Everett Snohomish County’s Public Utilities District has put forward its 2027 electric service budget, which keeps customer rates flat compared to this year.
District officials outlined the plan during a commission gathering on Tuesday, citing strong financial performance at year-end 2025 and strategic delays of less urgent infrastructure initiatives as key reasons for holding the line on pricing.
Sarah Bond, who leads budget and financial planning for the district, noted staff have invested hundreds of hours refining how capital projects are evaluated and sequenced to maximize cost-effectiveness. These enhancements, she said, have helped shape a more resilient financial outlook for the coming year.
John Harlow, the district’s chief executive, emphasized that disciplined resource management, improved project selection, and operational efficiencies collectively support the decision to hold electric rates steady in 2027 without compromising service quality or system reliability.
The proposed operating budget totals $769 million, with an additional $239 million earmarked for capital investments focused on strengthening grid performance and long-term dependability.
According to district records, the last budget adopted without a rate adjustment occurred in 2021. In contrast, the 2026 electric rates rose 2.5%, driven by escalating expenses for materials, components, and construction equipment.
While electric service remains unchanged, water customers may see a 6.5% increase under the same proposal. The water division serves approximately 24,000 residents across central Snohomish County, with rising wholesale charges from the city of Everett playing a role in the hike.
Public review sessions are set to continue over the next several weeks, with the next board meeting planned for October 20. A final vote on the budget is anticipated December 1.
The district also offers income-based billing support to eligible households, with further details available online at snopud.com/billhelp.