Powering Pend Oreille County for Nearly 100 Years
Formed in 1936 under Washington’s Title 54, Pend Oreille PUD is a community-owned, nonprofit utility providing safe and reliable electric, water and broadband services to Pend Oreille County. All utility costs are recovered through customer rates and grant funding. The PUD is governed by three locally elected commissioners and led by a General Manager who oversees nearly 90 employees in Newport, Ione and at Box Canyon Dam.
The PUD operates four primary systems: the Production System, Electric System, Community Network System and nine community Water Systems, each separately financed and managed.
Hydropower and Production
The Production System generates clean, carbon-free hydropower from Box Canyon Dam, built in 1950, with all output sold at cost to the Electric System. A regulatory and natural resources team manages all environmental, water quality and mitigation responsibilities at the dam. The PUD also owns the Sullivan Creek Dam, Calispell Powerhouse, Power Lake Dam, Calispell Pumping Station and related water-management structures.
Power Supply
The PUD manages a diverse power portfolio in real time and into the future. In addition to Box Canyon generation, the PUD purchases low-cost power through a long-term agreement with Seattle City Light’s Boundary Dam and uses market purchases and sales to balance customer needs.
Electric, Broadband and Water Services
The PUD’s Electric System serves nearly 10,000 customers, primarily residential, with additional commercial and industrial users. With a single-phase residential rate of $0.0682 per kilowatt-hour, the PUD remains among the most affordable electric utilities in the country.
The Community Network System provides wholesale broadband to nearly 3,000 fiber end-users and wireless users, while the Water System includes nine systems serving more than 600 customers
Customer Programs and Community Engagement
The PUD offers energy-efficiency rebates for a variety of appliances and operates the Neighbors-in-Need Program, which provides emergency energy assistance funded by the PUD and community donations. The PUD is active in local and industry organizations, including economic development groups, chambers of commerce and the Washington Public Utility Districts Association. Employees regularly volunteer in the community, and the PUD offers student internships, fundraising opportunities and educational programs.
PUD's in Washington
Washington’s PUD movement began when voters passed Initiative #1 in 1930, giving communities the ability to create their own not‑for‑profit utilities to deliver affordable power to rural areas. The model has since grown into 28 PUDs across Washington, providing service to nearly one million customers. Learn more on the Washington Public Utility Districts Association website.
Mission/Vision/Values
Mission Statement:
Quality Service at Low Cost
Vision Statement:
A resilient, community-focused utility that delivers safe, reliable, affordable, and innovative services while fostering trust, transparency, and long-term sustainability.
Core Values:
Safety - Share a commitment to protecting the safety and health of our employees, customers, and contractors in order to ensure a reliable workforce.
Community - Help and improve the communities where we live and work through collaboration and volunteering.
Customer Focus - Respect our customers, listen to their requests and understand their needs. Strive to exceed expectations with regard to reliable service and affordable cost.
Teamwork - Value diversity and work together to unite the District and its departments to better serve the community.
Integrity - Be guided by what is ethical and right and fulfill all commitments as a responsible steward of public assets. Foster open and honest communications, listen, and understand other perspectives.
Decisiveness - Make timely choices and necessary changes based on the best interests of the District and its customers.
