Survey coming: PUD wants to know how it's doing

By Allison Arthur of the Leader

Jefferson County Public Utility District 1 wants to know how you think it's doing.

Starting next week, all PUD electricity customers can expect to receive a customer survey in the mail asking about rates, corporate citizenship, communication, management, low-income assistance and new initiatives.

“We will be sending the survey to all active customers,” said Annette Johnson, the PUD's human resources manager, who estimates that approximately 18,500 customers are to receive the survey.

“Hearing our customers' concerns and priorities are the intent behind the survey, so that we can better serve your utility needs,” she said.

SDS Research LLC, which is based in Utah, was hired to conduct the survey at a cost of $16,000.

“We researched where other PUDs did their surveys, and SDS has done both telephone and mail/online surveys for several PUDs and utility companies,” Johnson said. She added that the company conducts surveys for utility companies all over the United States.

Although the surveys are being mailed, customers also have the option of going online to complete it, she noted.

“All results will go back to their company and they will compile the results and then send them to us by the end of November,” Johnson said.

The PUD staff won't see the surveys or know which customer said what; the consultant provides only a list of responses.