KPUD places public power authority measure on November ballot

Published 1:30 am Wednesday, July 29, 2026

The Kitsap Public Utility District Board of Commissioners voted July 28 to place a measure on the Nov. 3 general election ballot asking Kitsap County voters whether they wish to authorize KPUD to provide electric utility service.

If approved by voters, the measure would grant KPUD the legal authority to construct or acquire electric facilities for generation, transmission, or distribution of power as permitted under Washington law. Approval of the measure would not require KPUD to provide electric service, acquire an existing electric system, or construct new electric infrastructure, a news release says. Electric service in Kitsap County is currently provided by Puget Sound Energy, an agency that has had rate increases over the last few months.

“Today’s action is one step in a much longer process, and the voters will determine whether that process continues,” said KPUD Board President Debra Lester.

The board’s action follows a public listening session, written comments submitted by community members, and discussion during public board meetings. Commissioners considered public input alongside questions about local control, long-term community needs, and the role a public utility could play in providing electric service, per the release.

If voters approve the measure in November, the board has plans to conduct a comprehensive investigation into whether providing electric service is in the best interest of Kitsap County residents. That work could include a feasibility study evaluating potential costs, anticipated electric rates, operational considerations, financing options, and other factors necessary for informed decision-making, KPUD says.

“Completion of a feasibility study would not commit KPUD to providing electric service. Any future decisions would require additional board action following public discussion and review of the study’s findings,” the release says. “If the measure is not approved by voters, KPUD would not receive the authority to provide electric service, and the current process would conclude. Any future consideration of the issue would require a new process, such as a community-initiated proposition placed on the ballot in accordance with state law.”

KPUD is a locally governed public utility providing drinking water, wastewater, and telecommunications services and infrastructure to communities throughout Kitsap County.

PSE sent out a news release July 28 questioning KPUD’s ability to provide electrical service.

“In less than a month, Kitsap PUD has moved forward a proposal that could fundamentally change how electricity is provided with minimal public input and no idea how much it would cost, much less how they would operate PSE’s system. They’re asking voters for a blank check. Voters deserve clear, fact-based information before being asked to make a decision of this magnitude.”

The energy utility company also claimed rates for customers wouldn’t be cheaper under KPUD, citing a 2008 vote in Jefferson County that moved electrical service to a public utility.

“Proponents said it would cost $47 million to purchase PSE’s system. The final cost was $109 million, more than double what voters were told. After promising no rate increases, costs were so much higher the public utility had to go into debt, increase rates, double service charges, and impose a county-wide property tax, which residents are still paying. Jefferson County had 18,000 customers at the time—a fraction of the customers served by PSE in Kitsap,” PSE says in the release. “Kitsap PUD has not presented a public plan explaining how it would fund, operate, maintain, or power an electric utility serving more than 130,000 customers. There has been no public discussion of essential questions such as power supply, financing, operations, staffing, storm response, compliance with Washington’s clean energy laws, or long-term investment needs. ”

PSE says its power supply costs have more than tripled since the state passed the Climate Commitment Act in 2019 and currently cost around $2 billion a year. The company has more than 70 employees who work in Kitsap on a daily basis, alongside more than 50 Potelco employees, including 34 line workers, per the release.

“If voters say yes and allow Kitsap PUD to move forward, the three commissioners will be able to proceed with full acquisition of PSE’s system regardless of the cost. There is no requirement for another public vote,” the release says.