
Jan 15, 2021
PUD Manager Elected to Regional Public Power Council (PPC) Board
Having representation for the residents of Mason County on this regional energy... Read more
PUD 3 offices will remain closed for the foreseeable future. However, we can still be reached by phone at 360-426-8255. Mason PUD 3 is committed to keeping our customers connected to essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic emergency. If you are experiencing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, you may be eligible for support, including long-term payment arrangements or bill assistance. Learn more about PUD 3's response to COVID-19 and available customer support programs here.
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. This is our story.
The Power Behind Our Community - Mason PUD 3's First 80 Years
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.
By 1939, PUD 3 had its first eight 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. By then there were just over 2,200 PUD 3 customers.
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 nearly 34,000 customers in 600 square miles.
In 2019, we released a history book that tells the story about PUD 3’s formation, growth, challenges, and successes since operations began in 1939. You can download it above to enjoy the many stories of bringing power to the people!
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.
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.
Having representation for the residents of Mason County on this regional energy... Read more
Planned power outage is to upgrade equipment for reliability as well as prepare for... Read more