Skagit PUD recently commissioned a micro-hydroelectric system at its 9th and Highland reservoir site adjacent to Mount Vernon High School. The HydroXS energy recovery system, developed by InPipe Energy, began operations at the end of June.

The system captures energy from water pressure reduction at our storage facility, converting excess water pressure into electricity rather than dissipating it through traditional pressure-reducing valves. The installation will generate up to 300,000 kWh annually, powering electric vehicle charging stations for students, faculty, and staff while providing net metering credits that reduce the school district’s electric bill.

Over its 30-year lifespan, the system is projected to prevent more than 9.3 million pounds of CO2 emissions. The partnership with Mount Vernon School District enables net metering arrangements since the PUD has minimal on-site electrical demand. Any electricity not immediately used on-site is fed back into the grid, generating credits that offset the school district’s electricity costs throughout the year.

The project was fully funded from outside sources, including the Washington State Department of Commerce Rural Clean Energy Grant and TransAlta's Centralia Coal Transition Grant. As a U.S.-manufactured system, it qualifies for Inflation Reduction Act incentives.

This installation follows Skagit PUD's successful East Division Street micro-hydro project, which has operated since 2020.