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UTILITY PROFILE: Snohomish County Public Utility District No. 1
Nov 13 2009
Snohomish County PUD is the second largest publicly owned utility in Washington and the 12th largest in the nation in customers served. Affectionately known as “SnoPUD”, the 60-year-old utility serves more than 300,000 commercial, industrial and residential electric customers located in the Puget Sound region’s Snohomish County and Camano Island. And, over the past year, the utility has seen a 300 percent increase in efficiency projects with a 400 percent increase in kilowatt-hour savings in its C&I Lighting Rebate Program compared from 2008 results.
The utility's lighting rebate program began in 2007 and was revamped in 2009 with the addition of Rick Allen, energy efficiency program manager. The former lighting contractor drew upon his technical background to make the program easier and more appealing for trade allies. A new look, a new workbook and increased incentives have helped to produce the utility’s extraordinary results.
Earlier this year, Snohomish County PUD set a goal of saving 3.1 million kilowatt hours in 2009 in the lighting rebate program. With projects to date, they’ve already exceeded that goal, with more than with 5.3 million kilowatt hours saved in contracted projects. While Rick believes the lighting rebate program was critical in getting projects underway, he knows the current economy has convinced many business and property owners that energy efficiency is a wise investment. Customers are realizing savings from energy reduction and the benefits of improved lighting, which ultimately enhances overall business productivity. A few of the recent lighting projects completed in the utility’s territory include installations at REI, Judd and Black, QFC stores, Snohomish County Fire Dist #11, Northshore School District and ATS.
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