Catch up on the latest GSA board meeting recaps anytime—at home, on the road, or on your tractor.
Proud Partners of
Despite critically low snowpack at 18% of average, Don Pedro storage is ~92% with an improved year-end forecast. Baker Tilly issued an unmodified clean opinion; two recurring material weaknesses remained unchanged. The Board honored former Director Dr. Tom Van Groningen (d. Apr 28; 20 years of service); celebration of life May 30. Three directors were present (Byrd, Keating, and the Board President); Directors Boer and Ott were absent.
Electric customers will receive a 0.5-cent/kWh credit beginning in June as power and fuel costs track below collected rates. Snowpack is at 13% of average and Don Pedro was about 820 ft with ~125,000 AF of space; staff expect a peak near 826 ft (below the 830 cap) if irrigation demand stays near historic levels. April Turlock Lake releases were ~33,000 AF — well below last year — with surface water comprising 91% of total resources.
Reservoir storage is slightly higher than last year and Don Pedro is about 92% full, but snowpack is just 18% of the April 1 average (5.82 inches SWE), limiting expected inflows. The San Joaquin Valley Clean Energy Authority received a clean audit and staff cited about $7M/year in power cost savings.
Board reached consensus to start summer deliveries June 5 (diversion start June 2). With a projected ~40% runoff year, growers may receive ~0.5 AF/acre over ~30–34 days. Staff recommended keeping the summer rate unchanged at $53/AF. The board approved resolutions supporting ACWA's statewide water vision and consolidating Division 1 and 2 elections with the county, and directed the superintendent to finalize excavator purchase negotiations subject to equipment committee approval.
Electricity customers are expected to receive a $0.005/kWh credit starting in June (automatic PSA adjustment) after projected purchase power and fuel costs came in below the reference rate. Snowpack is at just 13% of average, with April-through-July runoff projected at 650,000–750,000 acre-feet versus a typical 1.1 million. April Turlock Lake releases were ~33,000 acre-feet vs. ~39,000 projected; May demand is expected to rise as temperatures run 10–15°F above normal.
