Grant PUD position 3 candidate talks at candidates' forum

MOSES LAKE - During a candidate forum on Monday, Grant County PUD Commissioner Randy Allred spoke about his views regarding the dark fiber moratorium, future power resources and a cost of service study in determining future power rates.

Allred, 57, a longtime agribusinessman, is running against Don Long, a former Grant PUD power management director.

Allred said he opposed lifting the dark fiber halt after listening to a man who builds models for other public utility districts and large Northwest companies.

Dark fiber doesn't contain equipment, while lit fiber does. Some large companies prefer dark fiber because it allows them to better monitor, maintain and see the entire system.

The expert believes the PUD didn't design fiber to be heavily subsidized on the backs of the ratepayers, Allred said. It would be unnecessary and unwise to lift the moratorium, he added.

About a month ago, commissioners agreed to not lift a dark fiber sales moratorium. Allred was one among a majority of commissioners in favor of the moratorium in a 3-2 consensus.

Software company Oracle and online book, music and movie store Amazon recently backed away from Grant County because of the dark fiber sales halt, according to an Oct. 1 article in the Columbia Basin Herald. Retailer Costco has also eyed Grant County, but wants dark fiber.

Allred defended his past votes about the fiber-optic program, saying he voted to stand pat on the expansion until the PUD was in order with its finances and management.

Also Monday, Allred said he prefers tapping resources within the county for future power needs.

The district hasn't delved into local resources, he said.

In the future, he said he expects power will be saved in Grant County as a good share previously went back to the purchasers.

The large industrial users will need to help with the issue, Allred noted.

He also spoke of utilizing digesters, solar power and more hydo power with the irrigation districts.

"We face a challenge," Allred said.

A cost of service study in helping determine future power rates can be a helpful tool, he said. But the last study was biased toward large industrial customers, he said.

During the past few years, 95 percent of the pressure was from large industrials as $35 million was spent on transmission line improvements, he said.

Allred also talked about how the district regained a great deal of respect among peers during his time on the board. The increased respect was due to vision and collaborative efforts, he said.

In a prepared audience question, Allred was asked how much bond debt the district has. He said the PUD has about $1 billion in debt, with about $800 million in hydro debt and $184 million to $185 million in electric debt.

Allred said the district is handling the debt and the PUD just needs to use its resources and reserves.