Clatskanie PUD, One of the Lowest-Cost Electricity Providers in the World, Focuses on Smart Grids and Sustainable Solutions

Online, August 16, 2010 (Newswire.com) - (SAN DIEGO, CA) - Business Review USA spoke with the General Manager of Clatskanie PUD, Greg Booth, to gain an in-depth look into one of the largest publicly-owned utilities providers in the state of Oregon.

Booth offers information on the challenges of being a low-cost electric utilities provider: "We have one of the lowest electric rates anywhere. It's a challenge to continue in such a fashion-still being able to meet growth, and all the requirements for additional reliability and all the regulatory requirements we face."

In addition, Booth offers insight into the new technological investments the Company has made. Clatskanie PUD has invested approximately $10 to 12 million in updated systems, such as transmission systems, distribution systems and substations. Booth explains, "We're coming near to the end of life on a lot of those systems, so we've been pretty capital intensive over the last three years." Clatskanie PUD has also invested $30 million toward a generation plant and a hydro electric plant development in addition to its ongoing capital programs.

Read about how although new legislation is now requiring utilities companies to offer renewable energy services, Clatskanie PUD has been green for almost 30 years. Booth says, "We're always working with customers so they can do more with the same amount of energy." Clatskanie PUD has invested millions of dollars with major industrial customers to ensure customer's plants run efficiently. With co-generation projects, wood fuels and a completely renewable hydro system, the company remains good stewards of the land.

Read the full report here: http://www.businessreviewusa.com/company-reports/clatskanie-pud