LETTER: Bernard for PUD

As a retired utility professional with 40 years of experience in the industry, I am excited to support Phyllis Bernard for PUD commissioner.

All too often we tend to think of the PUD as a purveyor of hydropower from a long extension cord via a pair of 230kV lines from Bonneville Power.

But total reliance on two lines in a single power corridor makes us vulnerable.

For example, a major earthquake would leave us without that power source for an indefinite period. There is no backup source. And with drought and decreasing snowpack, hydropower is less secure than it once was.

Phyllis has the skills and experience to help the PUD plan for resilience and thoughtfully develop local generation options.

A lawyer and administrative judge with expertise in dispute resolution, Phyllis has the proven ability to effectively work with a diversity of stakeholders and find win-win solutions.

And with her 16 years’ experience working with the Southwest Power Pool and energy trading, Phyllis has the deep utility and regulatory experience to help us position for future events that otherwise could knock us down and out.

We are fortunate to have a candidate with her outstanding abilities.

Let’s elect Phyllis Bernard as PUD Commissioner to help us and our children enjoy a resilient energy future.

John Acklen

Sequim