Press Release
Oct. 9, 2009

Governor announces grant recipients
Snohomish PUD Awarded $2.17 Million Grant for Energy-Efficiency Efforts

EVERETT – Snohomish County PUD gained critical support today for its conservation/energy efficiency efforts as the State approved the utility’s request for $2.17 million of funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for programs providing energy efficiency upgrades. The utility worked in close partnership with Snohomish County and the City of Everett to submit a grant proposal. The funds will go to support energy-efficiency projects in multi-family homes and small businesses in select neighborhoods throughout Snohomish County. The PUD grant is part of $14 million in energy efficiency upgrades announced today by Governor Christine Gregoire.

“We are so pleased to have partnered with the City of Everett and Snohomish County to respond to this opportunity for funds for our community,” said Steve Klein, Snohomish PUD General Manager. “Our efforts resulted in a winning proposal and the residents of Snohomish County will benefit from our working together as a team.”

“This grant opportunity is a plus for Snohomish County residents, and we’re proud to be administering part of it,” Snohomish County Executive Aaron Reardon said. “Not only will it create new job opportunities, it also will decrease our reliance on foreign energy sources while cutting greenhouse gas emissions harming the environment.”

“We are pleased to be part of this team working to make energy efficiency upgrades,” Everett Mayor Ray Stephanson said. “These efforts benefit consumers, businesses and the economy. We will work together to reduce harm to the public as well as our environment.”

The PUD was selected by an independent review committee based on its ability to:
• Increase energy efficiency in residential and small commercial buildings – reducing energy use and utility expenses for middle-income residents of our state.
• Create or retain jobs in Washington.
• Leverage other funds.
“Energy efficiency and weatherization work represent an immediate opportunity to create jobs while reducing the cost of energy in homes and commercial buildings,” said Gregoire. “This funding allows us to expand the work we’re already doing to increase energy efficiency for small businesses and middle income homes in communities throughout our state.”

Through the US Department of Energy, more than $180 million in Recovery Act funds have been allocated to Washington to help lower energy use and create energy efficiency jobs.

FOR MORE INFORMATION:
PUD Media Relations: 425-783-8411