Thank You for Participating in the KPUD Public Listening Session
Thank you to everyone who participated in Thursday evening's public listening session with the KPUD Board of Commissioners. Almost 300 people joined us, both in person and online, to share their thoughts, questions, and experiences. We appreciate everyone who took the time to participate and provide input to the Board.
We also want to acknowledge the audio and video issues that occurred during the meeting. Because the listening session was held at a different location than our regular Board meetings, we experienced technical challenges that affected both the in-person and virtual experience. We sincerely apologize for those disruptions, particularly for our virtual attendees who were unable to hear portions of the meeting at the beginning.
As promised during the meeting, we are posting the opening remarks from Board President Commissioner Debra Lester, along with information shared by Assistant Attorney General Rob Sykes, so everyone has access to the information that was provided.
The KPUD Board of Commissioners values the time community members took to participate in this listening session and encourages continued public input.
The Board's next regular meeting will be held on Tuesday, July 28, at 9:00 a.m. at the KPUD Administrative Offices located at 1431 NW Finn Hill, Poulsbo, WA, with both in-person and virtual attendance options available. This meeting will be held at our regular location, and we do not anticipate the technical issues experienced during Thursday's listening session.
Community members who would like to provide additional comments for the Board's consideration are encouraged to send an email to clerkoftheboard@kpud.org by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, July 27, 2026, so Commissioners have an opportunity to review those comments before Tuesday's meeting. Previously posted background information can be found on our website.
Thank you again to everyone who participated and helped make this an informative and productive community conversation.
Opening Remarks from KPUD Board President Commissioner Debra Lester:
Good evening and thank you for attending this public listening session.
I'd like to begin by explaining the purpose of tonight's meeting, providing some background, and laying the groundwork.
Over the past several months, Kitsap Public Utility District has received requests from residents asking us to explore the possibility of providing electric service in Kitsap County. Many of these requests have centered on electric rates and the desire for a community-owned utility where residents and businesses have a voice through local elected commissioners.
In response, KPUD has conducted a preliminary, high-level review of what would be involved in acquiring or constructing electric facilities. Under Washington law, KPUD would first need voter approval before it would have the authority to acquire or construct electrical facilities.
The purpose of tonight’s listening session is to receive public input regarding your concerns and thoughts about the possibility of KPUD providing electrical services.
The KPUD Board will take your comments into consideration at the next Board meeting, where KPUD may consider a resolution to put this issue on the November ballot for a county-wide vote. The ballot measure would specifically ask voters whether or not to grant KPUD authority to acquire and construct electrical services.
If the ballot measure passes, it will grant KPUD the authority to provide electrical services but does not guarantee or require that KPUD will take this on. Instead, if passed, the ballot measure would initiate the process for KPUD to take further steps to investigate whether this is something that is feasible and in the public’s best interest. After a period of investigation, the Board would decide at a later date whether or not to acquire, construct and provide electrical services.
At this exploratory stage and until a feasibility study is completed, we do not have sufficient information to be able to answer questions regarding potential rates, expenses, or other impacts. For this reason, KPUD will not be engaging in discussion tonight, we will simply be listening.
Before we continue with tonight's agenda, I'd like to introduce a special guest. We were recently contacted by Washington State Assistant Attorney General Robert Sykes, who asked if he could take a few minutes this evening to share information about the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission's ongoing rate case involving Puget Sound Energy, including how members of the public can participate by submitting comments.
Because tonight's listening session brings together community members from across Kitsap County, we agreed this was an appropriate opportunity to provide information about another public process that may be of interest. Mr. Sykes is here solely to provide information about that process. Assistant Attorney General Robert Sykes, the floor is yours.
[ASSISTANT ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SPEAK]
Again, the purpose of tonight's meeting is for KPUD to listen, gather information, and ensure that any future decisions are made through an open, transparent, and deliberative public process. We want to hear your thoughts on electrical service in Kitsap County, the qualities you value most in electric utility, and any factors you believe the Board should consider. We also welcome your thoughts on whether you believe the board should continue exploring the possibility of providing electric service.
Each speaker will have 1.5 minutes. When you come to the podium, please state your name, your address, and your relationship to KPUD (whether you are a current or former customer). We will hear comments from those attending in person first, followed by those participating online, and we will do our best to provide everyone an opportunity to speak. Please stay on topic as the Board will not be considering other issues or topics at this time.
Thank you again for being here and for taking the time to share your thoughts with the Board.
Information Shared by Assistant Attorney General Robert Sykes:
Informed attendees that members of the public may submit comments directly to the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) regarding Puget Sound Energy's current general rate case under UTC Docket Number UE-260005.
Comments can be emailed to comments@utc.wa.gov, please refer to docket UE-260005 in your correspondence. In order to reach Assistant Attorney General Robert Sykes office, please email utilities@wa.atg.gov.