KPUD Commissioners Recently Approve Policy on Confidentiality

KPUD Commissioners recently approved a new policy providing direction on who and how information can be requested and released by the PUD.

"This is not an attempt to hide anything, or to keep anything secret," said Brian Skeahan, General Manager. "Almost everything we do is subject to a public information request, but there are certain things which should not or cannot be shared with the general public."

According to Washington's "Freedom of Information" law almost all information must be available for disclosure within a reasonable amount of time. There are, however, specific exceptions in the law.

"We also need to have an orderly disclosure of information when requested, not a free for all. For example, you don't want anyone to be able to walk in off the street, talk to anyone at the PUD and walk out with your credit and consumption history, or the number of times you have been late with your bill last year," said Skeahan.

"The law allows us to establish a process for appropriately releasing information, and we have worked closely with legal counsel in developing such a policy," said Skeahan. "We may have some people who have not understood this as well as they should have in the past, and now everyone should understand what the rules are."

Requests for information should be made in writing, and sent to Wendy Manka at the Goldendale office at 1313 S. Columbus, 98620. Staff will respond within five days, but may take up to thirty days to provide the requested information. There is a charge for copying documents.

Drawing Contest - Electrical Safety Month

Open to kids in grades K-6 in Klickitat County

May is Electrical Safety Month, and KPUD is holding a drawing contest for kids in grades K-6. From children avoiding downed power lines, to not mixing electricity and water, drawings can be of any subject that demonstrates electrical safety.

On the back of your drawing, please include your name and address, school and grade, and a sentence describing your drawing.

Prizes will be awarded in each group: K-2nd grade, 3-4th grade, and 5-6th grade. Entries will be displayed in KPUD offices, and may be reprinted in newspapers, newsletters, or on the KPUD web site.

Drawings must be postmarked no later than May 22nd, or dropped off by May 24th at KPUD offices.

Ruralite Recipe Winner

PUD customer Sharon Shire of White Salmon was one of six winners chosen by Ruralite magazine for her chili recipe, 'Sharon's Spicy Vegetarian Chili', which she developed when her son decided to become a vegetarian. The recipe was featured in the March issue of Ruralite, and is reprinted here. It can also be found on our web site at klickpud.com. PUD employee Lori Fakesh presented Sharon with her gift basket from Ruralite.