Public Utility Districts (PUDs) are community owned, not-for-profit locally regulated utilities that were created by a vote of the people. Unlike private utilities, PUDs are governed by a nonpartisan board of commissioners who are locally elected and reside in the communities they serve. Under RCW 54, PUDs are authorized to “conserve the water and power resources of the State of Washington for the benefit of the people thereof, and to supply public utility service, including water and electricity for all uses.” In Washington State, 28 PUDs provide electric, water, sewer, and wholesale telecommunications services and have the authority to produce and distribute renewable natural gas and renewable hydrogen. You can find out more about Washington State’s Public Utility Districts at the Washington Sate Public Utility District Association website.
