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- calendar_today October 11, 2026
Snohomish PUD Outlines 2027 Budget Plan
The Snohomish County Public Utilities District (Snohomish PUD) has proposed its 2027 operating budget, with officials stating there will be no electric rate increase for customers in the upcoming year. The announcement was made at a meeting of the utility district commission in Everett.
Cost Management Leads to Rate Freeze
Snohomish PUD attributed the decision to maintain current electric rates to several positive financial developments. Among these are stronger-than-expected financial results at the end of 2025 and the postponement of some lower-priority capital projects to conserve resources. Sarah Bond, the PUD's senior manager of budget and financial planning, credited the improved process of prioritizing capital projects and enhanced cost management for driving these positive changes.
Details of the 2027 Budget Proposal
The proposed 2027 budget includes $769 million in operating expenses. Additionally, the PUD plans to allocate $239 million for capital projects aimed at system reliability upgrades. These investments are intended to ensure that the utility continues to provide the level of service customers have come to expect.
Statements from Leadership
John Harlow, CEO of Snohomish PUD, emphasized the organization's commitment to its customer-owners in a public statement. “By finding efficiencies throughout our operations, improvements in project prioritization, and being responsible stewards of our customer-owner’s dollars, we’re looking to avoid an electric rate increase in 2027 while maintaining the reliability and service our customers depend on and expect,” Harlow stated.
Electric and Water Rate History
This is the first time since 2021 that the PUD has proposed holding electric rates steady. In comparison, the utility enacted a 2.5% electric rate increase for 2026 due to the rising costs of materials and equipment. However, the 2027 budget does propose a 6.5% rate increase for water service, which affects approximately 24,000 customers in central Snohomish County. The rise in water rates is partially attributed to higher wholesale water charges from the city of Everett.
Upcoming Public Hearings and Vote
Public hearings on the 2027 budget proposal will continue in the coming weeks. The next board of commissioners meeting is scheduled for October 20, with a final vote on the budget set for December 1.
Customer Assistance Program
Snohomish PUD continues to offer bill assistance programs to help customers with lower incomes. More information on financial assistance is available at snopud.com/billhelp.
Source: heraldnet.com.
