As interest in the Electric Service Public Listening Session on Thursday, July 23 has grown, we have gathered the information below to answer common questions and provide additional context about the topic. Whether you are planning to attend the session or simply want to learn more, we hope you will find this information helpful.
The KPUD Board of Commissioners recognizes the strong community interest in this topic and wants to provide as many people as possible with an opportunity to participate. Since regular Board meetings are held during the day, this listening session is being held in the evening to make it more convenient for community members to attend and share their perspectives.
Who provides electric service today?
KPUD is not currently the electric service provider for most of Kitsap County. Today, electric service is provided by Puget Sound Energy (PSE). KPUD currently provides water, wastewater, wholesale telecommunications infrastructure, and countywide water resource management services.
Why is KPUD discussing this now and holding this listening session?
The Board's discussion of electric service has been driven by questions, comments, and requests received from members of the public over time. In response to that community interest, the Board is providing opportunities to hear directly from community members and better understand the range of perspectives on the topic.
The Board has not taken a position either in favor of or opposed to pursuing electric service. Its goal is to gather information and community input before determining whether any future action should be considered.
The Board also recognizes that thoroughly evaluating the possibility of providing electric service would require a significant investment of public time and financial resources, including a comprehensive feasibility study. Because of that investment, the Board is discussing whether voters should first decide if KPUD should have the legal authority to provide electric service before resources are committed to conduct a detailed evaluation. If the Board ultimately chooses to place a measure on the ballot, voters would decide whether to grant that authority. No decision has been made regarding whether a ballot measure will be proposed.
Thursday's listening session is an opportunity for the Board to hear directly from the community before determining what, if any, future action should be considered.
Washington law authorizes public utility districts to provide electric service. Many public utility districts throughout Washington do so, while others, including KPUD, do not.
The KPUD Board of Commissioners is gathering community input as it considers whether any future action related to electric service should be explored. Before making any decisions about potential next steps, the Board wants to hear directly from the people it serves.
What will happen at the July 23 meeting?
Thursday's meeting is a listening session only. The purpose is for the Board to hear from community members about electric service in Kitsap County. No decisions or votes will take place during the meeting.
The Board's goal is to better understand the range of viewpoints, questions, and concerns within the community before determining whether any future action should be considered.
Learn More
For those interested in learning more about why this conversation is taking place, the Board previously received a background memo included in the June 23, 2026, Board Meeting Agenda (beginning on page 47) that outlines the history, context, and information available on this topic. If you prefer, you can access a copy of the Board background memo that has been extract for ease of access.
A copy of the June 30, 2026, media release regarding the listening session is also available for review.
Understanding the Decision Process
KPUD is committed to keeping the community informed throughout this process. The infographic below provides an overview of the potential decision path, showing when the public has an opportunity to participate and when the Board would consider future actions.
Attending the Meeting
This meeting will be hybrid and can be attended in-person or remotely via Teams. The Teams meeting can be joined by clicking the Join July 23 Meeting button below. If you would like to call into the meeting, please dial (323) 468-6275 and enter the phone conference ID 808 496 767# when prompted. The media release announcing the meeting is available on our website.
Community members may also share comments with the Board at any time by sending an email to clerkoftheboard@kpud.org.
Join July 23 MeetingThank you for taking the time to stay informed and participate in the conversation.