EVERETT — The Snohomish County Public Utility District’s Commission approved on Dec. 2 its 2026 budget, which includes a rate increase for all customers, a press release said.
The utility district’s electric budget projects expenses at $858.6 million, spokesperson Erica Keene said in an interview on Wednesday. This includes operating costs, capital expenditures and debt payments.
Revenue at current rates would be $844.6 million, leaving a deficit of $14 million, Keene said.
Originally the proposed rate increase was 3%, but staff identified efficiencies and focused on key projects to cut costs, resulting in an average 2.5% increase, the release said.
A new contract with Bonneville Power Administration also achieved savings, Keene added.
“By finding smart ways to be more efficient and prioritizing projects, we were able to keep the rate increase as low as possible and ease the impact on our customers,” said John Haarlow, Snohomish Public Utility District chief executive officer, in the release. “This adjustment ensures we can meet rising equipment and operational costs while continuing to deliver reliable and environmentally sustainable power.”
The rising costs of materials, supplies and equipment were the main reasons given for the rate increases.
Electric system rate increases will take effect April 1, the release said. Residential customers’ energy charge will change from 10.26 cents per kilowatt-hour to 10.61. On average, payments will increase $3.22 a month, depending on energy use.
Small business customers’ energy charge will go from 8.37 cents/kWh to 8.57 cents, with the average monthly bill increasing $4.55. The rate increase will result in an additional $14.4 million in revenue.
Similarly, the Public Utility District projected a $1 million shortfall for the water budget if rates stayed the same, Keene said. Total projected operating expenses are $18 million.
Water rate increases will take effect Jan. 1, the release said. Customers will see an average monthly bill increase of $3.33.
The utility district offers income-qualified assistance programs that offer 25% or 50% bill reductions for qualifying customers. Visit snopud.com/billhelp for more information.
Customers can also offset rate increases through conservation. Visit snopud.com/save-energy for programs and tips to reduce energy usage.
For more information on rates and fees, visit snopud.com/rates.
Taylor Scott Richmond: 425-339-3046; taylor.richmond@heraldnet.com; X: @BTayOkay
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