PUD No. 1 of Clallam County will join approximately 2,000 community-owned electric utilities across the country in celebrating Public Power Week, October 4–10, 2026.
This year’s theme, “Your Community. Your Utility. Your Power.” highlights what makes public power unique: local ownership, local governance and a commitment to serving the communities that public utilities call home.
Clallam County PUD has served the residents of Clallam County for more than 85 years. The District was formed by a vote of the people in 1940 and today provides electric service to approximately 28,000 customers, operates water systems serving approximately 4,900 active accounts, and provides sewer service through 89 active wastewater connections. The District also provides wholesale telecommunications services.
“Public power gives our community a direct connection to the utility that serves them,” said Board President Commissioner Ken Hays. “Local governance means our decisions are made here, with the needs of our customers and the long-term strength of our utility in mind.”
“I’ve had the opportunity to see public power from both the employee and commissioner perspective,” said Commissioner John Purvis. “What has remained constant is the dedication of PUD employees and their commitment to providing reliable, essential services to the communities we serve.”
“Public power is rooted in community,” said Commissioner Phyllis Bernard. “It gives customers a voice in their utility and creates opportunities for us to listen, engage and better understand the needs of the people we serve.”
Throughout Public Power Week, Clallam PUD will highlight the people, infrastructure and services behind the utility while providing opportunities for customers to learn more about their PUD.
The District will share employee spotlights, facts about the local utility system and information about what public power means for Clallam County. PUD staff will also connect with local schools through a Public Power Week coloring contest and host customer appreciation events at the Carlsborg Main Office on Wednesday, October 7, and the Forks Office on Thursday, October 8.
“Public power connects Clallam County to a larger network of community-owned utilities across the country,” said General Manager Sean Worthington. “We may serve different communities, but we share the same responsibility to provide reliable and affordable service, plan for the future and make decisions that serve our customers well.”
Public Power Week is celebrated annually during the first full week of October by the American Public Power Association and public power utilities across the United States.
Your Community. Your Utility. Your Power.