The Mountlake Terrace QFC was one of several businesses who joined Snohomish County Public Utility District (PUD) bu cutting their energy use by 10 percent as part of the PUD’s community-wide Energy Challenge. The program calls on PUD customers – both businesses and residents – to reduce energy usage, which in turn helps the environment and keeps rates low by reducing the need for new power generation.

About 130 local businesses have joined the Energy Challenge. Their collective energy savings in 2010 reached nearly 16 million kilowatt-hours – or enough to serve 1,260 homes!

The PUD was the first to pledge to reduce its usage by 10 percent. Last year it hit its goal, with a reduction of 1.1 million kilowatt-hours. More than 50 energy efficiency measures were implemented, including lighting upgrades (both indoor and outdoor), heating and ventilation equipment/controls and data center efficiencies.

“The Energy Challenge gives our customers a motivational goal and empowers them with specific resources and recommendations to achieve it, in turn helping them save energy and money,” said PUD General Manager Steve Klein.

All kinds of organizations have pledged to reduce their energy use – auto dealers, aerospace firms, local government agencies, dental clinics, school districts, restaurants, retail stores and more. More than 3,300 households also have joined the Energy Challenge.

To learn more about the PUD Energy Challenge, call the Energy Hotline at 425-783-1700 or visit www.jointhePUDchallenge.com.