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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 wind power works

Wind power is a key generator of power to help Washington state make its clean energy transformation. You may have seen wind facilities in pictures or in person. The tall white structures are called wind turbines. To make electricity, wind rotates the blades of the turbine, which connect to a generator. The generator converts the captured wind energy to electrical energy, which we can then use in our homes.

A row of wind turbines recedes toward a distant horizon where a yellow and red sunrise creates a starburst flare of light
Wild Horse Wind and Solar Facility at Sunrise

If the wind blows, the turbines can generate electricity. However, wind power only works if the wind turbines are turning. When the air is still, the turbines can’t produce energy. This works out well, though, because wind generation is highest at night – the opposite of solar power. These two energies work together to produce the energy communities need.

Where wind power is made

Wind farms are chosen for – you guessed it – their windy locations. The higher the wind speed, the more electricity each wind turbine can produce. Generated electricity is transmitted to the power grid and sent to individual homes and businesses.

A row of wind turbines recedes toward a distant horizon where a yellow and red sunrise creates a starburst flare of light
Wind turbines in action at Hopkins Ridge

How to access wind power

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

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