In December 2022, Solar Washington interviewed Suzy Oversvee, former Solar Washington Board Member and Program Manager at Snohomish County PUD.  The Snohomish PUD microgrid project in Arlington was our July 2022 Focus on a Solar Project.

Solar Washington: Suzy, how or why did you become interested in solar? Tell us about any specific experience with solar.

Suzy Oversvee: Several years ago, I was invited to develop Snohomish PUD’s first community solar program at the site of the PUD’s Arlington Microgrid. I had worked for SnoPUD for many years as a program manager in energy conservation and was excited for a new challenge. In a pretty intense and short amount of time, I found myself quickly coming up to speed on the ins and outs of solar technology, state policy, and solar program design, while interacting closely with stakeholders inside and outside of the utility to ensure a successful project. 

In this July 25, 2021 photo from the Herald (photo credit: Olivia Vanni), Suzy Oversvee answers questions from Governor Inslee on the SnoPUD microgrid in Arlington, WA

At the same time, my husband and I were making a number of efficiency upgrades to our all-electric home and decided installing a solar system made sense as an extension of our conservation efforts.

SW: Why did you join Solar Washington and what do you expect from Solar Washington?

SO: I was encouraged to join the Solar Washington board by a fellow utility colleague, and I’m so glad I did! It was a great experience working with other committed solar professionals across different sectors to support our state’s continued transition to a cleaner and more equitable energy future. I appreciate that Solar Washington offers various platforms for solar education and collaboration with all energy stakeholders with diverse perspectives.

SW: What is next for you regarding solar?

SO: I am currently working on the development of the PUD’s second community solar project to be built in 2023. This project is very different from the first one in Arlington in that the credits generated by the project will solely benefit income-qualified customers. It will be located in South Everett, adjacent to a popular city park and a community with dense multi-family housing and small businesses.