The old phrase, The devil is in the details, has never been more accurate then when applied to Initiative 937.
The reality is that I-937 is a Catch-22 initiative. It consists of 10 pages of purposely complex terminology intended to be difficult to understand. This provides a way for those behind I-937 to be in a position of power to interpret and to dictate the forced mandates they are placing on electric utilities. With costs high now, I do not believe we can afford to ignore the voluminous new costs that will be incurred for the high-priced administration and enforcement this initiative requires at the state level.
The electric utilities in our state, with their deep pockets, will be the target of fines at every opportunity. The PUD would not get a pass and would be subject to jumping through the same hoops as all of the states utilities or pay a hefty fine, the costs of which would be passed along to those who buy electricity.
Big money and great profit potential, at ratepayer expense, is the driving force behind this initiative. While sounding good on the surface, you must challenge the unrealistic claims being made by the writers of this initiative. Thousands of new family wage jobs that will spring forth is pure nonsense. The small amount of electricity produced will be very high-priced electricity.
Allow the free will of the public, not this initiative, to influence and persuade utilities, to pursue new energy options that will make the most economic and environmental sense and which will ultimately be to every ones benefit.
Initiative 937 is in direct conflict with the best interests of Snohomish PUD customers and electric ratepayers of Washington. Why impose a costly, burdensome and tangled initiative on ourselves?
Please be aware of what you are voting for reject I-937.
Lynn Claughton
Retired PUD Customer Service, 30 years
Marysville/Tulalip