PORT ANGELES — Clallam County Public Utility District No. 1 commissioners say they now know more about future uses of the PUD’s $3.78 million fiber-optic backbone and Sequim pilot project.
The commissioners received an overview of a 19-page report, compiled by consultant F.W. “Wayne” Bowen, on Monday that evaluated the high-speed Internet project and outlined a variety of recommendations.
They said the report will aid decisions about the utility district’s role is in providing high-tech communications in rural areas.
No decisions were made during Monday’s meeting.
Bowen discussed the cost, customer demand and service provider interest in the 24-mile fiber-optic loop between Port Angeles and Sequim.
The report said the fiber and pilot project haven’t paid for themselves and calls for revisions to do so.
PUD would need 300 new customers paying a median rate of $60 per month — the current rate — just to break even in 20 years, Bowen said.
The report encouraged the PUD to continue attracting customers to the pilot program to help defray the cost impact to electricity ratepayers.