EVERETT — The Snohomish County Public Utility District’s Commission approved on Dec. 2 its 2026 budget, which includes a rate increase for all customers, a press release said .

The utility district’s electric budget projects expenses at $858.6 million, spokesperson Erica Keene said in an interview on Wednesday. This includes operating costs, capital expenditures and debt payments.

Revenue at current rates would be $844.6 million, leaving a deficit of $14 million, Keene said.

Originally the proposed rate increase was 3%, but staff identified efficiencies and focused on key projects to cut costs, resulting in an average 2.5% increase, the release said.

A new contract with Bonneville Power Administration also achieved savings, Keene added.

“By finding smart ways to be more efficient

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