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We're working on issues related to PSE.com and our outage map. Thank you for your patience as we work to resolve the issue. Issues that have been reported are being received into the system.

 
  • Ahead of the incoming weather, we are preparing to open our Emergency Coordination Center and storm bases in areas where forecasts predict the strongest winds. We will have crews standing by at those locations. We are also proactively deploying crews from outside of the area. We have cancelled planned work on the system.

  • Crews will be responding to outages as long as conditions are safe.

  • As we are getting ready, we encourage customers to do the same, and to be prepared for potentially lengthy outages. In addition to the strong winds, we are concerned about the wind direction (east-southeast winds). Trees tend to root or anchor against much more common west-southwesterly winds. The atypical direction can lead to more significant damage. Soils are saturated from all of the recent rain fall, further increasing the risk for trees to fall.

alert 

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.

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Puget Sound Energy reliability project

Whidbey Island vegetation management project complete

Whidbey Island Transmission line segments selected for additional clearing
Map of Whidbey Island Vegetation Management
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Project overview

Between 2007 and 2019, our vegetation management crews trimmed and/or removed trees along 129 miles of transmission lines across Whidbey Island (see map).

Historically, fallen trees and tree limbs have been the main cause of power outages on the island. This was particularly evident during the winter of 2006 when fierce rains and winds caused trees and branches to fall into transmission lines and knock out power to the entire island. Accordingly, PSE accelerated its efforts on Whidbey Island and improved our system's reliability by proactively working to reduce tree-related outages in our transmission corridor. Based on a comprehensive review of outage history and an independent review  of our storm response and procedures, PSE identified specific existing transmission line corridors where the removal of trees with a mature height of 25 feet or more could improve service reliability.

This initiative was a unique, multi-year effort to improve electric reliability on Whidbey Island through enhanced vegetation management. Priority for vegetation removal was given to line segments with the greatest risk of tree-related outages.

What is vegetation management?

Vegetation management involves a variety of programs and techniques designed to protect power lines from the impacts of nearby trees. These programs may include pruning, tree removal, herbicides and smart planting practices. All actions are taken to keep the public safe and the lights on.

Want to know more?

If you have any questions about PSE's vegetation management process or policies please call 1-888-225-5773 or visit our tree trimming FAQ.




Contact us

We welcome your questions and comments! Please contact:
Bob Parker
Project Manager
1-888-404-8773
MajorProjects@pse.com

Learn more