Latest News (archive)
Preparing for the future
1/8/16 – You can see it everywhere - from Renton to Redmond, cranes are up and traffic congestion is increasing. Projections by the Puget Sound Regional Council show the Eastside population will likely grow by another third and employment will grow by more than three-quarters over the next 25 years. It’s been 50 years since the last major upgrade to the backbone of the Eastside’s electric grid. It’s time to upgrade.
Geotechnical fieldwork begins in the Factoria area
11/17/15 – PSE and our contractor, GeoEngineers, are conducting geotechnical investigations at a limited number of public locations, PSE rights of way and private properties in the Factoria area in November and December. PSE understands that the holidays are a busy time in the Factoria area and has taken steps to minimize effects of geotechnical fieldwork on holiday shoppers and travelers.
As the work progresses, PSE will notify nearby businesses when they might see crews.
To learn more about geotechnical fieldwork and to view an up-to-date fieldwork schedule and fieldwork video, visit the fieldwork webpage.
Energize Eastside FERC complaint dismissed
10/22/15 – The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has dismissed the complaint filed by three residents and two neighborhood opposition groups against Puget Sound Energy’s Energize Eastside project. The ruling reaffirms that PSE complied with federal rules and their transmission planning responsibilities in planning the project.
“Contrary to Complainants’ vague allegations that the Respondents have violated [Federal transmission planning regulations], the record before us shows that [PSE] and the other Respondents have complied with the applicable transmission planning requirements,” states FERC.
The Energize Eastside project – which will build a new electric substation and higher capacity transmission lines to serve homes and businesses on the Eastside – is essential to meet the growing electric needs of homes and businesses in Eastside neighborhoods. The line, which is the backbone of the existing local transmission system, had its last major upgrade in the 1960s.
FERC further states that the Energize Eastside project “was designed to address [PSE’s] projected inability to serve its own customers,” and confirmed that PSE “has demonstrated that its needs assessments identified a transmission capacity deficiency.”
In addition to PSE, the Bonneville Power Administration, Seattle City Light and ColumbiaGrid were also listed in the complaint. The claims against BPA, Seattle City Light and ColumbiaGrid were also dismissed.
Click here to view the full order dismissing the complaint.
Fieldwork update and video
9/29/15 – PSE and our contractors continue to conduct fieldwork to evaluate the Oak and Willow segments. Crews are now beginning work on Segments G2, I and K2 in the Factoria area of Bellevue. Data collected from these efforts will inform the environmental review process, project design and future permitting efforts for the Energize Eastside project.
Visit the fieldwork page for the survey descriptions and latest fieldwork information, including the quarterly schedule and a new fieldwork video.
Thank you for your patience throughout the fieldwork process. We appreciate your cooperation!
Geotechnical fieldwork begins
8/18/15 - PSE and our contractor, GeoEngineers, are conducting geotechnical investigations at a limited number of public locations, PSE rights of way and private properties throughout the project area.
Geotechnical investigations will identify soil types and subsurface conditions in and around the project area. The soil information gathered during this work will help inform the environmental review process being led by the City of Bellevue. It will also inform the design options for potential transmission line pole foundations and support structures.
As the work progresses, we are notifying nearby neighbors on when they might see crews. We anticipate completing geotechnical investigations by mid-September.
To learn more about fieldwork and to view an up-to-date fieldwork schedule by route segment, visit the fieldwork webpage.
Energize Eastside EIS updates
8/6/15 - Last week, the Phase 1 Draft EIS Scoping Report was released, which you can view at EnergizeEastsideEIS.org. The report provides a summary of the Phase 1 EIS Public Scoping Meetings including meeting and notification materials, a summary of comments, and a description of the alternatives that will be studied in the Phase 1 Draft EIS.
Also posted to EnergizeEastsideEIS.org is a findings memo from the EIS team, authored by Stantec, the electrical engineering EIS sub-consultant. The memo explains the project, as well as discusses the purpose and need.
Both of these reports are listed under the Announcements section of the EnergizeEastsideEIS.org homepage.
For more information on the EIS, please visit EnergizeEastsideEIS.org.
