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Columbia River PUD: Thank You, Customers by Michael J. Sykes Columbia County Spotlight, December 5, 2025

This time of year is a time to reflect on the things you're thankful for. Here in Columbia County, we have plenty to be grateful for.

We are most thankful for our great customers here at Columbia River PUD. Without you, we would not exist. More than 85 years ago, a group of locals got together at Beaver Homes Grange Hall to initiate the formation of their own local electric utility. The following November, CRPUD was voted into existence.

I am thankful for those residents getting together all those years ago. I'm also thankful for their patience, as it would be another 40-plus years before the PUD began providing power in this area.

This time of year is a time to reflect on the things you're thankful for. Here in Columbia County, we have plenty to be grateful for.

We are most thankful for our great customers here at Columbia River PUD. Without you, we would not exist. More than 85 years ago, a group of locals got together at Beaver Homes Grange Hall to initiate the formation of their own local electric utility. The following November, CRPUD was voted into existence.

I am thankful for those residents getting together all those years ago. I'm also thankful for their patience, as it would be another 40-plus years before the PUD began providing power in this area.

That power is also affordable. BPA provides power at rates lower than those of Oregon's private utilities. That allows us to keep our electric costs well below the state and national averages.

Our residential rates are 37% lower than Oregon's statewide average and 44% lower than the national average. I think that's something we can all be thankful for.

The folks who gathered at Beaver Homes Grange back in 1939 made a long-lasting impact on this community. By creating a public power provider, they ensured they would leave behind a legacy of reliable and affordable electricity for generations to come. As the general manager of Columbia River PUD, I am grateful for those efforts. I'm also grateful for our outstanding staff, a fantastic board, and you -- our tremendous customers.

As I stated earlier, there is plenty to be grateful for in this community. Thank you for helping make it that way, and thank you for the opportunity to serve you.

Related Pages:
Columbia River PUD Customers Will See Higher Electric Bills Next Year Due to Rate Increases by Kaelyn Cassidy, Columbia County Spotlight, 12/5/24
Columbia River PUD Pitches Wind Power by Venice Buhain, The Daily News, 2/2/5