PUDs are not part of city or county government.
State law gives the citizens of each county the right to form a PUD through a public vote.
Twenty-three PUDs provide electric service to more than 768,000 customers in Washington. Cowlitz PUD was formed in 1936, when the citizens of Cowlitz County voted it into existence. We serve 44,500 customers throughout the county with electricity, plus provide water service to about 3,500 homes in the Longview and Kelso area. Cowlitz PUD does not offer sewer service. Cowlitz PUD employs 150 women and men, all residents of Cowlitz County.