About Us
Strategic Plan 2021-2031
The ability of an organization to succeed in an ever-evolving environment is dependent on its leadership and stakeholders having a shared vision of the future. The Northern Wasco County PUD’s Strategic Plan 2021-2031 is the guide that points us toward that successful future. The energy and utility industry is evolving; we must evolve with it. “The electric light did not come from the continuous improvement of candles” (Oren Harari). We’re focused on the future.
Who We Are
Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District is a customer-owned utility that provides nearly 25,000 people and businesses with electricity in Wasco County, Oregon. As our name implies, “people” are what we are all about.
We take great pride in providing quality electric service at some of the lowest rates in Oregon, the Northwest and the nation. The 40-plus employees who work at the utility greet each customer with a friendly smile and provide prompt, efficient and courteous service. Our customers experience few power outages because our electrical system is well maintained.
Nearly all of the electricity needed to serve our customers is purchased from the federal Bonneville Power Administration, which serves several dozen public utilities in the Northwest with low-cost electricity. Northern Wasco PUD also has two hydroelectric power generation projects that supplement our BPA power.
What is a PUD?
A “People’s Utility District” is a not-for-profit, customer-owned utility. A PUD is different from an “investor-owned utility” (such as Pacific Power or Portland General Electric) in a many ways:
- We are locally controlled. The utility is governed by a five-member Board of Directors that is elected by our customer-owners. The directors live and work in the community they serve.
- Our electric rates are lower. That’s because a PUD doesn’t have to earn a profit for the benefit of stockholders or investors.
- We are open and transparent. Board of Directors meetings are open to the public, and customers are encouraged to participate in decision-making.
- Customers own the electric system. Because PUD’s do not send profits off to far-away stockholders, more revenues can be used to keep the electric system reliable.
Philosophy
We value our public power traditions, while seeking new and better ways to preserve the benefits of that heritage. We believe that with innovation, teamwork and commitment, we can compete effectively in a changing environment.
Mission
To provide reliable, competitively-priced energy and related services that benefit our customers in the tradition of public power.
Core Values
Local Citizens championed and fought to create our People’s Utility District, which is founded on the belief in the public’s right to own and control its electric utility. Today, our values are a legacy from our public power heritage, as well as guideposts for a changing future. We believe in:
- Safety: Working safely and protecting the public, our employees, and the assets we manage is non-negotiable.
- Integrity: Being ethical and holding ourselves accountable to conduct business in a fair, honest, open, compliant, and environmentally responsible manner is at the core of what we do.
- Customer Service: Providing quality service at a competitive price while being responsive to our customer’s needs creates added value and improves customer satisfaction.
- Respect: Encouraging constructive dialogue that promotes a culture of inclusiveness, recognizes our differences, and accepts varying viewpoints will lead us to optimal solutions for even the most difficult challenges.
- Operational Excellence: Engaging employees to strive for excellence and continuous improvement ensures that we provide reliable service while managing costs and creating a rewarding work environment.
- Sustainability: Maintaining financial integrity, minimizing our environmental impact, and supporting responsible economic development in our communities ensures the long-term viability of the organization and the communities we serve.
