My family and I have been active and engaged members of the Peshastin, Cashmere, and Chelan County communities for more than twenty years, contributing to enhancing and maintaining our region as a thriving place for families and businesses alike.

Chelan County PUD provides essential services to our community. Beyond supplying electricity, the PUD strives to ensure access to safe drinking water, sanitary wastewater treatment, high-speed internet connectivity, and public park amenities.  I am committed to upholding the core values of the PUD: Safety, Stewardship, Trustworthiness, and Operational Excellence, and always mindful of the responsibility to provide “The Best Value for the Most People for the Longest Period of Time.”

Having been involved with previous PUD Strategic Planning workshops, I am proud to be a citizen member of the PUD’s “Imagine 2075” 50-year strategic planning team. I hope you’ll consider voting for me to serve as Commissioner for PUD District 2.

Vote for Steve Keene, PUD Commissioner Dist. 2

Areas of Concern for the Future

Cyber Security

The PUD's billing subcractor's IT system having recently been hacked brings even greater awareness to the need for tighter security controls and constant vigilance.

Rates and Affordability

PUD must balance the need for revenue to maintain and improve services with the goal of keeping rates affordable, particularly for low-income households.

Projected Growth in Electricity Demand

The PUD must continue to prepare for the exponential growth in electrical demand expected in the next couple of years and beyond.

Regulatory Compliance and Governance:

New federal regulations regarding the improvements to the national electric grid and PFAS mitigation in water are major cost concerns.

Development and Maintenance

Crucial infrastructure; dams, transmission lines, reservoirs, etc. require continous investments to ensure reliable and resilient services.

Environmental Impact

Environmental considerations are paramount. The PUD must constantly work to protect wildlife habitats, and mitigate any adverse effects of its operations on the ecosystem.

Climate Change and Water

Declining snowpack and drought impact not only power generation, but our entire lives. Conserving water and exploring alternative power sources are increasingly important.

Emerging Technologies

Harnessing emerging technologies like smart grids, energy storage, new transmission systems, and electric vehicles enhance efficiency, reliability, and sustainability.

Resilience and Disaster Preparedness

Increasing frequency & intensity of natural disasters, requires regular updating of systems for disaster preparedness, response, and recovery.

Cyber Security

The PUD's billing subcractor's IT system having recently been hacked brings even greater awareness to the need for tighter security controls and constant vigilance.

Rates and Affordability

PUD must balance the need for revenue to maintain and improve services with the goal of keeping rates affordable, particularly for low-income households.

All of these issues, and more, must be carefully considered as the PUD plans now and for the next 50 years.

Steve's Priorities

 

  • Listen & respond to customer needs & suggestions.

  • Maintain low customer rates while considering the needs & requirements of all utility services: Electricity generation & transmission, domestic water supply, sanitary waste-water treatment, internet connectivity, & public parks.

  • Infrastructure hardening against potential wildfire & natural disasters.

  • More attention to water as our most important natural resource.


  • Development of alternate power generation methods & storage solutions of surplus power.

Biography

Elected Experience:

  • Member of the Peshastin Community Council 2006-Present

Council Chair - 10 years.

  • Peshastin Water District, Commissioner 2012-2019.

“High 5 Award” from Washington State Department of Health for “dedication to protecting the health of the people of Washington State by ensuring safe and reliable drinking water.”

Education:

  • Ball State University, MM
  • U. of Northern Colorado, BM & BME

Professional Experience:

  • ClearView Computing: 
    Business Owner 1992-Present.
  • Peshastin Water District:
    General Manager 2019-2024
  • Faculty: Central Washington University, Western Washington University, West Virginia Wesleyan College, Dickinson State University
  • Custom Music, Instrument Repair & Sales: Business Owner 1982-2000

Community Service:

  • Current member - Community Advisory Committee; Chelan-Douglas Regional Pathways Project.
  • Webmaster - Peshastin Community - 18 years.
  • Member - Peshastin UGA Committee - 2 years.
  • Board member -  Upper Valley Parks & Recreation Area, 6 years.
  • Volunteer Cashmere Schools - Robotics Coach, 4 years.
  • Volunteer Cashmere Schools - Instrumental music coach, 6 years.

Get in Touch

 Please send me an email or call  and let's talk about what you think is important.  If you call when I'm not available, please leave a message and I'll get back to you as soon as possible.

Call: ‭ (509) 433-7191‬

Write:  PO Box 747
              Peshastin, WA 98847

Elect Steve Keene PUD Commissioner

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