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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 solar power works

Solar power is an important part Washington state’s clean energy transition. To make energy using the power of the sun, solar cells are sandwiched between two panels. When sunlight hits the solar cells held within the panels, it generates an electrical current that we can use to power our communities.

Solar panels work when the sun is in the sky – even if it’s a cloudy day. Solar panels may produce less energy on cloudy days than on sunny days, but they still collect energy.

Where solar power is made

Solar panels can be installed directly on single-family homes, on the roofs of apartment buildings, and even in community locations like Bonney Lake’s water storage tank, libraries, and schools. In addition, vast open spaces can be home to solar farms where energy is generated in mass quantities.

If necessary, utility companies can also purchase solar power from other states and transmit it to Washington state.

How to access solar power

For single-family homes, you can place solar panels directly on your home if your roof meets certain requirements.

For apartment buildings or condos, you can speak to the property manager about the possibility of having them add solar panels.

Puget Sound Energy’s (PSE) income-eligible community solar program is a great way to connect to solar power that doesn’t require you to personally install solar panels. This program lets you receive a certain amount of energy from solar panels in the area.

Community buildings may also be able to receive assistance in installing solar panels through programs like the solar grant program through Puget Sound Energy (PSE).

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