Large Load Customer - frequently asked questions

Electric Rate Adjustment

Grant County Public Utility District 
Effective Date: April 1, 2026 

Approved by the Grant County PUD Commission

What is changing on April 1, 2026?

Grant County PUD has approved updated electric rates for Tier 1 and Tier 2 Large Load and Industrial customers. These changes apply to electric service delivered on or after April 1, 2026.

Who approved the rate adjustment?

The Grant County PUD Commission approved the rate adjustment following a public review process. The Commission evaluated system costs, long term‑ infrastructure needs, and the requirements associated with reliably serving large electrical loads. 

Which Large Power rate classes are affected?

The approved adjustment applies to the following Tier 1 and Tier 2 customer rate classes:

Tier 1

• Rate 7 – Large General

• Rate 14 – Industrial

• Rate 16 – Agricultural Processing

Tier 2

• Rate 15 – Large Industrial

• Rate 17 – Evolving Industry

What are the approved 2026 energy rates?

Actual bill impacts will vary depending on individual energy usage, peak demand, and load profiles.

When will future rate increases happen?

We have a 10‑year rate trajectory. Rates are planned to increase between 2026 and 2030 and are phased in over multiple years rather than implemented all at once to support stability. Each annual adjustment includes built‑in guardrails that cap how much rates can increase in a given year, helping keep changes manageable for customers. Long‑term rate projections are regularly reviewed as part of Grant County PUD’s financial and rate planning process. The 10-year rate trajectory will be reviewed regularly and updated as needed based on factors such as market conditions, load growth, and infrastructure needs.

Why are rates increasing?

Rates are increasing because the cost of electrical equipment—such as power poles, transformers, wires, and cables—has nearly doubled over the past 10 years. Ongoing expenses like maintaining infrastructure, upgrading systems, and operating the power grid have also increased. Spreading planned rate increases over several years helps avoid rate shock and keeps changes more manageable for customers. These adjustments also reflect the need to secure higher‑cost clean energy resources to meet growing energy demand and comply with Washington state’s Clean Energy Transformation Act. As we adjust rates across all customer classes over the next 10 years, we remain committed to keeping our rates competitive.

How can large load customers manage electric costs?

Customers may reduce impacts by:

• Managing peak demand

• Improving load factor

• Explore energy efficiency opportunities

What is a demand charge? 
 
A demand charge on your electric bill is based on the highest peak demand(kW) of power usage that you draw at a given time during the billing period, not the total that is used over the month. 

Why is there a demand charge on my bill?

Demand charges help cover the cost of maintaining the electric system infrastructure to handle the peak load.  This allows the system to meet peak electricity needs, even if those peaks happen briefly.

How can I reduce demand charges? 
 
Avoid using large equipment at the same time, stagger startups, and shift ‑energy intensive activities to ‑off-peak‑ times when possible.

Who should I contact with questions?

For rate or account specific‑ questions, please contact:

• Your Grant County PUD Large Power Account Representative

• Justin Girgus, Key Account Manager (509)450-0846  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Kim Becht, Mid Account Manager (509)906-6926 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Website: https://www.grantpud.org