By Snohomish County PUD
The PUD is proudly public power. That means we are governed by local officials and are accountable to the people we serve. Our leadership and employees strive every day to fulfill our commitment to delivering clean and reliable energy at an affordable cost to the families and businesses we serve.
Next week, public power utilities across the country will celebrate Public Power Week. It’s a time to observe the many benefits of public power, from community engagement to customer accountability. We value that public power heritage and its focus on providing safe, reliable, affordable and environmentally sustainable power.
Earlier this year, the PUD was recognized as a Platinum Reliable Public Power Provider (RP3) by the American Public Power Association. To earn RP3 status, utilities must demonstrate proficiency in four key disciplines: reliability, safety, workforce development and system improvement.
“Being named an RP3 utility is a reflection of how great a utility the PUD is and has become largely by working with and listening to our customer/owners,” said John Haarlow, PUD CEO/General Manager. “To earn this award, it takes the whole organization working together toward our vision of delivering exceptional customer service.”
So what does it mean to be public power:
Local control
PUD employees are your neighbors and friends. We care about Snohomish County and Camano Island because we live here. Our commitment to our communities is rooted in our history, and we are governed by a board of commissioners elected by you, our customers. The rates you pay stay in Snohomish County and go to locally generated renewable energy, community programs, improving infrastructure and more.
Assistance for those in need
The PUD funds robust discount programs and many employees donate part of their own money to help income-qualified customers struggling to pay their bills. The upcoming Run for Warmth 5K/10K in Snohomish will raise money for our Project PRIDE program, which gives customers in need grants to help them pay their bills.
For more information or to sign up to run, visit snopud.com/runforwarmth
Environmentally friendly
In line with the values of its customers and employees, one of the key components of the PUD’s Strategic Priorities is the promotion of environmental stewardship and sustainability. This includes purchasing clean power, reducing our carbon footprint and promoting conservation.
The PUD is national leader in clean energy, with more than 97% of its energy coming from clean resources over the past five years. That means when you plug in your new electric vehicle, you’re charging it with renewable, clean energy.
Learn more about electric vehicles at an EV car show from noon to 3 p.m. on Oct. 1 at PUD headquarters (2320 California St., Everett).
Affordable rates
Energy rates may be increasing around the world, but here in Snohomish County our rates remain steady. The PUD bases its not-for-profit rates on the cost of delivering power and water to its customers and affordability is one of our main values. Stable rates have entitled the PUD to lower finance rates and a legacy of support for conservation efforts has reduced the need to purchase expensive power on the market.
Upcoming Power Talks
Learn about our new, helpful and easy-to-use customer tools, including how to use our new app, at our next Power Talks presentation on Thursday, Oct. 6. Power Talks is free and can be viewed via Microsoft Teams. To sign up, visit snopud.com/powertalks
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