Employee Profiles – Easton Utilities

Hugh E. Grunden, P.E.
President & CEO

Hugh Grunden joined Easton Utilities in 1983 and became the President & CEO in 1994. He provides the strategic direction for a multiple division municipal utility. He is also responsible for the overall operations to provide safe, reliable utility and communication services to over 10,800 customers.

Mr. Grunden has served on the Board of Directors for the American Public Power Association and Hometown Connection, Inc. He serves in an advisory role for M&T Bank. In addition, Mr. Grunden was appointed to the Governor’s Task Force for Rural Internet, Broadband, and Cellular Service and formerly served on the Governor’s Task Force Advisory Group for Electric Industry Restructuring in Maryland.

Mr. Grunden holds a BS in Civil Engineering from University of Maryland – College Park, an MBA from The Johns Hopkins University, and is a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland.

John E. Hines III, P.E.
Electric Department Manager

John Hines is the Electric Department Manager responsible for all aspects of the operation and safe delivery of power from transmission through distribution to the customer throughout the 54-square-mile electric service territory. Before joining Easton Utilities, John held various roles as an Electrical Engineer and Project Manager for companies in the mid-Atlantic region specializing in power generation and delivery in grid-based and islanded power systems. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering and a Master’s in Business Strategy from The Pennsylvania State University. John has been a Registered Professional Engineer in the State of Maryland since 2002. With a passion for boating and sailboat racing, John has been an active member of the Miles River Yacht Club since 2005, serving in various positions, including Past Commodore. He resides in Easton with his wife and two daughters.

Kelly A. Simonsen
Marketing and Communications Manager

Kelly Simonsen is responsible for managing all facets of internal and external communications and marketing to effectively promote the broad range of programs and services Easton Utilities provides. Partnering with the Town of Easton as well as other community members, Kelly plans to share the many benefits Easton Utilities offers residents and businesses. Prior to joining Easton Utilities, Kelly was the Development Director at CASA of the Mid-Shore. She has a BS in Communications from Towson State University and is a 2014 graduate of Shore Leadership.

Douglas R. Abbott
Engineering, Water & Wastewater Department Manager

Doug Abbott oversees the engineering, water, and wastewater departments for Easton Utilities. He is responsible for the overall project management for Easton Utilities including plan review, approval, coordination and field inspection for all private and public sector utility related construction and development activity in Easton. Doug also manages the treatment, storage, and distribution of clean, healthy water, as well as wastewater collection, along with the Enhanced Nutrient Removal Wastewater Treatment Facility. Doug has over 40 years of experience in the water and wastewater utility industry. Prior to joining Easton Utilities in 2006, Doug provided operations consulting services to utilities and regulatory agencies throughout the US and abroad. Doug is a native of Talbot County, an avid racing sailor, and a member of the Miles River Yacht Club and Tred Avon Yacht Club where he is a past commodore.

Tucker G. Bullock, P.E.
Gas & Meter Department Manager

As the most recent member of the Management Team, Tucker brings over 20 years of experience in the natural gas industry. He oversees regulatory compliance, gas supply, construction, maintenance, operations, safety, and training. Prior to joining Easton Utilities, Tucker worked for Dominion Energy as an Engineer and Operations Manager where he led teams to complete numerous transmission pipeline projects, supervised an in-house construction crew, and was responsible for emergency response and repair. Tucker holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of South Carolina and an MBA from North Carolina State University. He lives with his partner and their adopted dog, and is looking forward to spending time in Easton.

Theodore L. Book
Vice President of Easton Velocity

Ted Book is responsible for all aspects of the distribution, installation, service and maintenance of the internet and cable tv division. Mr. Book has been with Easton Utilities since 1997 and has held many positions including Director of Internet Services and Network Administrator. Mr. Book has more than 15 years experience in information technology and holds a BS in Computer Science from Lynchburg College and an MBA from the University of Maryland.

Frederick C. Christie
Chief Information Officer

As Chief Information Officer, Mr. Christie leads the development of information systems infrastructure and communications technology to support current operations and future needs. As an IT Professional with over 30 years of experience working in the technology field, Mr. Christie possesses the considerable managerial skills necessary to deploy the rapidly-evolving information technology Easton Utilities uses to conduct operations and serve our customers. Mr. Christie’s background includes serving as Chief Information Officer for an international manufacturing company and a hi-tech electronics company. He earned both a BS in Mathematics and a BS in Computer Science from Villanova University, an MS in Computer Science from Johns Hopkins University and an MBA from Loyola University.

