PSE: Acquiring New Energy Sources

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.

Acquiring Energy

Procuring new energy supply

To meet the anticipated energy needs of our region in the coming years, PSE must acquire new sources of energy. We have several strategies for acquiring additional energy, approaches that meet your long-term demands for electricity and natural gas while keeping your rates as low as possible.

As a leader in renewable energy, we are actively developing additional renewable resources that protect both your pocketbook and the environment.

Another important strategy is to continue helping homes and businesses save energy. Over the next 20 years, our energy-efficiency programs are expected to help customers save more than 500 megawatts of electricity. Those savings are equivalent to approximately 20 percent of PSE’s current total average annual demand.

We also identify new energy resources by issuing formal requests for proposals (RFP). This open-bidding process helps us purchase power, acquire existing power plants and develop new facilities at the most competitive prices, while striving to ensure that all customers are benefiting from the transition to clean energy.

Current RFPs

Our RFP process

Pursuant to Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission Purchases of Resources rules (WAC 480-107), PSE must file an All-Source Request for Proposals when the Integrated Resource Plan identifies a resource need within the next four years. PSE may also issue targeted and voluntary RFPs on an as-needed basis.

PSE is committed to a procurement process that is accessible and fair for all bidders. PSE encourages all bidders that are able to meet an RFP’s requirements to participate, including bidders representing minority-, women-, disabled- and veteran-owned businesses. PSE encourages bidders interested in partnering with PSE to support supplier diversity through inclusive, competitive procurement processes.

PSE is committed to a culture of ownership, accountability, honesty, integrity and trust. In conducting an RFP, PSE follows its Code of Conduct. This Code of Conduct outlines the honest and ethical manner in which all employees and board of directors at Puget Energy, Inc., Puget Sound Energy, and related subsidiaries are expected to behave, with each employee having a duty to uphold the Code of Conduct.

Contact information

Questions about the All-Source RFP may be sent to AllSourceRFPmailbox@pse.com.
Questions or comments about the Distributed Energy Resources RFP may be sent to DERRFPmailbox@PSE.com.