PSE’s response to Energize Eastside FERC complaint
7/15/15 - On June 8, 2015, three individuals and two neighborhood groups – Coalition of Eastside Neighborhoods for Sensible Energy (CENSE) and Citizens for Sane Eastside Energy (CSEE) – filed a formal complaint with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) against Puget Sound Energy (PSE), the Bonneville Power Administration, Seattle City Light and ColumbiaGrid regarding the Energize Eastside project.
The complaint is based upon several inaccurate claims that lead to incorrect conclusions about the need for and ultimate use of the Energize Eastside project. Largely, the complainants erroneously assert the Energize Eastside project primarily benefits the larger, regional transmission system. In fact, the Energize Eastside project is needed to solve local delivery capacity issues on the Eastside caused by recent and continued growth in the area, a conclusion documented in several PSE studies over recent years and confirmed in the independent study commissioned by the City of Bellevue in the last few months. The backbone of the existing local transmission system, which had its last major upgrade in the 1960s, will soon not be able to accommodate the increased demand for power without additional infrastructure investments. That is the problem that the Energize Eastside project is intended to solve, not some undefined larger regional problem.
Together with ColumbiaGrid, PSE filed a motion to dismiss and answer the complaint on June 29. Additionally, Avista filed a motion to intervene in the docket in support of PSE’s and ColumbiaGrid’s motion. Seattle City Light and BPA also filed in opposition to the complaint.
PSE firmly believes the complaint should be dismissed through the normal FERC process. In the meantime, PSE is moving forward with the Energize Eastside project. To ensure reliable power for our local Eastside customers, the project needs to be completed in the 2017-2018 timeframe.
Fieldwork update
7/7/15 – Since January 2015, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and our contractors have been conducting fieldwork activities along the two transmission line routes recommended for further evaluation by the Community Advisory Group (Oak and Willow). Data collected from fieldwork will inform the current environmental review process, as well as project design and future permit applications for the project.
To date, our crews have surveyed more than 400 parcels in 14 miles of the project area, completing in-depth wetland delineations, land surveys, and tree inventories.
Thank you to all the property owners and tenants who have provided access to fieldwork crews. We appreciate your patience and cooperation, which has allowed us to complete this work as quickly and efficiently as possible!
What’s next for fieldwork?
This summer, we’ll wrap up the first phase of land survey, wetland delineation, and tree inventory fieldwork on Segments J and N.
We’ll also begin geotechnical investigations. These studies will occur at limited locations, and we will coordinate with individual property owners and tenants in advance of beginning this work.
To learn more about these surveys and to view an up-to-date fieldwork schedule by route segment, visit the fieldwork webpage.
New video provides overview of PSE's latest load forecast
6/16/15 – The load forecast is a projection of how much power PSE's customers will need in future years. This forecast allows PSE to plan upgrades to its system to ensure that current and future customers continue to have reliable power. The load forecast was most recently conducted in 2014 and completed earlier this year.
Visit the Videos page to watch this new video, as well as explore other informative videos about the Energize Eastside project.
Fieldwork update
6/5/15 – PSE and our contractors are continuing to conduct fieldwork as part of ongoing efforts to further evaluate the Oak and Willow routes. Data gathered will inform the environmental review process, project design and future permitting efforts for the Energize Eastside project.
Fieldwork crews have conducted surveys on segments A, C, and M and are now beginning work on Segment E. Visit the fieldwork page for the survey descriptions and latest fieldwork information, including the quarterly schedule.
Energize Eastside EIS Public Scoping Period from April 30 through June 15
4/30/15 – The Energize Eastside project is undergoing environmental review, which includes preparation of a Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Environmental Impact Statement (EIS). The EIS process will be led by the City of Bellevue in cooperation with Kirkland, Newcastle, Redmond and Renton. A scoping period for Phase 1 of the EIS is currently open from April 30, 2015 through June 15, 2015.
For more information on the EIS and to submit comments, please visit EnergizeEastsideEIS.org.
Please note: Comments or questions submitted to Puget Sound Energy will not be considered part of the EIS.
For background information about the Energize Eastside project, please refer to the project's Frequently Asked Questions.