Vicki L. Petro
Vice President of Human Resources

With more than 25 years of experience in Human Resources, Vicki Petro is responsible for benefits and compensation, training and development, employee relations, performance appraisal and management practices and policies, recruitment and staffing, and employee wellness at Easton Utilities. Ms. Petro has a BA from Washington State University, a Professional Human Resource Certificate from the Human Resource Certification Institute, is a SHRM Certified Professional and holds a Human Resource Management Certification through Cornell University’s School of Industrial and Labor Relations. Ms. Petro is an alumna of The Shore Leadership Class of 2004.

Tracie A. Thomas CPA/CGMA
Vice President of Customer Services

Tracie Thomas oversees Easton Utilities Customer Service, Billing & Collections, and Marketing Departments. She graduated from Salisbury State University with a BS in Accounting and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. She also holds a Chartered Global Management Accountant designation. Ms. Thomas brings over 20 years of experience in both public accounting and private industry and has been with Easton Utilities since 2000.

Steven J. Ochse
Senior Vice President of Finance & CFO

Steven “Steve” Ochse oversees all aspects of Easton Utilities’ financial management in a progressively challenging financial and regulatory environment. He works closely with the CEO and department heads in executing the mission statement of Easton Utilities. Mr. Ochse previously held management positions with CBIZ and Mayer Hoffman McCann, one of the largest accounting services firms in the country. Mr. Ochse has a Bachelor of Science from the University of Baltimore and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant. Mr. Ochse continues to be active in community organizations including the Memorial Hospital Foundation and Easton Rotary.

John J. Horner, Jr.
Executive Vice President & COO

With over 30 years of industry experience, John is the Executive Vice President & COO and is responsible for implementing policies and spearheading the overall operational plan for Easton Utilities. Prior to joining Easton Utilities, Mr. Horner held various senior level positions with Baltimore Gas and Electric (BGE). He serves on the boards for the Talbot County Chamber of Commerce, the Tidewater Rotary, and the Friends of Hospice. Mr. Horner graduated from The Johns Hopkins University with a BS in Electrical & Computer Engineering and holds an MBA from Loyola College. He is a 2018 graduate of Shore Leadership and a 2021 graduate of Leadership Maryland. Mr. Horner resides in Easton with his wife and children.

Gas Charges

A residential gas bill is made up of three different main charges: the Distribution charge, the Gas Customer charge, and the Purchased Gas charge (PGC). Commercial customers will also notice a Maryland State sales tax each month.

Distribution charge: A set cost per cf for delivery of gas to your home and to construct and maintain the distribution system. This charge does not include the cost of gas.

Gas Customer charge: The fixed cost per month to read your meter, process monthly bills and provide customer services. These are fixed costs to serve each customer no matter how much gas is consumed.

Purchased Gas Charge (PGC): The price that Easton Utilities pays for natural gas from the wholesale energy market. The cost may be long or short-term contracts or daily ‘real time’ market prices. The PGC is billed to our customers without any mark-up and reflects approximately 2/3 of a customer’s bill.

Measurements: Natural gas is measured by “cf.” One cf equals 100 cubic feet or 1 unit.

Learn More…

Tips on how to conserve energy to help reduce your bill.

Water and Wastewater Charges

Water Customer Charge: Includes the cost of infrastructure to provide service to your address and the operating costs associated with providing that service. These are fixed costs to serve each customer no matter how much water is consumed.

Water Usage: A set cost per 100 gallon rate which supports the construction, operation and maintenance of the water system.

Wastewater Customer Charge: Includes the cost of infrastructure to provide service to your address and the operating costs associated with providing that service. These are fixed costs to serve each customer no matter how much wastewater is produced.

Wastewater Usage: A set cost per 100 gallon rate which supports the construction, operation and maintenance of the wastewater system.

Learn More…

Tips on how to conserve energy to help reduce your bill.

Equipos de Cable Y Internet

Equipo de Cable
Cajas proporcionado por Easton Velocity con el fin de ver la televisión por cable. Se requiere hardware para cada conexión de televisión y es propiedad de Easton Velocity.

Equipo de Internetbr/>
Cajas proporcionado y instalado con el único propósito de la conectividad de banda ancha a Internet.

Información de Uso de Gas

Una visualización gráfica de su uso de gas natural desde el mismo mes del año pasado. Esta es una herramienta valiosa en el seguimiento del uso. El uso de gas natural depende en gran medida del clima y de la temporada. La mayoría de los clientes residenciales usan más gas natural durante el invierno.

