Western Washington University says its annual electricity costs increased more than 46% in two years, even as its electricity consumption declined. Now, Puget Sound Energy is asking state regulators to approve additional rate increases that university officials warn could put further pressure on academic programs and student services.
The concerns were raised Wednesday evening during a public hearing before the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission, which is reviewing PSE’s proposed electricity and natural gas rate increases for 2027 through 2029.
Traci Rogstad Love, Western’s associate vice president for Facilities Development and Operations, testified that the university’s annual electricity expenses increased from $2.95 million in fiscal 2024 to $4.32 million in fiscal 2026…