Fieldwork update
3/24/15 – PSE and our contractors recently began conducting wetland delineation surveys and tree inventories on segments A, C and M to further evaluate the Oak and Willow routes. This fieldwork is in addition to ongoing land surveys that began earlier this year. Data gathered from fieldwork will inform the environmental review process, project design and future permitting efforts for the Energize Eastside project.
Visit the fieldwork page for the survey descriptions and latest fieldwork information, including the quarterly schedule.
March 9 - Energize Eastside moving into the environmental review stage
PSE work in 2015
Following a year-long public route discussion process, PSE is moving forward with additional analysis and fieldwork of the Lakeside substation site and the two transmission line routes recommended by the Community Advisory Group.
Environmental review process in 2015
The Energize Eastside project is now moving into the environmental review stage. The environmental review process will be led by the City of Bellevue in cooperation with Kirkland, Newcastle, Redmond and Renton, and will include preparation of a Washington State Environmental Policy Act Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).
For more information on the EIS and opportunities for public comment, visit EnergizeEastsideEIS.org.
Fieldwork begins
1/22/15 - Following a year-long public route discussion process, PSE is now collecting field information to inform the environmental review process, project design and future permit applications for the Energize Eastside project. PSE and our contractors are beginning fieldwork on Segment A, and will conduct surveys within the project area throughout 2015.
Data gathered from fieldwork will help us further evaluate the proposed segments on the Oak and Willow routes, though PSE may study additional segments in the future. Fieldwork will be conducted on properties along PSE’s existing corridor with existing utility easements and in public rights of way. Visit the interactive map for more information on the location of route segments.
We are committed to keeping property owners, tenants and neighbors informed and will provide quarterly fieldwork updates on activities to expect in their area. We will also continue to keep the community informed of project progress.
Check out the new fieldwork page for the latest information on fieldwork activities, including the anticipated survey schedule.
Community Advisory Group Final Report
1/14/15 – The Final Report summarizing the Community Advisory Group’s process and final recommendation is now available.
The purpose of the Community Advisory Group was to evaluate the potential route options determined by PSE and independent experts, as well as to help PSE better understand community values and concerns. At their final meeting on Dec. 10, 2014, the Community Advisory Group selected routes Oak and Willow as their final route recommendation for PSE’s consideration.
Twenty-two advisory group members and four residential association alternates participated in the recommendation discussion. Twenty, including those who attended the meeting and six members who later provided feedback, supported the final recommendation as follows:
- Ten expressed preference for the Oak route
- Five expressed preference for the Willow route
- Five did not express a preference
A Minority Report signed by advisory group members and residential association alternates who dissented from the recommendation is included as an appendix in the Final Report.
What's next for the Energize Eastside project?
Check out the most recent Energize Eastside newsletter for information on PSE’s next steps in 2015 and how to stay involved.
Community Advisory Group selected routes Oak and Willow as their final route recommendation
12/11/14 – On Dec. 10, the Energize Eastside Community Advisory Group selected routes Oak and Willow as their final route recommendation for PSE’s consideration. Of the 20 advisory group members and residential association alternates present, 17 supported the final recommendation. Of those 17, eight expressed preference for the Oak route and five expressed preference for the Willow route, while four supported either route. Three advisory group members dissented from the recommendation and supported none of the routes. Check out a graphic or see the interactive map for the location of the final route recommendation.
The final recommendation was based on the advisory group’s work over the last year, including discussion of community feedback collected throughout 2014.
Meeting materials shared at the Dec. 10 meeting are now available on the Energize Eastside project website. Stay tuned for the January release of the Community Advisory Group Final Report summarizing the advisory group’s work over the last twelve months and their final recommendation.
What's next for the Energize Eastside project?
- Over the next few months, PSE will:
- Take the Community Advisory Group’s recommendation under consideration
- Conduct property line surveys on segments that are not part of PSE’s existing corridor
- Analyze all that we have learned the past year, complete our due diligence and make an announcement about routing
- Ask for community input on project design
- Work with the City of Bellevue and other affected jurisdictions and agencies on the project’s Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) process
Upcoming Community Advisory Group Meeting #6 on Dec. 10
11/22/14 – Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the open houses either online or in person, and share feedback on the Community Advisory Group’s preliminary route recommendation. At their final meeting on Dec. 10, the Community Advisory Group will take community feedback into account before finalizing their route recommendation for PSE’s consideration.
