Microgrids

Snohomish County’s Super Power
A microgrid is a small collection of energy sources (wind turbines, solar panels, and hydro) that transfer electricity to buildings on site or to the main electrical grid.
Explore the Microgrid
Explore the
Microgrid
What is the Electric Grid?

The electric grid is a network of poles, power lines and substations that deliver electricity from generating resources to homes and businesses. The grid is essential for modern life, supporting everything from lighting to technology.

Learn how the grid works
Wind Power

Wind power is a form of renewable energy that converts the kinetic energy of wind into electrical energy using wind turbines.

Fun fact: The PUD receives nearly 10% of its power from multiple wind farms in central Washington and Oregon.

Learn how wind power works
Solar Power

Solar energy comes from the sun. We use special panels called solar panels to catch sunlight and turn it into electricity. This electricity can power our homes, schools, and gadgets. It’s a clean and endless source of energy, which helps keep our planet healthy.

Learn how solar power works
Hydropower

Hydroelectric power is a renewable energy source that generates electricity using the natural flow of moving water.

Fun fact: Hydropower can be generated using a dam and reservoir like the PUD’s Jackson Project or “damless” run-of-the-river facilities like the PUD’s Young’s Creek Project.

Learn how hydropower works
Battery System

Battery energy storage systems, or BESS, store energy like reservoirs store water. They capture excess energy from renewable sources like solar and wind when it’s available and release it when needed.

Fun fact: It would take 10 Teslas to store the same energy as what’s in the 1000kW storage system seen above.

Learn more about batteries and battery systems
Microgrid Control Center

A microgrid control center manages operation of a microgrid, ensuring efficient and reliable power distribution.

It monitors components, controls the flow of electricity and optimizes energy use, both when linked to the grid or in “island mode.”

Learn about control center technology
What could the future hold?

From an object of curiosity to a cornerstone of daily life, electricity is exciting. It eases workloads, helps us stay connected and even lights up our nights. Its potential continues to unfold and is up to the next generation to discover.

Peek into the future!
PUD’s Clean Energy Campus

The Clean Energy Center is part of the PUD’s Arlington Microgrid. It can be disconnected from the Electric Grid and powered by the Microgrid.

Where Does PUD’s Power Come From?

On average, three-fourths of the electricity that powers PUD customers comes from wonderful hydropower. The PUD is also powered by other carbon-free resources.

Electric Grid Wind Power Solar Power Hydropower Battery System Control Center The Future Clean Energy Center PUD Power
Electric Grid
Wind Power
Solar Power
Hydropower
Battery System
Control Center
The Future

How does the electric grid work?

The electric grid makes life happen! The grid integrates energy generated by different sources and delivers it to customers – like your home.

Here’s how it works!

This system ensures efficient and reliability delivery of clean energy.

1
Electricity is generated by hydropower projects, wind turbines, solar panels and other sources.
2
It is transmitted over high-voltage lines to substations.
3
Substations reduce the voltage for distribution.
4
Electricity is distributed through power lines to homes and businesses.