On containing costs

"Being financially responsible is a virtue, but, when taken to the point that it delays necessary projects, reduces service levels and leaves resources underutilized, it can cost more than it saves."

I have never been a fan of some government agencies that grow in size and add staff and equipment for no apparent reason.  Many public service departments seem to grow in budget faster than the workload would justify in the private sector.

It appears that our PUD has taken a different approach.  The board and management took on a monumental task in assuming the operations of the power distribution system formerly owned by Puget Sound Energy while attempting to do this with what, I feel, is inadequate staff.  I applaud  the fact that they are concerned about keeping their expenses to a minimum, but this can, in some instances, reduce services and leave important tasks unfinished or even unstated.

Areas that appear to be understaffed include the conservation programs that already have federal funding allotted to provide incentives to our citizens who take measures to conserve electricity.  Public education and information on conservation topics for both water and power have been less than optimal and public relations and communications between the PUD and those they serve are, I feel, inadequate.

There are no adequately supported PUD programs to replace the assistance for our less fortunate neighbors as was once offered by PSE.  The voluntary donation Power Boost effort  has not been marketed adequately and I do not feel that, even if enhanced, will be adequate.  The PUD should be the proactive driving force in providing assistance to  the financially vulnerable with their utility bills.  Part of this effort should be acting in a coordinating role with similar programs supported by other agencies and organizations.

There needs to be local PUD staff assigned to and held responsible for these, and other programs, to put the customer first as you would in the private sector, as any business must to survive.  When you ask someone (staff) to juggle too many balls at once, many are bound to end up on the floor. and those still in the air will require all their attention.

Hiring outside consulting firms, rather than hiring qualified staff locally, is not only a less than efficient method of accomplishing necessary tasks, but it can also be more disruptive to the operation and difficult to maintain momentum once the hired guns leave town.

The dollar paid to out-of-town consultants leaves with them, never to return.  That dollar spent on wages for PUD staff members remains in the community, strengthening our local economy.  

Where do you think our dollars should be spent, on local staff or consultants?  Do you feel that the PUD is serving you, the customer and owner, at the level you would expect of a local, publicly  owned utility?

Please share your thoughts on this with your current PUD commissioners and with me, as well.
Send comments to me at DeLeo4PUD@gmail.com

Thank you
Tony