*BILL ADJUSTMENTS IN EFFECT AS OF JULY 1, 2026
On July 1, 2026, a +6.5% rate adjustment took effect for all Pacific PUD customers. We know any change to your bill matters, so we have put together clear answers to the most common questions below.
Who decides the rates?
We all do, together. Pacific County PUD is a consumer owned, not for profit public utility, which means our customers are the owners. There are no shareholders and no profit motive. Decisions are made by a three member Board of Commissioners, elected by Pacific County voters, in open public meetings. Every dollar goes back into serving the community.
What did the Board decide?
Pacific County PUD’s Board of Commissioners approved a +6.5% rate adjustment across the board that took effect July 1, 2026. It applies evenly to every customer class, and it affects both the monthly basic charge, the per kWh energy rate, demand charges, etc.
Why are rates going up now?
An independent review by FCS Group, an outside rate consultant, found that our current rates no longer cover the cost of running the system and keeping your power reliable. In fact, the PUD has had to pull 2.2 million from reserves to cover rising regional energy expenses. Over the years, our costs crept up while rates stayed flat, and small adjustments were no longer enough to keep pace. Rather than internally discuss solutions, we brought in an outside expert to study our situation thoroughly and provide a factual non-biased assessment. Their suggested adjustment closes part of our deficit and moves us closer to stable financial footing, which is one of the commitments in our 2025 to 2030 Strategic Plan. This is step one of a larger set of adjustments the FCS group has proposed.
What happens next?
This adjustment is the first step and already underway is step two- a cost of service analysis (COSA), which you can think of as a proactive audit of our rate structure. An independent firm is studying what it actually costs to serve each type of customer, from residential to commercial to irrigation. It is the first review of its kind in our history, and it will not raise or lower anyone’s rate on its own. It simply gives the Board the facts to make sure everyone pays their equitable share going forward. The Board expects to act on those findings in April of 2027.
How much will my bill go up?
It depends on how much power you use. Here are some typical residential examples (Single Phase):
400 kWh per month: ~$3.60 more, from $55.50 to $59.10
800 kWh per month: ~$5.28 more, from $81.50 to $86.78
1,200 kWh per month: ~$6.96 more, from $107.50 to $114.46
1,600 kWh per month: ~$8.64 more, from $133.50 to $142.14
Your own monthly usage is printed on your bill, so you can find the example closest to you. For the full rate tables by customer class including commercial and industrial, see our Electric Rates page.
Do our rates still compare well to other utilities?
Yes. Even with this adjustment, Pacific PUD has the second lowest residential rates among Washington’s non-generating PUDs, based on a 1,200 kWh monthly bill. Only one district is lower, and we remain below every one of our neighboring utilities. Keeping rates low and stable is a core commitment in our Strategic Plan. See the Rate Comparison here.
I am worried about paying my bill. What help is available?
If a higher bill is a strain, please reach out before you fall behind. You may qualify for one of these programs:
Warm Heart: up to $300 per year in bill assistance, funded by donations from neighbors.
Electric Discount Program: a reduced rate for qualifying seniors and people with a permanent disability.
LIHEAP: federal energy assistance for income qualified households.
Not sure what you qualify for? Call us at (360) 942-2411 and we will walk you through every option. No pressure.
How can I lower my bill?
While we can’t individually control the rate, we can lower how much energy we use, and the PUD can help pay for efficiency upgrades. Through our Weatherization and Conservation Program, electrically heated homes may qualify for rebates on insulation, windows, heat pumps and most importantly heat pump water heaters. These improvements cut heating and cooling costs, and the savings add up year after year. Visit our Rebate Incentives page or call us to check what you qualify for. Please note that the PUD does not perform or arrange installations, and a pre inspection may be required, so call us before you start a project.
Still have questions?
We are happy to help. Call us at (360) 942-2411, Monday through Thursday 7:00 am – 5:30 pm, or visit either office in Raymond or Long Beach 8:00 am – 5:30 pm.