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November Wind Storm

Damage assessment and restoration efforts continue

Crews and hundreds of support staff continue their around-the-clock work to restore power to those who remain out as a result of yesterday’s damaging windstorm.

As of 6 p.m., we have 354,733 customers out of power. Power has been restored to more than 170,000 customers since the start of the storm. However, due to extensive wind and equipment damage, power for some customers may be out for an extended period. We are updating our outage map with the best information available and will continue to provide updates as restoration progresses. Our focus for tonight continues to be on transmission lines to critical infrastructure and public safety.

Crews continue to survey damage on the ground and helicopter patrols will resume tomorrow morning. Our first step in restoring power is damage assessment: getting a look at what’s been done to the system and determining the extent of repairs that are needed. We will provide restoration updates as information becomes available.

Crews from other utilities from Washington State, British Columbia, Idaho and Oregon have all shown up to assist in the repair of our electric system. Support from these outside agencies ensures that PSE restores power to our communities as soon as possible.

 

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Safety first. Never touch or go within 35 feet of downed power lines because they might be energized. Call PSE at 1-888-225-5773 or 911 to report problems.

Report and track power outages online

How hydro power works

Hydropower is a powerful technology for Washington state’s clean energy transition . To make electricity, water rushes through a pipe where it rotates a turbine. The turbine is connected to a generator, which converts hydro energy to electricity.

Most hydropower systems use the earth’s natural water sources to operate, and it is an important source of power, but it still has challenges. Hydropower can have a negative impact on wildlife and cultural practices. Yet, some hydropower plants have had amazing success using innovative technologies to bring salmon rates back up, such as the Baker River.

Where hydropower is made

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) owns and operates two hydropower projects in Washington: Baker River and Snoqualmie Falls. These projects use dams to keep water in a reservoir where it can be released through the dam in a controlled manner to produce electricity. PSE also purchases hydroelectric power from other sources as needed.

How to access hydropower

You are likely receiving some of your power from hydroelectric sources today. As more power is generated from hydro, more of your energy will come from this source, helping to reduce carbon-based energy.

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