keeping up with your utility bills helps ensure you can have heat and light in your home. Having your power shut off because of lack of payment can be scary and challenging. We know sometimes funds are tight; here are some general tips and guidelines on keeping the bill manageable and avoiding a shutoff. We want to work with you to find solutions that will keep you comfortable in your home.

  • If you don’t pay your utility bill in time, you will receive a shutoff notice. It costs more to turn your power back on than it does to pay the bill before you get shut off.
  • If you’ve been shut off, there are many community-based-organizations that offer emergency funding to help you turn your power back on. You can review the options in this FAQ list.
  • Apply to a bill discount or energy efficiency program as listed on this page. These programs can help you lower your monthly bill and are good for the community and environment! Contact the PUD with any questions you may have. If you are enrolled in a program and your household size or income has changed, you may be eligible for a larger discount.
  • Consider our SmartPay prepay account, where you pre-pay for your electric use. These accounts do not have due dates or billing statements – you pay what you can when you can. When your balance is low, the PUD will send you an alert. You can also track your daily usage using our SmartHub mobile app.
  • The PUD offers payment plans and can work out different agreements with your household. If you run into issues with your payment plan, contact the PUD. Our goal is to find a solution that works for you.
  • Explore ways you can reduce your energy consumption, or ask the PUD to perform an energy audit on your home. This could help lower your bills.
  • Explore social service options you or your household may qualify for; many people in our community use these programs and have positive experiences. They can help ease other costs in your budget.
  • If you move out of a property, be sure to notify us. You are responsible for charges up to the date you notify your utility you no longer require services. Renters and homeowners can be billed long after moving away from an apartment or home if they fail to notify the utility.
Why do I pay a basic customer charge each month?

The District collects its revenues for electric energy delivered to customers in 2 forms: the energy charge and the basic customer charge. The energy charge is based on the amount of energy used. The basic customer charge is the cost of service to deliver power to a meter. The District is required to maintain the line, read meters, pay for operating costs, and make energy available to customers no matter how much or how little they use. This is similar to a fixed cost in another business.

Disconnection

Moratorium Information – Heat

In the event of heat-related events please contact our office at (360) 452-9771 for information on service restoration and repayment options. A heat-related event is any day for which the National Weather Service (NWS) has issued or has announced that it intends to issue a heat-related alert, including an excessive heat warning; a heat advisory, an excessive heat watch, or a similar alert, for the area in which the residential customer’s address is located. NWS outlines events that prompt a heat-related alert and maintains a webpage on Watches, Warnings, or Advisories that covers all weather-related events for the state.

Moratorium Information – Winter

You may qualify for protection from disconnection for non-payment of your electric service from November 15 through March 15 under RCW 54.16.285. To be protected under the law, you must:

  • Notify our Customer Service Department within 5 business days after receipt of a Past Due Notice that you are unable to pay your utility bill.
  • Provide the Customer Service Department with a statement from Olympic Community Action Programs that your income qualifies you for the moratorium. This statement must also provide a dollar figure that is 7% of your monthly household income.
  • Apply for low-income energy assistance from either a government or private source, and agree that any energy assistance payment received by you will be paid to the District.
  • Apple for low-income weatherization assistance to the District or appropriate agency if available.
  • Agree to and maintain a payment plan designed to bring your account current by October 15. You may not be required to pay more than 7% of your certified monthly income plus one-twelfth (1/12) of any arrearage accrued from November 15 through March 15.
  • Agree to pay the monies owed even if you move.

The employees of the District will assist you in meeting the requirements of RCW 54.16.285 as outlined in this notice.

My utilities have been shut off for non-payment. What can I do now?
  1. The verifiable account holder will need to call the office to get the costs for reconnecting service, to authorize reconnect once paid, and to report that the breakers are off to prepare for reconnecting of service.
  2. Past due balances along with reconnect fee(s) and additional billing deposits are collected to reconnect service.
  3. Payment will not be accepted unless the account holder contacts the PUD to authorize reconnecting in their name and get cost information.
  4. Your PUD account will be closed if the service is not reconnected within 5 business days. Costs to reconnect will change after your account is closed, and you may be required to submit a service application to reapply for service.
  5. Assistance is available! Visit our Assistance Programs page for more information on funding from local agencies that may be able to help with your reconnect costs.

