PORT TOWNSEND — Puget Sound Energy’s Jefferson County infrastructure could cost the county’s public utility district more than $30 million should it decide to get into the electrical power business, a consultant said Wednesday.
Bob Schneider, D Hittle & Associates Inc. consultants president, said he expects East Jefferson County power provider PSE to challenge his figure, estimating its Jefferson County assets at $45 million or more.
“The controversies are what are the assets worth,” Schneider said, addressing the Jefferson County PUD commissioners during a special meeting at Chimacum Grange.
He later added that PSE “will probably say” that his estimate is “a low value.”
The ballot question of whether to give PUD authority to provide electric power is expected to be on the Nov.4 general election since the county Auditor’s Office certified enough valid petition signatures on June 27.
Jefferson County commissioners are expected to call the election this month.
They must act on the election resolution before Aug. 12 to be in time for the Nov. 4 ballot — the same election in which voters will decide the U.S. president and state governor.
If voters approve the measure, PUD which now provides water and sewer service in East Jefferson County, could take action to become the power provider.
