What Does Mason PUD 3 Do?
Mason PUD 3 serves over 36,000 electric customers. PUD 3 also runs a wholesale fiber optic telecommunications network, which supports the operation of its electricity system.
PUD 3 has a board of elected commissioners to be the policy-makers for the utility. They also set rates and charges for service.
In Washington State, 24 Public Utility Districts (PUDs) are the source of electricity for almost 700,000 customers. Learn more on the Washington Public Utility Districts Association website.
PUD 3 Fast Facts
Quick statistics about Mason County PUD 3 (as of December 31, 2025)
Electric System
36818
Number of Customers
184
Number of Employees
691,554,205kWh
2025 Electricity Sales
13,494kWh
Average annual use, residential in kWh
Number of substations
12
997
Overhead primary line miles
2026 Budget
$117307981
184,219kW
Maximum system peak demand
83,798kWh
Average load in kW
1393
Underground primary line miles
Telecom System
3951
Fiber optic installed gateways
827
Fiber optic primary line miles
As of March 1, 2026
$0.0921
Average kWh cost for residential use
$1.85
Residential daily system charge
Mission / Vision / Values
Mission Statement
Connecting our community with safe, reliable, economical, and sustainable services, 24/7.
Vision Statement
Mason PUD 3 is a unique community asset recognized for its service, innovation, and stewardship. We are an essential-services organization, powered by our employees, trusted by our customers, valued by our community, and focused on the environment, enhancing the economy, and developing solutions for a better tomorrow.
PUD 3 Core Values
Safety & Health
Our decisions are guided by a commitment to the safety, health, and wellbeing of ourselves, our customers, and our community.
Reliability
We are committed to delivering reliable utility services using best practices, modern technology, and proactive system maintenance.
Financial Health
Our financial strategy ensures long-term resilience while balancing affordability for our customers.
Employee Connections
We foster a supportive and inclusive workplace that attracts and retains top talent while preparing our workforce for the future.
Customer Connections
We build strong relationships with customers through transparency, service excellence, and providing tools that empower their decisions.
Community Connections
We strengthen our community through engagement, education, and advocacy for beneficial initiatives.
History of Mason PUD 3
Founding
In 1929, the Washington State Grange sent the very first initiative to the Legislature, to allow rural communities to form their own publicly owned utilities.
In the 1930 election, the measure passed in a landslide.
Mason PUD 3 supporters jumped on board in 1934 calling for a countywide PUD. Mason PUD 1 backers had been working on their own district since 1932.
On November 6, 1934, local voters approved the formation of both districts.
Growing to Serve
By 1939, PUD 3 had its first 8 customers. In 1940, the PUD was serving 318 rural customers.
In 1941, the PUD purchased the local property of West Coast Power Company, which included the Shelton and Kamilche Valley areas. This brought the total count of PUD 3 customers to just over 2,200.
In 1948 the PUD bought out Puget Sound Power and Light properties in the northeastern part of Mason County, adding 1,031 new customers.
As of today, PUD 3 serves over 36,000 customers in 600 square miles.
The Power Behind Our Community Book
In 2019, we released a history book that tells the story of PUD 3’s formation, growth, challenges, and successes since operations began in 1939. Download it to enjoy the many stories of bringing power to the people!
In case you’re curious…
Where Does Our Power Come From?
To start out, Mason PUD 3 was powered by Tacoma City Light’s Cushman Hydro Project. In 1948, PUD 3 signed up with the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA). PUD customers now get virtually all their electricity from BPA.
What about Mason PUD 2?
There was an effort to create a public utility district (PUD 2) in the Agate area of Mason County (just east of Shelton). Supporters of PUD 2 decided to drop their plans and join the countywide movement to form PUD 3.