Three Vancouverites are in the running for a six-year term on the Clark Public Utilities board, with a primary election set for Aug. 6. Sherry Erickson, Chris Thobaben and James Oneil each hope to succeed District 1 Commissioner Jim Malinowski, 86, who isn’t seeking reelection after serving two six-year terms. In a meeting last week with The Columbian’s Editorial Board, the candidates addressed issues impacting the utility’s future, including incorporating advanced metering, embracing nuclear energy and building utility-sponsored universal broadband. Each offers different qualifications for the job: Erickson, who earned a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering from Brigham Young University and a master’s in business administration from Washington State University, works as a consultant for utilities and cities. Oneil, a lifelong Clark County resident who studied criminal justice at Clark College, works in business development and customer service. Thobaben, who holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Miami University of Ohio and a master’s in supply chain management and data science from Syracuse University, former supply chain consultant who now is CEO of Maren-go Solutions Corporation. Nuclear power Oneil said he’s surprised how many people bring up nuclear energy when he’s been knocking on doors during the election.

The three candidates specifically addressed small modular nuclear power during the editorial board meeting. “There’s no doubt that there’s a great advantage of it, but we have got to make sure that we are delivering it safely to our customers,” Oneil said. Erickson said she’s excited for the development of small modular nuclear power. “I think it will be easier to bring on to the system and also easier to dispose of at the end of its shelf life,” she added. Thobaben appreciated that small modular nuclear power addressed a lot of people’s concerns with risk and adoption. All three candidates mentioned the tough competition utilities will face from private companies needing power.

“Something beyond the small modular is really where nuclear gains efficiencies,” Thobaben said. He said large nuclear power operations are where the future lies. Broadband internet Thobaben has been aiming to bring universal broadband internet service to the county, leading a team of advocates working for the cause. The team previously presented a proposal to the utility, but Thobaben said the utility’s board and management didn’t see it as a priority. “It is a core function that we know now we have presented a viable business model,” Thobaben said. “This is not reinventing the wheel. We just have to actually take it as a priority here.” Erickson said she’d be interested in seeing a feasibility study to pin down the costs needed to make universal broadband a reality. “If we do move forward, we’ve got to make sure we are doing a forecast and making smart decisions,” Oneil said.

Metering Clark Public Utilities, like many electric utilities around the nation, is adopting advanced metering technology, which will create a two-way communication system between a customer and the utility. The technology “will allow us to do some capacity studies and look to see how we might be able to shift demand and lower the power supply costs, which could keep rates steady and reliable,” Erickson said. Advanced metering can help each customer manage demand, she said. “We need to get out and talk about it,” Oneil said. He said he hears concerns from those in the community about advanced metering. He tells everyone the technology could help them lower their bills and manage their time.

“Then, they will definitely see a benefit,” he said. Thobaben said humans cannot keep up with the rate of change in large systems. “The automation of systems is changing the way everything in the world of business, the world of operations, computers, is being done,” he said. Thobaben said outfitting Clark Public Utilities with advanced metering will not only help people save on their power bills, it will also allow the utility to plan its energy use. Having that technology at the point of consumption will help the utility to make informed decisions rather than taking just estimates and averages, he said. One place the candidates differ is in campaign fundraising. According to reports filed with the state, Oneil has raised $25,328 so far, including donations from some prominent locals such as Ann Donnelly, Tim Leavitt, Terry Ogle (spouse of Vancouver Mayor Anne McEnerny-Ogle) and the Vancouver firefighters union. Erickson has raised $1,239. Thobaben hasn’t reported any fundraising.

Clark Public Utilities provides power to about 235,000 customers throughout Clark County and water service to nearly 40,000 in the Hazel Dell, Salmon Creek, Lake Shore, Hockinson, Brush Prairie, La Center, Meadow Glade, Amboy and Yacolt areas. Ballots will be mailed this week. Editor’s Note: This story was corrected to reflect Chris Thobaben’s current profession.