In 1940 the people of Clallam County voted to establish a Public Utility District. In the beginning it was a struggle. Utility poles needed to be installed, power generated, and an organization rapidly built to support a new, growing electric utility business.
The first meeting of the Board was at the Angeles Cooperative Creamery. It took four years, through World War II, before the Clallam PUD was generating energy. The first PUD manager earned $50 a month and at one time had to use employees from his own personal business to keep the utility operating.
The fledgling PUD developed two more utilities, water and then sewer. In 2000 the Legislature authorized PUDs to go into the wholesale telecommunications business. See broadband.
No matter how we grow we continually strive to fulfill our mission:
To provide reliable, efficient, safe, and low cost utility services in a financially and environmentally responsible manner.
In October, 2000, Washington State Auditor Brian Sonntag wrote a letter to the Commissioners of Public Utility No. 1 of Clallam County congratulating us for 15 consecutive audits without a finding. “This accomplishment shows the District’s dedication to sound financial operations and timely financial reporting,” wrote the Auditor. We are proud to be recognized for our “proactive approach to operational and audit-related matters.” See the letter.
Explore the Clallam PUD history on the History page . PUDs are unique in the nation - by, for and of the local communities that we serve. How do you think we can best serve you? Send ideas to
Doug Nass
Clallam County PUD No. 1 General Manager
[More Detailed History]