Miscellaneous Questions

I have a locking gate – how will the meter reader take my readings?

The District also has the right to enter upon the premises of the customer for the purpose of reading, inspecting, repairing or removing the metering devices, appliances or wiring of the District. Customers that have a private, locked gate will be required to install a dual locking device which will allow the customer’s locking mechanism and a District lock to work independent of each other or pay for the installation of a District lockbox for housing the customer’s key.

I want to put some shrubs or other landscaping near my Transformer – what do I need to know?

A drawing depicting a person standing in a garden beside a lush green tree, surrounded by vibrant flowers and plants.When you make plans to landscape or make other changes in your yard, please remember these important points regarding PUD equipment.

  • Obstructing airflow can affect equipment cooling and cause Transformer clearance damage.
  • Obstructions can cause delays when restoring electric service.
  • Do not paint PUD equipment.
  • Do not fence, landscape, or build any structures within 10 feet of the front and 3 feet from the sides and back of PUD equipment that would restrict access.
  • The PUD will remove obstructions that impede work access.

If you are unsure if your landscaping plans will interfere with our equipment, please call us at (360) 452-9771 or toll-free at (800) 542-7859.

How much space is needed around meters?

Shrubs should be trimmed, dogs restricted, and pathways should be clear for safe access to metering equipment. Meters shall not be enclosed or put in the rear of buildings or in a location that is fenced. Pathways need to be a minimum of 2 feet in width and if there is a walkway over a ditch that is wider than 6 feet, a structurally sound handrail is required. Clear space in front of the meter equipment shall be 36″ deep, as wide as the equipment or 36 inches (whichever is greater), and as high as the top of the equipment or at least 6 feet and 6 inches high.

Meters shall be readily removable (not plastered or built-in), and not recessed behind the exterior wall surface. Any meter that is installed in an alley or driveway must be flush mounted on the wall and protected adequately to prevent damage from vehicular traffic. In the event of loss or damage to District property arising from neglect, carelessness, or misuse, the cost of necessary repairs or replacement will be billed to the Customer.

What should I do if the water pressure in my house seems lower than normal?

Turn on faucets in the house one at a time to see if pressure is low in all parts of the house, as well as outside faucets. If pressure is lower in some areas of the house and not others, remove and clean faucet screens and check for partially closed shut-off valves. If there is no improvement, there may be a restriction within your home’s plumbing. A plumber may need to be contacted to remove the restriction. If pressure is low in all parts of the house, please call us at (360) 452-9771.

Advanced Meter

Advanced Meter Information

As of 2022, over 119 million advanced meters (informally called “smart” meters) have been installed in the United States – accounting for 72% of all U.S. electricity customers. Residential customers accounted for about 88% of total AMI installation. This trend is expected to continue as customers realize the benefits of the new technology. In 2019, the PUD, after careful evaluation, determined that it was feasible and cost-effective to enter into a forward-looking meter strategy to bring the PUD’s meter technology up-to-date and be well-positioned for the future growth and needs of Clallam County PUD customers. Advanced meter upgrades are scheduled to be substantially complete by December 2025. The completion of this project will bring many immediate benefits including:

  • Enhanced customer privacy due to significantly reduced need for PUD employees to access customer property
  • Enhanced outage assessment and restoration capabilities - "offline" meters create an outage alarm enabling the PUD to investigate and restore power even if you're away from home.
  • Improved electrical distribution system operations, including voltage control and customer power quality investigations. PUD employees may be able to diagnose a power quality issue on the distribution network remotely.
  • Reliability improvements, including a faster diagnosis and response to outages caused by storms, car vs. pole accidents, etc. significantly improving PUD's ability to quickly and safely restore your power.
  • Reduction in the PUD’s carbon footprint by reducing the need for vehicles making trips for meter reading, disconnect/reconnect, and trouble calls.
  • Consistent billing cycles and no meter estimates (sometimes used when weather or other access issues prevent meter readers from reading meters)
  • More accurate bills (electromechanical (analog) meters which consist of rotating aluminum discs mounted on a spindle between two electromagnets lose accuracy over time as the mechanism wears and the counterbalancing magnetic forces become unbalanced over time due to various factors)
  • Remote disconnect meters offer faster service for connecting and disconnection of service
  • Enhanced employee safety and reduced accidents
  • Energy theft protection

