Company Profile
Douglas County PUD
Company Overview
Douglas County Public Utility District No. 1 provides clean, efficient, reliable, and renewable hydroelectric power, benefiting the communities in the northwest while emphasizing sustainability. The Wells project, operated by Douglas County PUD, boasts the most effective juvenile fish bypass on the Columbia River, and its operation funds several salmon and steelhead hatcheries. The 840-megawatt facility produces some of the lowest-cost power in the United States. Douglas County PUD's commitment to the environment is supported by conservation programs and numerous agreements with agencies committed to maintaining the ecological balance of the Columbia River.
Located in the beautiful northcentral region of Washington State, the area is known for its sunshine, four distinct seasons, and the wealth of recreational activities such as fishing or waterskiing on the Columbia River, hiking in the Cascade Foothills or the Enchantments, and multiple locations offering Nordic and alpine skiing. The quality of life and the multitude of outdoor and cultural attractions have made the area an attractive destination for residents and visitors alike.
Company History
Organized in 1936, Douglas County PUD began operations in 1945 as a non-profit, locally owned electric distribution system. From the beginning, delivery of a reliable supply of electric energy at the lowest possible cost has been our guiding principle, but the real reason the PUD was formed was to deliver modern conveniences to all the residents of the county. After acquiring the county’s existing electric distribution system from investor owned utilities, the PUD constructed about 400 miles of additional power lines to extend service to rural parts of the county. The power supply in those days was the Bonneville Power Administration.
In the late 50’s and early 60’s Douglas PUD worked to license and build the Wells Hydroelectric Project on the Columbia River. In 1967, the first power was generated at this 840 megawatt project. Douglas County did not initially use the power from this plant because it was more costly than power from the Bonneville Power Administration. Instead, the output was sold to four investor-owned utilities who helped finance the project by purchasing power at cost.
Benefits
Douglas PUD offers excellent working conditions and a competitive salary and benefit package. Employee benefits include: medical, dental and vision insurance, life insurance, short and long term disability, personal leave plan, paid holidays, participation in the Public Employees Retirement System (state pension program), deferred compensation programs with employer matching, Health Reimbursement Accounts with employer contributions, Wellness Program, and training opportunities. Relocation reimbursement for qualified expenses negotiable. Full benefit package may be viewed at www.uip-wa.org/douglas-pud.