Snohomish County Public Utility District
| Company type | Public utility district |
|---|---|
| Industry | Utilities |
| Founded | 1936 |
| Headquarters | Snohomish County , United States |
Area served | Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington |
| Products | Electricity, Water services |
The Snohomish County Public Utility District delivers electricity to more than 367,000 customers across Snohomish County and Camano Island, Washington, while also providing water services to roughly 23,000 residents in the northeastern part of Snohomish County. Ranking as the second largest publicly owned utility in the Pacific Northwest and the 12th largest nationwide, it holds the distinction of being the biggest among Washington’s 28 PUDs. Additionally, this utility is the primary purchaser of power from the Bonneville Power Administration, a major wholesale energy supplier in the Western United States.
Clean energy projects
Arlington Community Solar Project: Completed in 2019, this solar array in Arlington consists of 1,620 panels with a total capacity of 500 kW. The project was funded through customer investments who bought shares and receive returns from electricity sales. At its launch, it was recognized as Washington State’s largest community solar initiative.
Hancock Creek Hydro Project: This run-of-the-river hydroelectric facility, finalized in 2018 and situated upstream of Snoqualmie Falls in King County, produces 6 MW of power. Its location ensures no disruption to migrating salmon populations.
Calligan Creek Hydro Project: Also located in King County and completed in 2018, this hydroelectric installation generates 6 MW and similarly avoids impacting salmon migration by being positioned above Snoqualmie Falls.
Tidal Energy: Exploration into tidal power began in 2007, with Ireland-based OpenHydro selected in 2009 to develop turbines for a planned four to five-year pilot. Initially budgeted at $10 million—split evenly between the PUD and federal grants—costs rose to an estimated $38 million by 2014. When additional federal funding was denied, the project was terminated after nearly $10 million had been expended from reserves and grants. The PUD has since ceased pursuing tidal energy development.
Geothermal Energy: Between 2010 and 2012, the utility invested $4.375 million into geothermal drilling efforts, surpassing initial budgets of $400,000 (2010) and $2.5 million (2011). Following unsuccessful drilling results, the project was discontinued along with further geothermal exploration.
Sunset Falls: Proposed in 2011 as a hydroelectric dam on the South Fork Skykomish River, this project encountered community resistance and geological difficulties. Despite investing around $20 million in land acquisition and infrastructure development, it was canceled in 2018 due to reduced demand for electricity.
Current conservation programs
Since spring 2009, the utility has provided incentives, loans, and resources aimed at small-scale solar installations; however, it no longer offers financial incentives and now concentrates on supplying installation guidance.
For over three decades, Snohomish County PUD has spearheaded regional energy conservation efforts that have collectively saved more than 100 average megawatts—sufficient to power approximately 80,000 households. The utility has weatherized upwards of 60,000 homes, recycled over 33,000 inefficient refrigerators and freezers, and facilitated the sale of more than 12 million discounted compact fluorescent and LED bulbs through retail outlets. It consistently exceeds established conservation goals.
History
The Snohomish County Public Utility District was formed following voter approval on November 3, 1936. Initially, it operated as a water utility starting in 1946 and subsequently expanded its services to include electricity in 1949.
During the 1980s, the PUD was a stakeholder in the WNP-3 and WNP-5 nuclear power projects managed by the Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS). When WPPSS defaulted on its bonds in 1983, the PUD took legal measures to recover its financial losses.
In 2005, the utility played a key role in uncovering market manipulation by Enron energy traders amid the Western U.S. energy crisis. The PUD revealed recordings that demonstrated coordinated shutdowns of power plants orchestrated by Enron. This discovery followed the district’s expenditure of $100,000 to transcribe tapes obtained through an expensive contract made during the 2001 energy shortage. Ultimately, the PUD reached an $18 million settlement with Enron creditors in 2007, representing about 10% of its initial claim.
Beginning in October 2025, the PUD plans to operate its hydroelectric dams as load-following facilities to complement flexible block power purchases from the Bonneville Power Administration. This strategy aims to decrease dependency on wholesale market electricity during periods of peak demand. By 2027, the utility intends to modernize seven aging electrical substations and construct new ones in Getchell and Smokey Point to accommodate regional population growth.
The PUD delivers electrical service to approximately 373,000 residences and commercial establishments throughout Snohomish County and Camano Island. Additionally, it provides water services to around 23,000 customers within the county boundaries. The standard residential electricity rate stands at 10.26 cents per kilowatt-hour, accompanied by a fixed daily fee of 59 cents. In response to increased expenses from electricity purchases during the January 2024 cold snap and recovery operations following the November 2024 bomb cyclone, a temporary rate adjustment was authorized in January 2025.
PUD electricity supply
As of the latest data, the PUD’s retail energy portfolio consists of 76.8% power procured from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), 6.9% generated by its own hydroelectric plants, 6.5% derived from wind power, 9.5% acquired through market transactions, and 0.3% sourced from other renewable options such as biogas and cogeneration. The BPA distributes wholesale electricity produced by federal hydroelectric facilities located in the Columbia River Basin and other associated power stations.
Wind energy is obtained from projects including Washington’s White Creek Wind Project and Oregon’s Wheat Field and Hay Canyon Wind Projects, collectively delivering an average output near 60 megawatts.
The district operates five hydroelectric installations, featuring the Henry M. Jackson Hydroelectric Project in the Sultan River Basin, active since 1984. This facility provides roughly 5% of the PUD’s electricity requirements while also enhancing environmental stewardship and recreational opportunities. Additional smaller hydroelectric plants—Youngs Creek, Woods Creek, Calligan Creek, and Hancock Creek—contribute to the local renewable energy supply.
Biomass energy generation occurs at Hampton Lumber Mill in Darrington, complemented by a biogas operation in Monroe that converts organic waste into methane for electricity production. The PUD also promotes rooftop solar systems among its customers and supports solar installations on schools and government buildings.
To support innovation in renewable technologies, the PUD has monetized environmental credits linked to its clean energy projects.