The Planet Power program is a voluntary program that allows Snohomish PUD customers the opportunity to support local small-scale renewable projects in Snohomish County beyond what is already being done by the PUD.

Contributions to Planet Power can be made in any amount on a one-time basis or every month. This cost is in addition to your normal electric bill. There’s no maximum limit to the amount a customer contributes (minimum limits: $3 per month or $15 one-time). You can sign up or discontinue at any time.

When enough funds accumulate, Snohomish PUD will send out a Request for Proposal to interested parties to submit ideas for small-scale renewable energy projects located in Snohomish County. After receiving the proposals, they will be ranked so that the projects selected to receive Planet Power grants will best serve the goals of the program.

The new Mountlake Terrace Park & Ride lot on 236th, which opened in February 2009, is a fine example of Planet Power dollars put to good use. This 5 kilowatt photovoltaic (PV) system received a grant from the Planet Power program and reflects our community's commitment to sustainable living,

The system is grid-tied, which means the energy it produces is delivered into the overall energy pool from which all Snohomish County residents draw power from. The Park & Ride's energy meter credits the energy it creates and deducts the energy it uses, and if the panels generate more power than the facility needs, that extra power will be available on the grid to be used by others. As more sources of renewable energy such as this feed power into the grid, less of other non-renewable sources will be needed.

Power generated from sources such as wind, solar, geothermal, biomass, and low-impact hydroelectric resources. These resources are considered better for the environment than fossil fuels because they produce few, if any, pollutants and are replaced relatively quickly by natural processes.

Purchasing Planet Power has direct impacts on the Northwest’s environment. Every dollar contributed to Planet Power goes directly to operate the program, educate the community, and increase the level of energy that is produced from new renewable resources. Furthermore, your Planet Power contribution encourages more investment in renewable energy, helping reduce costs over time. As we increase the diversity of energy resources in our power supply, this also helps stabilize future energy prices here in the Northwest.

Yes. There are benefits to the local economy as Planet Power only supports projects in the PUD service area. The development of these projects translates into new green jobs for development, operations and maintenance of these systems.

There are several ways to enroll. Customers can fill out an enrollment from that is included in a program brochure and occasionally, an insert included with their billing statements. Customers can also enroll online (click here). They can also call the Energy Hotline at 425-783-1700 or enroll at any local PUD office. Note: It may take more than one billing cycle for Planet Power to show up on a customer’s bill.

Yes! By participating, your company can demonstrate to existing and potential customers that your organization does take concrete steps to support the environment and specifically to encourage further renewable energy development. A growing number of customers who make purchase decisions, in part based on their desire to support socially responsible companies, will be attracted to organizations that buy energy that is better for the environment. Purchasing Planet Power provides a new way for businesses to influence the source of power that will be produced in the future to replace the power they use today.

As new sources of renewable energy are being developed – from wind, solar, biomass and other sources – they’ve typically been more expensive than other traditional sources, such as coal or gas-fired facilities. This is due to the comparably higher construction and equipment costs when compared to traditional sources. These are relatively new technologies that are still evolving. It is quite normal that new technologies start out costing more in the beginning of their development. However, their costs have decreased in recent years. And while renewable power is more expensive, its use helps protect our natural environment by reducing the impacts of more harmful energy sources.

Other than the $3 per month minimum or the one-time donation of $15, the program does not require any set amount be purchased. You are free to choose any amount you wish.

It will be noted on a customer's bill as:

Service: Optional Services Planet Power SCHED81-M
Frequency Proration Factor:
Schedule Proration Factor:
Service Dates:
Days in Billing Period:
Service Charge: ___ Per Month x Frequency Proration Factor x Schedule Proration Factor = _____

This program is fully self-sustained through the enrollment of program participants. Those that choose not to participate will see no changes to their electrical service or rates as a result of the Planet Power program.

Every dollar contributed to Planet Power goes directly to operate the program, educate the community, and increase the level of energy that is produced from new renewable resources. Washington state law requires us to make this program self-sustaining so those customers who don’t participate see no impact to their rates; therefore, program revenues must cover the costs for the new generation sources developed as well as the operating costs of the program. These operating costs include all expenses for enrolling new customers, reporting results to participants and the Legislature, and program management.

Simply call the Customer Service Department at 425-783-1000, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., and one of our customer service representatives will take care of your request.

At least annually, the PUD will send you a newsletter that reports the contribution rates (cost per kWh) for the resources built. We’ll also inform you of all the latest developments with the program and the industry. The PUD also regularly updates the news media whenever there are newsworthy developments. You can also visit our Web site to see the latest press releases.

We are obligated to report on the program’s progress annually to the state Legislature. The results of our program, along with those of other utilities in the state, are summarized in reports at the Washington State Department of Commerce website: Green Power Programs in Washington (click here to view).