What is UnplugPSE?
Unplug PSE is an all volunteer campaign of Kitsap county residents supporting a YES vote on Proposition 1, which will be on the November 3 ballot. A YES vote means the Kitsap Public Utility District will investigate whether public power could provide Kitsap residents with reliable, affordable, and accountable electric service.
KPUD, as a public entity, cannot advocate for the passage of the ballot measure. Only citizens can do that.
So a group of residents from throughout the county came together to inform the public about the measure. We registered Unplug PSE with the Washington Public Disclosure Commission to become an official political committee.
We welcome participation from all Kitsap residents who want KPUD to explore the possibility of offering electricity to our county.
Coordination Team members
Fran Korten: Chair
Mike Johnson: Vice Chair
Ted Jones: Treasurer
Steve Johnson: Outreach Coordinator
Contact: admin@unplugpse.org
Digital donation option coming soon!
Checks can be mailed to our PO box with:
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Your name
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Address
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Employer and Employer City
PO Box 10057, Bainbridge Island, WA 98110
Why We Support a Public Option
Local Accountability
Public utilities serve communities, not outside shareholders. Decisions on rates, reliability, and service would be made by Commissioners that Kitsap residents elect. We can talk face to face with decision-makers.
The Money Stays Here
PUD is a public non-profit with no need to pay shareholders. It creates local jobs and reinvests its revenue in dependable service, infrastructure, and conservation — keeping more energy dollars circulating within Kitsap. According to Washington’s Attorney General, in 2024, PSE paid outside shareholders $175.9 million, money that comes from ratepayers. PSE is now requesting a 29% rate increase over the next three years.
Cost Savings
Washington has 24 PUDs that offer electricity to their counties, with residential rates substantially below Puget Sound Energy’s. They receive electricity from the Bonneville Power Administration, which provides them clean energy at low rates. By law, KPUD would have access to BPA’s power. A study will determine whether the public utility model could give Kitsap more stable, affordable rates over time.
