KENNEWICK, Wash. - Benton PUD Commissioners have changed their minds and decided not to raise rates in April as previously reported. Commissioners were considering an average 1.5% rate hike, but say 2012 year end financial results were better than expected. Here's how the reason for the change was explained In a news release sent Tuesday afternoon: "Non-power operation and maintenance, power supply, and capital costs were below budget and unrestricted reserves were higher than forecast. The lower costs coupled with the ability to use $5.9 million from reserves enable Benton PUD to postpone the rate increase."
