The PUD would like to make clarifications to the article titled “PUD launches meter replacement plan” in the Jan. 11 issue of The Leader.

The PUD would like to clarify that our ongoing relationship with Landis+Gyr has always been outstanding, and we would not want to jeopardize our relationship through incorrect information or a misunderstanding of facts. From the beginning of the PUD’s acquisition of the electrical assets in eastern Jefferson County, Landis+Gyr has been a strong partner.

Not only has Landis+Gyr provided responsive support to our changing requirements and needs, but their costs for the reading, calculation and deliver of daily reads to the PUD have actually gone down since the time of the original contract.

This has reduced our operational costs, while providing us with valuable customer information that would otherwise not be available.

The article in The Leader was incorrect on a number of points. First, the PUD purchased all its in-field electric meters from PSE, not Landis+Gyr; Landis+Gyr was contracted to remotely read the meters, but did not own the meters.

Landis+Gyr was not contracted by the PUD to replace any meters (not a service they provide), and in fact, as electric meters failed, the PUD did not purchase replacement meters from Landis+Gyr.

Additionally, Landis+Gyr was not asked and does not provide for the retro-fitting of meters (again, not a service they provide).

Landis+Gyr did work with the PUD to allow for purchase other meters until the time that the PUD could determine their final metering needs and requirements.

When the PUD does advertise for a new metering system, we hope Landis+Gyr participates, as it is one of the leading meter and meter-reading utilities in the world, and offers advantages that others maybe not be able to provide.

JIM PARKER

Chimacum