Growth Without Compromise

How the PUD Preserves Safety and Reliability for Existing Customers While Evaluating New Large Loads Like Data Centers

As discussions about data centers and other large energy users increase across the country, Snohomish County PUD remains focused on one priority: preserving safety and reliability for customers and communities it already serves. As a customer-owned utility, the PUD’s responsibility is to provide safe, reliable, and affordable electric service while making decisions that are equitable to the families, businesses and communities that rely on us every day.

When a new large load customer, such as a data center or manufacturer, requests service, the PUD evaluates that request through a clear and transparent process designed to preserve safety and reliability for existing customers.

The PUD also ensures that existing customers are not asked to shoulder the costs associated with growth. Any infrastructure upgrades, system studies, power supply requirements or other expenses needed to serve a new large load customer are the responsibility of the customer making the request. This “growth pays for growth” approach helps keep rates affordable and safeguards customers from subsidizing projects that place new demands on PUD infrastructure.

Community priorities matter, and local voices play an important role in shaping future development. The PUD values input from customers and stakeholders and applies clear standards consistently to all customers. We are committed to delivering service sustainably and responsibly while ensuring that existing customers continue to receive the reliable service they depend on. Land-use, zoning, environmental review, and permitting decisions remain with local governments through their public processes. The PUD’s role is to evaluate utility service needs, system impacts, resource availability, and customer requirements for developments approved through those processes, helping prospective customers understand the requirements and costs associated with their projects.

As a publicly owned utility governed by locally elected commissioners, the PUD remains accountable to the communities it serves. Ensuring our systems remain reliable, rates remain stable and affordable, and the interests of customer-owners are preserved will continue to guide every decision we make regarding future large load requests. By applying consistent standards and putting existing customers first, the PUD is ensuring that all new large load requests are evaluated in a way that supports long-term reliability, preserves customer-owner interests, and supports the economic vitality of our growing region.