Understanding Energy Supply in Everett
Everett enjoys some of the cleanest and most affordable electricity in the United States, thanks largely to the Pacific Northwest's hydropower system. Yet energy supply in the city involves more than one utility. Homes and businesses rely on a combination of electricity, natural gas, propane, heating oil, and increasingly on-site solar and battery storage. Understanding who supplies each type of energy helps residents and businesses manage costs and plan for a lower-carbon future.
Below are ten of the most important energy suppliers serving Everett, from public utilities to specialized delivery companies.
1. Snohomish County PUD
Snohomish County Public Utility District is the electric utility for Everett and nearly all of Snohomish County. As a publicly owned, nonprofit utility, it focuses on reliable service, competitive rates, and community benefits. Most of its power comes from carbon-free hydropower, supplemented by wind and other renewable resources. The PUD also offers energy efficiency rebates, solar interconnection, and innovative programs in energy storage and grid modernization.
2. Puget Sound Energy
Puget Sound Energy provides natural gas service in Everett and is the largest utility in Washington. Its gas supply heats many homes and fuels restaurants, laundries, and manufacturing operations. PSE offers rebates for high-efficiency furnaces, water heaters, and weatherization, helping customers reduce energy use during long, cool winters.
3. Bonneville Power Administration
The Bonneville Power Administration is a federal power marketing agency that supplies wholesale electricity from the Columbia River hydropower system. Snohomish County PUD is one of its largest customers. While Everett residents do not buy directly from BPA, its low-cost, carbon-free hydropower is the foundation of the city's electricity supply.
4. AmeriGas
AmeriGas is one of the largest propane suppliers in the country and serves homes and businesses in and around Everett that are not connected to natural gas lines. The company provides tank installation, scheduled delivery, and propane for forklifts, generators, and commercial cooking. Automatic delivery programs offer peace of mind for rural customers in the county.
5. Ferrellgas
Ferrellgas supplies propane for residential heating, agricultural use, and commercial applications. Its Blue Rhino tank exchange program is familiar to Everett residents who use propane for grills and patio heaters. For businesses, Ferrellgas offers bulk delivery and forklift cylinder services.
6. Suburban Propane
Suburban Propane serves the Puget Sound region with propane delivery, equipment installation, and service plans. The company emphasizes safety training and offers budget payment plans that spread heating costs throughout the year. It is a reliable option for homes in the outskirts of Everett and neighboring communities.
7. Coleman Oil Company
Coleman Oil provides heating oil, diesel, and fuel delivery to residential, agricultural, and commercial customers in the Northwest. Some older Everett homes still use oil furnaces, and a dependable delivery provider is essential during the heating season. The company also offers renewable diesel for fleet customers seeking lower emissions.
8. Tesla Energy
Tesla Energy has become a notable supplier of on-site energy solutions, including solar panels and Powerwall batteries. In Everett, where winter windstorms can cause outages, home battery systems provide backup power and help households use more of their own solar generation. Tesla's integrated monitoring app appeals to tech-savvy homeowners.
9. Puget Sound Solar
Puget Sound Solar is a respected regional installer that designs solar and battery storage systems for homes and businesses. By generating electricity on-site, customers effectively become partial energy suppliers for themselves. The company's long track record and engineering focus make it a strong choice for Everett property owners.
10. Blue Star Gas
Blue Star Gas is a West Coast propane company known for propane autogas solutions for fleets, as well as residential and commercial propane supply. Businesses running school buses, delivery vans, or forklifts can lower fuel costs and emissions by switching to propane. Its regional presence makes it a practical supplier for Snohomish County.
Energy Trends in Everett
Electrification is the most significant trend affecting energy supply in Everett. Washington's building codes increasingly favor heat pumps for space and water heating, and many homeowners are replacing gas furnaces with efficient electric systems. Electric vehicle adoption is also rising, increasing household electricity demand. Snohomish County PUD is preparing for this growth with grid upgrades and programs that encourage charging during off-peak hours.
At the same time, natural gas and propane remain important for many households and businesses, especially in industrial applications and rural areas. Renewable natural gas, produced from landfills, dairies, and wastewater facilities, is emerging as a lower-carbon option.
Tips for Choosing an Energy Supplier
For electricity, Everett customers are served by the PUD, so the main choices involve efficiency upgrades, rate programs, and on-site generation. For heating, compare the long-term costs of natural gas, propane, heating oil, and heat pumps, factoring in rebates and maintenance. When selecting a propane or oil supplier, evaluate delivery reliability, tank leasing terms, safety practices, and customer reviews.
Businesses should consider energy audits, demand management, and renewable energy options that support sustainability commitments. Many suppliers offer commercial programs tailored to manufacturing, warehousing, and hospitality operations.
Conclusion
Everett benefits from a strong and diverse energy supply network anchored by clean public hydropower. From the PUD and PSE to propane delivery companies and solar installers, the city's energy suppliers give residents and businesses flexibility and reliability. By understanding these options and planning for electrification, Everett energy users can control costs and contribute to a cleaner regional future.
