Jefferson PUD leaders to look at taking over electricity service from PSE

PORT HADLOCK – Jefferson County Public Utility District leaders see Friday’s acquisition of Puget Energy Inc., parent company of Puget Sound Energy, as a possible opportunity to provide electricity to most of East Jefferson County.

The PUD now provides only water service in areas outside the city of Port Townsend.

But localizing electricity service to Jefferson County – as is done by Clallam County PUD next door – is definitely worth serious consideration, PUD commissioners said Monday.

The matter will be placed on the commissioners’ agenda for discussion Nov. 7.

Puget Energy – which through PSE provides electricity to Port Townsend and the rest of East Jefferson County north of Mount Walker – has agreed to be acquired and taken private by a consortium of U.S. and Canadian investors for $30 per share in cash.

The buyout is worth $7.4 billion, including debt, the company said Friday.

It is subject to state regulatory approval.

The offer was led by New York-based Macquarie Infrastructure Partners, the Toronto-based Canada Pension Plan Investment Board and British Columbia Investment Management Corp.

Other investors include Alberta Investment Management, Macquarie-FSS Infrastructure Trust and Macquarie Bank Ltd.

More in News

Jill Spier will close her Port Townsend shop, Phoenix Rising, in February after 38 years. (Diane Urbani de la Paz/for Peninsula Daily News)
Phoenix Rising to close after 38 years

Proprietor plans to move to Sri Lanka, open an orphanage

U.S. Sen. Patty Murray.
Student aid now simplified process

Fewer questions on federal application

Two supportive homes to be relocated

Saved from demolition, structures could house up to 28 people

Candy cane bearers Barbra Johannsen, left, and Nancy Elder visit Northwind Art’s Jeanette Best Gallery in Port Townsend. They had helped escort Santa Claus to the tree lighting on Saturday and then decided to partake in the First Saturday Art Walk. (Diane Urbani de la Paz/for Peninsula Daily News)
Art walk

Candy cane bearers Barbra Johannsen, left, and Nancy Elder visit Northwind Art’s… Continue reading

Civic Field to get videoboard this spring

Project funded through grants

Sula Adams, 4, hands Santa a candy cane during Santa’s visit to Port Townsend. Santa made an early visit on Saturday to hear children’s Christmas wishes and to light the community tree at Haller Fountain. Sitting next to Santa is Sula’s grandma Christi and her mom Corrine is on the right. (Steve Mullensky/for Peninsula Daily News)
Christmas wishes

Sula Adams, 4, hands Santa a candy cane during Santa’s visit to… Continue reading

‘Perfect storm’ affecting housing

Energy codes, wages driving up costs

Ben Veghte, director of the Washington Cares Fund at the state Department of Social and Health Services.
WA Cares can provide long-term insurance benefits, director says

Program funded by payroll tax can be used for up to $36,500

Wreaths Across America set for Saturday

The Michael Trebert chapter of the Daughters of the… Continue reading

“Fractal Phase,” dancing with various lights, highlighted the Wintertide Festival of Lights on Saturday at the Port Angeles Fine Arts Center. A large gathering of people cool temperatures to see lights, entertainment, consume food and get a chance to buy Christmas gifts. (Dave Logan/for Peninsula Daily News)
Festival of Lights

“Fractal Phase,” dancing with various lights, highlighted the Wintertide Festival of Lights… Continue reading

McKinley reimbursed for energy efficiencies

Updates happened before mill’s closure

Derek Kilmer.
Kilmer’s final speech in Congress includes Port Angeles, Olympic Peninsula

Congressman continues practice of writing letter to his children