Información del Medidor de Gas

Medidor utilizado para medir gas natural por CCF (cien pies cúbicos). Los volúmenes medidos de gas se ven muy afectados por la temperatura y la presión. El uso de gas natural aumenta durante la temporada de calefacción, que generalmente comienza a fines del otoño hasta principios de la primavera.

Información del Medidor de Agua

Contador utilizado para medir el volumen de agua y aguas residuales utilizadas por el cliente. Algunos clientes o edificios tienen varios contadores (por ejemplo, apartamentos y contadores de riego). Los medidores de riego facturan solo por el uso de agua. Algunos medidores de negocios comerciales están instalados con multiplicadores.

Restar la lectura anterior del medidor de la lectura actual del medidor determinará la cantidad de agua utilizada en un período de facturación.

Consejo: Pequeñas fugas en grifos, inodoros, etc. pueden causar grandes aumentos en el consumo de agua.

Información de Uso de Agua

Una visualización gráfica de su consumo de agua desde el mismo mes del año pasado. Esta es una herramienta valiosa en el seguimiento del uso.

Información de Uso Eléctrico

Una visualización gráfica de su uso de electricidad desde el mismo mes del año pasado. Esta es una herramienta valiosa en el seguimiento del uso. El uso de electricidad depende en gran medida del clima y de la temporada. La mayoría de los clientes residenciales usan más electricidad durante el verano y el invierno.

Información del Medidor Eléctrico

Información sobre las lecturas de su medidor más recientes utilizadas para calcular la cantidad de energía que utilizó. Algunos medidores muestran una fracción de su uso real. Para calcular el uso real, se debe usar un multiplicador. Reste la diferencia en las lecturas para calcular su uso real.

Cargos Actuales

La suma de todos sus cargos de servicios públicos para el período de facturación.

Cargos de Internet

Voz digital estándar (VoIP)
Tecnología que permite que el tráfico de voz, internet y red de oficinas sea utilizable con un teléfono.

Tarifa 911
Se requiere un cargo de transferencia que va directamente a nuestro proveedor de VoIP para el servicio 911, lo que hace que marcar 911 sea lo mismo que marcar en un servicio telefónico tradicional.

Tarifa de Servicio Universal de MD
Igual que la tarifa del Fondo universal federal pero a nivel estatal.

Tarifa Federal de Servicio de Retransmisión de Telecomunicaciones
Para un servicio de operador que permite a las personas con problemas auditivos, sordos, ciegos o del habla realizar llamadas a usuarios de teléfonos estándar a través de un teclado o dispositivo de asistencia.

Tarifa del Fondo Universal Federal
un sistema de subsidios y tarifas de telecomunicaciones administrado por la Comisión Federal de Comunicaciones de los Estados Unidos (FCC) destinado a promover el acceso universal a los servicios de telecomunicaciones en los Estados Unidos.

Conoce más sobre nuestros servicios de internet y telefonía

Cargos por Cable

Ver todos los paquetes de TV y canales premium disponibles

Cargos de Gas

Una factura de gas residencial se compone de tres cargos principales diferentes: el cargo de distribución, el cargo de cliente de gas y el cargo de gas comprado (PGC). Los clientes comerciales también notarán un impuesto sobre las ventas del estado de Maryland cada mes.

Cargo de Distribución
Un costo fijo por cf para la entrega de gas a su hogar y para construir y mantener el sistema de distribución. Este cargo no incluye el costo del gas.

Cargo al Cliente de Gas
El costo fijo por mes para leer su medidor, procesar las facturas mensuales y brindar servicios al cliente. Estos son costos fijos para atender a cada cliente sin importar la cantidad de gas que consuma.

Cargo por Gas Comprado (PGC)
El precio que Easton Utilities paga por el gas natural del mercado mayorista de energía. El costo puede ser contratos a largo o corto plazo o precios de mercado diarios en “tiempo real”. El PGC se factura a nuestros clientes sin ningún recargo y refleja aproximadamente 2/3 de la factura de un cliente.

Medidas: El gas natural se mide por “cf”. Un cf equivale a 100 pies cúbicos o 1 unidad.

Aprende más…

Consejos sobre cómo conservar energía para ayudar a reducir su factura.

Resumen de pago

Balance Forward: Importe vencido.

Current Charges: Cargos para este ciclo de facturación.

Amount Due: Cargos actuales más cualquier cantidad adeudada.

Tarifa de Restauración de la Bahía

Tarifa impuesta por el estado para mejorar la calidad del agua en la Bahía de Chesapeake y otras vías fluviales de Maryland.

