Samish Island Couple Halts Dream Home Plans Due to Noise from Puget Sound Energy Microgrid

A couple on Samish Island claims that a new microgrid by Puget Sound Energy has violated noise ordinances, disrupting their plans to build a home. The microgrid was constructed to supply power to a fire station and nearby residences. The couple reports that the cooling fans create significant noise, likening it to a mini jet engine. A noise study suggested a sound barrier be built, but construction has yet to start.

Published Mar 25, 2026

A couple on Samish Island, Zac Small and Kathleen Maloney, have halted their dream home plans due to noise from a Puget Sound Energy (PSE) microgrid built near their property. The microgrid, which powers an adjacent fire station and three homes during outages, has noisy cooling fans that the couple claims violate Skagit County noise ordinances.

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A noise study recommended a sound barrier, but no construction has commenced. PSE stated that improvements to reduce noise are underway, but delays have occurred. The couple feels disappointed by the interruption to their plans.