You're welcome to attend and observe the advisory group at their meeting.
Community Advisory Group Meeting #6
Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2014
6:00 - 9:00 p.m.
Red Lion Hotel Bellevue (Lake Washington Ballroom)
1121 Main St, Bellevue
Upcoming open houses on Nov. 12, 13, and online until Nov. 21
11/3/14 – You’re invited to upcoming open houses to share your feedback on the preliminary route recommendation for the Energize Eastside project.
After months of evaluation, the project’s Community Advisory Group has announced a preliminary route recommendation for public feedback. Their recommendation includes four of 18 potential routes Puget Sound Energy identified for the new transmission lines. Your feedback will help the advisory group finalize their recommendation to PSE later this year. PSE expects to select a route by early 2015.
How you can participate
Visit us in person
Learn about the project, share your feedback and meet project staff at an open house:
Wednesday, Nov. 12 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Building I, Robert C Roberts Campus Center Cafeteria, 3000 NE 4th St., Renton
Thursday, Nov. 13 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Grand Ballroom, 7401 164th Ave. NE, Redmond
Free parking is available at the Redmond Town Center across the street.
Materials will be the same at each open house. There will not be a formal presentation or Q&A session, so please feel free to arrive anytime during the open houses.
Visit us online
Open house materials and a feedback form are online until Nov. 21. Go to the online open house to access materials and complete the feedback form.
We’ll share the same information online and at both meetings. There will not be a formal presentation or Q&A session, so please feel free to arrive anytime during the open houses. Please provide your feedback by Nov. 21.
The Community Advisory Group determines preliminary route recommendation
10/10/14 – On Oct. 8, the Energize Eastside Community Advisory Group selected routes Ash, Oak, Redwood and Willow as their preliminary route recommendation. The recommendation was based in part on information provided by PSE, community feedback, and the results of a Multi-Objective Decision Analysis completed by 19 out of 24 advisory group members. Of the 18 advisory group members present on Oct. 8, 15 supported the recommendation; two abstained and one had a dissenting opinion to include only three routes. Check out a graphic or see the interactive map for the location of the recommended routes and others that were evaluated.
In order to conduct the MODA evaluation, the advisory group met on Oct. 1 to review community feedback and survey results gathered over the summer. They considered community input in developing the list of route options and evaluation factor weightings to be used in the evaluation. The advisory group has met regularly with PSE since January 2014.
Stay tuned for future opportunities to weigh in on the Community Advisory Group’s preliminary route recommendation. You’ll be able to share feedback at open houses on Nov. 12 and 13 and via an online open house launching in early November on the Energize Eastside website. At their final meeting in December, the advisory group will consider the community’s feedback again before finalizing their recommendation for PSE to consider.
Presentations and materials shared at the Oct. 1 and Oct. 8 meetings are now available on the meeting materials page of the Energize Eastside project website.
Spring and summer 2014 outreach recap
10/6/14 – The Energize Eastside team was out and about in the community throughout this past spring and summer at festivals and community events. We enjoyed the opportunity to meet Eastside residents, while sharing the latest information and answering questions about the Energize Eastside project.
In total, project team staff met approximately 1,200 community members at ten events! For more information, see the 2014 spring-summer community events outreach summary.
We hope you continue to stay involved. Join us at our upcoming meetings:
- Community Advisory Group Meeting #5b on Oct. 8
- Open Houses on Nov. 12 and 13 (the same information will be shared at both events)
- Community Advisory Group Meeting #6 on Dec. 10
Upcoming Community Advisory Group Meetings #5a and #5b on Oct. 1 and Oct. 8
9/18/14 – Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the open houses either online or in person, and share feedback on proposed route options. At their October meetings, a Community Advisory Group will review the survey results and other community feedback, then develop a recommendation to PSE on which route or routes the new transmission lines should follow.
You're welcome to attend and observe the advisory group at their next two meetings on Oct. 1 and Oct. 8. The group's recommendation will also be shared with the community for public review in Novermber.
