Klickitat PUD commissioners have decided there will be no retail electric rate increase in 2020.  The board made their decision following review of the first two drafts of their 2020 operating budget, noting good overall operating results in 2019 and solid bond ratings from both Moody’s and Fitch Ratings.  While the new Renewable Natural Gas facility at Roosevelt had a slower start up than planned, Board President Dan Gunkel says the panel concluded that net revenues for the plant could be used to offset the need for a rate increase.  He added the PUD board has a long-term goal of lowering rates relative to other utilities in similar service territories.  It’s the third time in four years that Klickitat PUD has decided not to increase retail electric rates.  There was a 1.5% increase in 2019.  A public hearing to consider the 2020 operating budget has been set for Tuesday, December 10 at 3 p.m. at Klickitat PUD’s office in Goldendale.