In 1929, more than 60,000 signatures were collected to send an initiative to the State Legislature which, if implemented, would empower rural communities to create and manage their own publicly owned utilities. The measure went to a statewide election after the Legislature did not act, and it passed in 1930 with 54% of the vote.
The law went into effect a year later. It authorized the establishment of PUDs to “conserve the water and power resources of the State of Washington for the benefit of the people thereof, and to supply public utility service, including water and electricity for all uses.”
Klickitat Public Utility District was then created by community vote in 1938. KPUD is one of 28 public utility districts that were ultimately formed in Washington state.
1938
By a 299-vote margin, the citizens of Klickitat County create a public utility district. While small power plants serve some communities, and PP&L serves the cities, much of the county is without electricity.
1941
The PUD’s first 60 miles of line is completed and the PUD serves its first customer: Frank Ward of Glenwood. The new line piggy-backs on a BPA line from Condit Dam at Northwestern Lake to Glenwood.
1941
The PUD’s Trout Lake system is energized, giving the PUD 225 customers. Another 30 miles of line and 160 customers are added before World War II interrupts construction.
1947
The PUD buys PP&L’s facilities in the county, and overnight has 240 miles of line and 2,800 customers.
1952
The PUD is serving 4,200 customers on more than 1,000 miles of line and every customer that requests electric service has access to it.
1998
Sixty years after its creation, the PUD serves 9,800 customers with 1,600 miles of line and facilities valued at $42 million.
1999
KPUD installs a 10-megawatt landfill gas to energy facility, giving it the name “H.W. Hill Landfill Gas Project” in honor of over 25 years of service by Commissioner Harold W. Hill.
2007
The White Creek Wind I Project begins commercial operation November 21st, a 205MW wind project producing enough clean renewable electricity to meet the needs of 28,000 residences. KPUD’s share of the project is 26%, or 18 average MW’s.
2008
KPUD sells half of its share of the White Creek Wind I Project output.
TODAY
Since its creation, the PUD has grown to serve 14,075 customers with over 2,214 miles of line and facilities valued at approximately $252,228,105.