Introducing Peak Assist: A New Way for Snohomish PUD Customers to Save on Electricity

With rising inflation prompting many to seek innovative ways to manage their finances, the Snohomish Public Utility District (PUD) is launching a new initiative aimed at helping customers decrease their electricity bills while supporting grid stability. Starting in January 2027, customers will have the opportunity to participate in the Peak Assist program.

Understanding the Peak Assist Program

The Peak Assist program encourages Snohomish PUD customers to voluntarily reduce their electricity consumption during peak demand periods. By doing so, participants not only help lower their own bills but also benefit the community by contributing to overall cost reductions in electricity.

Shane Frye, the program manager for PUD’s Energy Services Department, emphasizes the partnership aspect of this initiative: “We’re attempting to partner with our customer base and allow them to help keep costs low.”

How It Works

Every month, Snohomish PUD anticipates periods of peak electricity usage. According to Nick Peretti, a professional engineer with PUD’s Energy Storage and Emerging Technologies, these peaks can occur at any time of year, creating various opportunities for customers to cut back. “During those peak events each month, the power that we’re purchasing is very expensive. And so, if we can avoid buying that power, that’s good for everyone,” Peretti explains.

Incentives for Participation

To encourage participation, the program offers several financial incentives:

• A $25 bill credit for signing up and completing an initial survey after the first peak-demand event.
• Subsequent monthly credits of $50 for active participation.
• Monthly draws for a chance to win $200 bill credits, with 25 winners selected at the end of 2027.

Notification and Participation Process

Interested customers can easily sign up for the Peak Assist program through their PUD online account, My Sno PUD, by providing their email and phone information.

Upon registration, customers will receive advance notifications by text or email the day before scheduled peak events. During these notifications, participants will be informed when to reduce electricity usage, typically for two to three hours. Frye notes, “We’re not asking customers to turn off their heat or anything like that. Just small adjustments can add up.” Suggestions may include shifting household chores, cooking alternatives, or minor temperature adjustments.

The Dual Benefits of Participation

Participating in the Peak Assist program not only helps individual customers save money but also relieves stress on the grid during peak times. Peretti points out, “If PUD customers participate in 2027 and electricity consumption drops, we get to make less expensive purchases for power during that period of time.” This initiative helps buy power at lower rates from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) and protects the infrastructure from overloading.

Flexibility and Voluntary Nature of the Program

Participation is entirely voluntary, with events happening no more than twice monthly. Customers can choose whether to participate in each event, providing them with the flexibility to align their energy consumption with their personal schedules.

Following each event, a brief survey will be available for three days, allowing participants to share their experiences for a chance to win additional bill credits. The PUD assures customers that there is no risk involved and that their rates will remain unchanged.

Conclusion

By implementing the Peak Assist program, Snohomish PUD aims to enhance grid reliability while passing cost savings onto its customers. Participation in this program entails minimal effort but can yield significant benefits—both financially and environmentally—through collective energy conservation efforts.

For more details and to sign up for the Peak Assist program, visit the Snohomish PUD website.