Advanced Meter Frequently Asked Questions

Since the beginning of this transition, PUD customers had option to opt-out of advanced meters. The cost savings not realized by opting out is charged to the customers who have opted out. As technologies phase out, PUD is no longer able to source new electromechanical (analog) meters or parts to refurbish existing electromechanical meters.

PUD will continue serve opt-out customers with digital meters which are similar to analog meters in principle. They have AC (alternating current) sensors that detect amperage and voltage from the grid. Unlike their mechanical counterpart, they have an electronic display. This is analogous to comparison between a mechanical watch and a digital watch. These digital meters similar to analog meters do not have communication capabilities.

The advanced meter operates in 900 MHz Radio Frequency (RF) in the unlicensed UHF band, and the maximum transmission is at 0.5 watt occurring within a range of 0.3 seconds to 2 seconds per day. Based on average reads the total transmitting period over a full year will average about 12 minutes. Standing in front of an advanced meter for an entire year is roughly the same exposure to RF as a short phone call or wirelessly streaming a short video.

We invite you to review the links below for more information. If you still have concerns about remote-read or advanced meters, we have an opt-out program available.

Opt-Out Programs

The District’s AMI meter opt-out program is based on the actual costs incurred for the manual processes involved for PUD employees to manage these programs. The meter used for a customer who opts out of an advanced or remote-read meter will be a digital meter without the remote-read component.

For opt-out customers with multiple electric meters, or with both a PUD electric and water meter, the opt-out fee shall be assessed per service address, provided that the same account holder is named on all accounts. The opt-out fee(s) will be billed per the current Schedule of Deposits and Charges (PDF) (costs are subject to change as the Schedule of Deposits and Charges changes). An access appointment fee may be assessed if the change request is occurring outside of regular route maintenance.

Summary

The PUD will read the meter every other month, estimating the months in between, and the customer will be charged a monthly opt-out fee.

If at any time an opt-out customer disconnects their account or falls within any of the below exceptions, the PUD will return the service to a remote-read or advanced meter. The opt-out program shall be available to all customers except for the following:

  • Customers who participate in services or optional rates that require advanced metering (e.g. Net Metering and Pre-Pay);
  • Customers who are found to tamper with the meter or cut the meter seal;
  • Customers who have poly-phase service or are served by a demand meter;
  • Any field trip made to the location to disconnect for nonpayment;
  • Locations enrolled in the Continuous Service program for landlords. Continuous service allows an account owned by a tenant to revert back into the landlord’s name in the event of a vacancy;
  • Customers who violate the 1201 - Facilities Access Policy.

No monthly fees will be assessed until your route is scheduled for the advanced meter upgrade unless your meter is currently on an existing fully automated remote-read route.

Remote-Read or Advanced Meter Opt-Out Form

If you currently have an opt-out form on file with us and have reconsidered your options because you would like to take advantage of what advanced meters have to offer, such as more accurate bills, limited need for PUD to access your property, enhanced outage assessment and restoration, and reduced carbon footprint, you may submit a Remote-read or Advanced Meter Opt-In Form to cancel your opt-out selection and receive a remote-read or advanced meter.

Remote-read or Advanced Meter Opt-In Form

Customers with opt-out forms on file will be notified when their route is going to be changed out so they know that they will begin to be assessed the opt-out fee, giving them an opportunity to cancel the opt-out and receive an advanced meter.

Information Links

Why is the PUD replacing its existing meters?