Community Advisory Group Meeting #5a
Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2014
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Red Lion Hotel Bellevue (Lake Washington Ballroom)
1121 Main St, Bellevue
Community Advisory Group Meeting #5b
Wednesday, Oct. 8, 2014
6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center (Auditorium)
16600 NE 80th St, Redmond
Take the survey by Sept. 17!
9/12/14 – There are only a few more days to share your feedback on proposed route options for Energize Eastside – a project of Puget Sound Energy (PSE) to build a new electric substation and higher capacity transmission lines to serve homes and businesses on the Eastside.
Visit our online open house for more details about the Energize Eastside project, how route options were developed, other project information, and take the survey, but hurry! The online open house and survey will close on Sept. 17. The online materials are the same materials we shared at in-person open houses in Renton and Bellevue on Sept. 10 and 11. Thank you to everyone who was able to attend the open houses either online or in person.
You're invited to upcoming open houses
8/27/14 – You’re invited to upcoming open houses for Energize Eastside. PSE identified 18 potential routes for the new transmission lines. Earlier this summer, the project’s Community Advisory Group recommended 11 of those routes for further evaluation, and we want to hear from you! Your feedback will help the advisory group make a recommendation to PSE later this year.
How you can participate
Visit us in person!
Learn about the project, share your feedback and meet project staff at an open house:
Wednesday, Sept. 10, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Renton Pavilion Event Center
233 Burnett Ave S, Renton
Thursday, Sept. 11, 2014 from 6 to 8 p.m.
Bellevue Hilton
Grand Ballroom
300 112th AVE SE, Bellevue
Materials will be the same at each open house. There will not be a formal presentation or Q&A session, so please feel free to arrive anytime during the open houses. Russian and Spanish translators will be available.
Visit us online!
Open house materials and a feedback survey are at our Online Open House through Sept. 17.
We’ll share the same information online and at both meetings. Share your feedback by Sept. 17!
Interactive map updates allow you to explore recommended route options
8/5/14 – Check out the updated Energize Eastside interactive map, now featuring the 11 route options recommended for further evaluation by the Community Advisory Group. Use the checkboxes to compare different route options and explore photo simulations along routes.
The seven route options that were not recommended for further evaluation by the Community Advisory Group can be found on the Route Options Maps page. To view all route options, please refer to the Overview Map.
Summer plans for Energize Eastside
7/17/14 – The Community Advisory Group meeting on July 9 marked the beginning of a summer recess for the advisory group until meetings resume in the fall. We’ve enjoyed meeting some of you at festivals around the Eastside and we look forward to being out and about in the community throughout the rest of summer.
Be sure to stop by and chat with a project team member for additional Energize Eastside project information, answers to your questions, and opportunities to provide additional feedback. This summer, find us at:
- Renton River Days on July 25, 26, and 27
- Newcastle Days on September 6
Join us at our upcoming project meetings later this year:
- Open Houses on September 10 and 11 (the same information will be shared at both events)
- Community Advisory Group Meeting on October 1
The Community Advisory Group identifies 11 out of 18 route options for further evaluation
7/14/14 - The Community Advisory Group met at Renton Technical College on July 9. Informed by quantitative and qualitative information, feedback from the community, photo simulations, results from a blind evaluation of route options, and pre-meeting recommendations from eight advisory group members for routes to leave off for further consideration, 21 advisory group members agreed to carry forward 11 of the 18 route options for further evaluation in their first round of narrowing. The advisory group also finalized community values-based evaluation factors to objectively evaluate the narrowed route options in a Multi-Objective Decision Analysis (MODA) process they will conduct later this year. A small minority of members were in favor of including additional evaluation factors (property values and construction impacts) – the full group did not adopt those factors.
The meeting presentation and materials are on available on the meeting materials page.
Stay tuned for future opportunities to provide feedback on route options and evaluations factors. At their next meeting in October, the advisory group will consider community feedback on the route options, finalize the weighting of evaluation factors, and further evaluate the route options.
Additional info on route options, new photo simulations; Q&A session on July 7
6/26/14 - The Community Advisory Group convened at the Hilton Bellevue Hotel last night for Community Advisory Group Meeting #4a. At the meeting, PSE presented new information on each of the 18 route options including cost, constructability, permitability, maintainability, longevity, as well as additional photo simulations developed since the Sub-Area Workshop #2 series. Photo simulations are organized by north, central, and south sub-areas.