Cargos de Agua y Aguas Residuales

Cargos de Agua y Aguas Residuales
Cargo al Cliente de Agua: Incluye el costo de la infraestructura para brindar el servicio a su dirección y los costos operativos asociados con la prestación de ese servicio. Estos son costos fijos para atender a cada cliente sin importar la cantidad de agua que consuma.

Uso de Agua
Un costo fijo por tarifa de 100 galones que apoya la construcción, operación y mantenimiento del sistema de agua.

Cargo al Cliente de Aguas Residuales
Incluye el costo de la infraestructura para brindar el servicio a su dirección y los costos operativos asociados con la prestación de ese servicio. Estos son costos fijos para atender a cada cliente sin importar cuántas aguas residuales se produzcan.

Uso de Aguas Residuales
Un costo fijo por tarifa de 100 galones que apoya la construcción, operación y mantenimiento del sistema de aguas residuales.

Aprende más…

Consejos sobre cómo conservar energía para ayudar a reducir su factura.

Cargas Eléctricas

Cargas Eléctricas
Una factura eléctrica residencial se compone de cuatro cargos principales: Cargo de Cliente, Cargos de Distribución, Cargos de Energía Y Impuestos y Recargos.

Cargo al Cliente

Esta cantidad es un cargo fijo por metro. Paga los costos que no varían con el uso, como la lectura/mantenimiento del medidor, los costos de facturación, el servicio al cliente, el equipo que brinda servicio a la propiedad del cliente, así como una parte del sistema de cables, postes y tuberías.

Cargo de Distribución
El cargo de Distribución es un costo fijo por kilovatio hora que soporta el costo de construcción, operación, mantenimiento y administración del sistema eléctrico. Este cargo no incluye el costo de la electricidad que utilizó.

Carga de Energía
El cargo de energía incluye el costo de la energía que usó y Easton Utilities compró en su nombre. Como empresa de servicios públicos sin fines de lucro, Easton Utilities compra la energía que los clientes necesitan y transfiere el costo sin recargo.

Impuestos y Recargos
El estado de Maryland requiere que cobremos ciertos impuestos y recargos que luego se envían directamente al estado.

Esforzándose por Ahorrarle Dinero
Easton Utilities compra energía eléctrica en el mercado mayorista. Las compras pueden ser contratos largo o corto plazo o precios de mercado y en “tiempo real” diarios. Para ayudar a mantener los costos bajos, podemos utilizar nuestra propia instalación de generación eléctrica. Esto significa que si los precios en el mercado se vuelven demasiado altos, podemos hacer funcionar nuestros propios generadores a un costo menor y pasar esos ahorros directamente a usted.

Aprende más…

Consejos sobre cómo conservar energía para ayudar a reducir su factura.

Fechas de Servicio

Los días que se prestó el servicio para la factura actual. Esto es 30 días, pero puede variar dependiendo de cuándo Easton Utilities lea su medidor.

Información del Pago

Información sobre su saldo y pagos más nuevo.

Cuenta, Fecha del Estado de Duenta, Fecha de Vencimiento y Monto Adeudado

Cuenta: Su número de cuenta

Fecha del Estado de Cuenta: Fecha en que se emitió el estado de cuenta

Fecha de Vencimiento: Fecha de vencimiento del monto del estado de cuenta actual

Importe Adeudado: Importe adeudado

Electric Charges

Electric Charges
A residential electric bill is made up of four main charges: Customer Charge, Distribution Charges, Energy Charges and Taxes and Surcharges.

Customer Charge
This amount is a fixed charge per meter. It pays for costs that do not vary with usage, such as meter reading/maintenance, billing costs, customer service, the equipment providing service into the customer’s property, as well as a portion of the system of wires, poles and pipes.

Distribution Charge
The Distribution charge is a set cost per kilowatt hour that supports the cost of construction, operation, maintenance and administration of the electric system. This charge does not include the cost of electricity that you used.

Energy Charge
The Energy Charge includes the cost of energy that you used and Easton Utilities purchased on your behalf. As a not-for-profit utility, Easton Utilities purchases the energy that customers need and passes the cost along without markup.

Taxes and Surcharges
The State of Maryland requires that we collect certain taxes and surcharges that are then sent directly to the State.

Striving to Save You Money
Easton Utilities buys electric energy on the wholesale market. Purchases could be long or short-term contracts or daily “real time” and market prices. To help keep costs low, we can utilize our own electric generation facility. This means if prices on the market become too high, we can run our own generators at a lesser cost and pass those savings directly to you.

Learn More…

Tips on how to conserve energy to help reduce your bill.

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