Dayton Power Franchises Up For Renewal

DAYTON - The "power" struggle in Columbia County could come to a head in Dayton next week as city councilors review comments during a scheduled public hearing on Monday, Jan. 10, concerning Columbia REA's petition for a city right of way.

REA's proposed new electrical distribution line through Pacific Power's current territory in Dayton drew attention in October.

The current REA and Pacifi c Power franchise agreements with the City of Dayton expire in late January. Both companies have anticipated renewal discussions and consideration this month at city hall.

In December, Columbia REA cleared one major obstacle to installation of a primary underground distribution line roughly following Commercial Street across town. Port of Columbia Commissioners granted permission to REA for three underground railroad crossings within Dayton city limits.

Now the decision rests with Dayton city councilors.

The Dayton-based rural electric co-op says it wants the new service to provide its headquarters office with power. The building at 115 E. Main St. is currently served by Pacific Power of Spokane, REA's competitor and a company requesting the state to approve a 21-percent rate hike.

But in October, Columbia REA Spokesman Scott Peters hinted to the Times that the door is open to serving more than just the company's own building.

Meanwhile, Columbia County wants to put in a high-capacity fiber optic cable across town, possibly in the same area Columbia REA plans to install its proposed new service line.

The potential this power struggle has to raise questions about the future of power service in the city has not been overlooked by city officials. Will Dayton earn the dubious distinction of becoming the second community in the state where two electric utilities compete directly for the same customers - a situation state and local officials say clearly violates the spirit of Washington laws designed to avoid powerservice redundancy?

"That's the fear," Dayton Mayor Craig George said in October. "Competition is good, but duplication is a waste of money."

In this vein, the city will also Monday have a public hearing regarding the council's consideration of a moratorium on applications for rights of way in the city until leaders have "made improvements to the existing ordinance" regarding such petitions, according to city clerk Trina Cole.

The Dayton City Council meets Monday, Jan. 8, at 7 p.m. at Dayton City Hall on 1st Street.