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Statement For · David Behar, William Woznicki and Sue Ellen White, Committee Members, Committee for the Measure.
statement likely AI Committee: David Behar, William Woznicki and Sue Ellen White, Committee Members, Committee for the Measure.
A Yes vote enables Kitsap Public Utility District to conduct a transparent, state-authorized feasibility study of local public power. It gathers facts before any larger decision. If the numbers do not work, the effort stops; if they do, residents can consider a reliable, community-focused alternative.
Lower-Cost Power: Electricity costs affect every household and business. Washington has 23 electric PUDs, and 2025 rate data show their residential energy rates substantially below PSE’s. The study can determine whether lower-cost Bonneville power and the public utility model could provide Kitsap with more stable, affordable rates over time.
Local Community Value: Public utilities serve communities, not outside shareholders. Local options could reinvest revenues in dependable service, infrastructure, conservation, and long-term priorities, keeping more energy dollars circulating within Kitsap. In 2024, PSE paid shareholders $175.9 million and continues to raise our rates. Let’s keep our money!
Local Accountability: Local public power would put decisions closer to the people who pay the bills. Residents could engage directly with locally accountable leaders on rates, reliability, investments, customer service, and the priorities shaping Kitsap’s energy future. It’s buying our energy future, not renting it.
Workers, Resilience, and Choice: Kitsap has a skilled utility workforce and a strong public-service tradition. Local ownership could retain experienced workers, improve emergency planning, and create good jobs and benefits for our young people and future generations. A Yes vote does not decide the outcome; it supports careful study, public transparency, and a responsible community decision.
Rebuttal of argument against
This measure does not obligate KPUD to buy anything. It allows voters to keep public power as an option while facts are gathered. Any future acquisition would still require cost studies, financing, public review, and open decision-making. Voting yes protects local choice, accountability, and the chance to pursue better service if the evidence supports it. Kitsap voters deserve information before shutting the door. Vote yes to keep responsible options available for everyone.
Statement Against · Varon Mullis, committee chair, Robert P. McGee, and Shannon Turner, committee members, Citizens for Accountable Utilities in Kitsap.
statement likely AI Committee: Varon Mullis, committee chair, Robert P. McGee, and Shannon Turner, committee members, Citizens for Accountable Utilities in Kitsap.
Vote No: Look Before You Leap
This measure grants KPUD broad, permanent authority to build or acquire an electric utility, before providing the financial evidence to justify it. KPUD says this vote “would not commit” them to anything. Jefferson County voters heard the same thing in 2008, then their PUD went ahead anyway, without a second vote.
The Pacific Northwest faces a looming electricity shortfall, projected to grow from roughly 1 gigawatt today to 9 gigawatts by 2030, and retail rates could rise up to 47% above inflation regardless of who provides Kitsap’s power. That means every Kitsap household could see higher bills, and KPUD has not explained how it would keep costs down instead.
Vote No: Others Did
Voters in Skagit, Island, and Thurston counties have already rejected similar measures at the ballot. Whatcom County’s PUD board and the Bainbridge Island City Council each commissioned their own cost studies and chose not to proceed. KPUD has provided no comparable details for Kitsap voters and doesn’t need this vote to begin a cost-benefit study; it has that authority now.
Kitsap County deserves independent cost estimates, debt projections, and rate analyses first, not promises that the analysis comes later, and not a process where three commissioners alone can finalize a purchase this size without asking voters again.
Vote No: Demand the Facts First
A “No” vote does not kill KPUD’s power plans. It isn’t a vote for PSE. It’s a vote for transparency and informed consent before expanding government authority.
Rebuttal of argument for
This measure does not authorize a study. It grants permanent authority to construct or acquire electric facilities, with no second vote required. Benefits are already here: since 2020, PSE has supported Kitsap County with $200m for reliability and demand; 75,000 customers received $34m+ assistance; 91m KWH saved with efficiency; $33m grants/rebates for energy saving; $1m to local nonprofits; $8m in taxes paid annually to local governments; 70 employees working in Kitsap along with Potelco.