Frequently Asked Questions
What is a PUD?
A Public Utility District is a community-owned, locally regulated utility created by a vote of the people under RCW 54.
What are PUDs authorized to provide?
PUDs in Washington are authorized to provide electricity, water and sewer services, and wholesale telecommunications. A PUD may provide one or more of these services, depending on the needs of the community.
How many PUDs are there in Washington state?
There are currently 28 PUDs. Of those, 23 provide electricity, 19 provide water or wastewater services, and 13 provide local access to broadband telecommunications services.
How many people do PUDs serve?
PUDs in Washington serve nearly one-third of the state’s residents. PUDs provide electricity to more than 815,000 households. More than 113,000 households get their water from a PUD. PUDs serve more than half the state geographically.
How are PUDs regulated?
PUDs are governed by a nonpartisan, locally elected board of commissioners. Commissioners are responsible for setting rates and for overseeing the operation of the PUDs. They meet at least monthly in open session where members of the public can observe and participate in the decision-making process.
How long do PUD commissioners serve?
PUD commissioners are elected to serve six-year terms. Commissioner salaries are set by state law, based on the size of the utility.
Where do PUDs get their electricity?
Most PUDs purchase electricity wholesale from the Bonneville Power Administration, a federal agency that markets power generated by 34 hydroelectric dams in the Columbia River Basin. Several PUDs own and operate their own hydroelectric dams, including Chelan, Grant, Pend Oreille and Cowlitz PUDs. Many PUDs are also members of Energy Northwest.
What is Energy Northwest?
Energy Northwest is a consortium of publicly utilities that owns and operates Columbia Generating Station, the state’s only commercial nuclear plant, the Nine Canyon Wind Project, the Packwood Lake Hydroelectric Project, and the White Bluffs Solar Station. Energy Northwest is also developing the Radar Ridge Wind Project is Pacific County.
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