As of 2022, over 119 million advanced meters have been installed in the United States – accounting for over 72% of all U.S. electricity customers. This trend is expected to continue as utilities and customers alike realize the benefits of the technology. The PUD, after careful evaluation of its existing meters deployed across its service area in  2019, determined that it was both feasible and cost-effective to enter into a forward-looking meter strategy to bring the PUD’s meter technology up-to-date and be well-positioned for the future growth and needs of Clallam County PUD customers. The advanced meter upgrade is scheduled to be substantially completed by December 2025.

What are these new advanced meters?

The advanced meters record customer energy usage data just like your old meter but the readings are sent to the PUD via radio frequency (RF) waves, similar to communication by cell phones and wi-fi but at a significantly lower energy level. Unlike our existing one-way remote-read meters, advanced meters transmit both ways which provides for significant benefits such as those listed below. In some regions of the county with challenging terrain, the information will be sent over the power lines. Over time, this will reduce the need for meter readers to physically go out into the field to conduct meter readings, for linemen to respond to trouble calls, and will reduce costs.

How do these meters benefit me?

In 2016 the PUD began implementing a core software conversion that brought us SmartHub – a customer portal on the PUD website and mobile app that allows customers to track their energy usage, report outages, and enjoy greater control over their account, including options such as prepaid meter accounts. Advanced meters leverage this technology and will allow customers to take advantage of future benefits as they are introduced. In addition, advanced meters will provide many immediate benefits including:

  • Enhanced customer privacy due to significantly reduced need for PUD employees to access customer property
  • Consistent billing cycles and no meter estimates (sometimes used when weather or other access issues prevent meter readers from reading meters)
  • More accurate bills (old meter technology such as analog electromechanical meters lose accuracy over time)
  • Remote disconnect meters offer faster service for connecting and disconnection service
  • Enhanced employee safety and reduced accidents
  • Energy theft protection
  • Enhanced outage assessment and restoration capabilities - even if you are not home, your meter will report an outage at your location, a huge benefit for any time you’re away from home
  • Improved electrical distribution system operations, including voltage control and customer power quality investigations. If an issue is reported, PUD employees may be able to diagnose a problem remotely without having to send PUD employees to the site
  • Reliability improvements, including a faster diagnosis and response to outage situations
  • Reduction in the PUD’s carbon footprint by reducing the need for as many vehicles making trips for meter readings, disconnect/reconnect, and trouble calls.
  • A net reduction in utility operating costs of over $300,000 per year – as a public utility such savings will ultimately benefit rate payers
What if I have concerns about advanced meters?

Advanced meters have come a long way since their inception and are accurate, safe, cost-effective, and offer many benefits to both utilities and customers. Some customers have concerns about radio frequency and we recognize these concerns. The advanced meter operates in 900 MHz Radio Frequency (RF) in the unlicensed UHF band, and the average transmission is 0.5 watts occurring within a range of 0.3 seconds to 2 seconds once per day. Based on average reads the total transmitting period over a full year will average about 12 minutes. Standing in front of an advanced meter for an entire year is roughly the same exposure to RF as a short cell phone call or wirelessly streaming a short video. Both the RF and power line carrier meters are UL-certified.

What if I do not want an advanced meter?

To opt out of the PUD’s policy of using remote-read or advanced meters, the customer will pay the monthly difference in cost for the PUD to operate and maintain a meter without transmitting capability (opt-out fee). The meter used for a customer who opts out will be a digital meter without the remote read component. The opt-out fee will begin being charged on the billing statement following the processing of your request.

Multiple meters at the same address with the same account holder name will only be assessed one fee. Some types of accounts are ineligible for the opt-out program. These include:

  • Customers who participate in services or optional rates that require advanced metering (e.g. Net Metering and Pre-Pay);
  • Customers who have tampered with the meter or cut the meter seal;
  • Customers who have poly-phase service or are served by a demand meter;
  • Customers disconnected for nonpayment;
  • Customers/Accounts enrolled in the Continuous Service program for landlords. Continuous service allows an account owned by a tenant to revert back into the landlord’s name in the event of a vacancy;
  • Customers who violate the 1201 - Facilities Access Policy.