Visit the meeting materials page to view all materials from Community Advisory Group Meeting #4a, and check out our project calendar for information on other upcoming project meetings, including:
- A Q&A Session on July 7 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Redmond Marriot Town Center (Salons 1 and 2), 7401 164th Ave NE, Redmond
- Community Advisory Group Meeting #4b on July 9 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Renton Technical College (Cafeteria in Building I), 3000 NE Fourth St., Renton
Next Community Advisory Group meeting – June 25 in Bellevue
6/9/14 - At the last Community Advisory Group meeting, committee members reviewed and discussed feedback from the sub-area work, discussed evaluation factors using input from the community, and identified additional information needed from PSE as they narrow route options. At their next meeting on Wednesday, June 25, the Community Advisory Group will review additional information and discuss the pros and cons of all potential route options. You are invited to observe the meeting from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Hilton Bellevue Hotel, Salon A and B, 300 112th Ave SE, Bellevue.
Visit the meeting materials page to see materials from previous workshops and meetings. Check out our project calendar for information on other upcoming project meetings.
Next Community Advisory Group meeting – June 4 in Redmond
5/21/14 - Over the last few months, we’ve held a series of Sub-Area Workshops to gather community input on the potential route segments. Three Sub-Area Committees met in the first half of May to review the information gathered in the workshops and develop findings to share with the Community Advisory Group.
At their next meeting on Wednesday, June 4, the Community Advisory Group will consider feedback from the sub-area work, determine evaluation factors using input from the community, and identify additional information needed from PSE as they narrow route options to recommended route(s). You are invited to attend and observe the meeting from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 16600 NE 80th St, Redmond.
Visit the meeting materials page to see materials from previous workshops and Sub-Area Committee meetings. Check out our project calendar for information on other upcoming project meetings.
Reminder: public events this week
4/21/14 - We hope you can join us at Energize Eastside public events this week:
- Monday, April 21: Question and Answer session at Renton Technical College
- Wednesday, April 23: Central Sub-Area Workshop #2 at Bellevue Hilton Hotel
- Thursday, April 24: South Sub-Area Workshop #2 at Renton Techincal College
Full meeting details are available on the project calendar. You can also view materials from the April 16 North Sub-Area Workshop #2 on our Meeting Materials page.
Questions about PSE's plans on the Eastside?
4/9/14 - You're invited to a community question and answer session for the Energize Eastside project. You’ll be able to directly ask or write down your question to share with a panel that includes a representative from PSE and national experts.
Time and location details:
Energize Eastside Q&A Session
6-9 p.m., April 21, 2014
Cafeteria, Building I, Renton Technical College
3000 NE Fourth St., Renton WA
Seattle Times: Census data shows King County booming
3/31/14 - From the Seattle Times:
According to estimates released on Thursday by the U.S. Census Bureau, King County enjoyed remarkable population growth for the year ending July 1, 2013, ranking among the top four large counties in the nation for both the rate at which it added new residents and for the overall increase in population.
Sub-Area Committee Workshops underway!
3/21/14 - The first Sub-Area Committee Workshop took place on Wednesday, March 19 in Redmond. Check out materials from that workshop. The first Central workshop is in Bellevue on Wednesday, March 26 and the first South workshop is in Renton on Thursday, March 27. View more time and location details on the project calendar.
March 11 - Webinar on undergrounding and EMF
March 12 update: Video and supplemental materials from the webinar are now online.
The Energize Eastside project team has heard many questions from community members about underground transmission line construction and electromagnetic fields (EMF). To help answer these questions, PSE is hosting a webinar from 3 to 4:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 11. Please join us to learn more about these topics!
During this online session, you'll hear from experts about how underground transmission lines are built, environmental and neighborhood impacts that can result from underground transmission line construction, and the potential costs to underground transmission lines in local Eastside communities. You'll also be able to learn about EMF – what they are, their potential health effects, and details about EMF related to underground transmission lines.
Interested in signing up? Head to GoToMeeting to register and download the plug-in for your browser now so you're ready to go next Tuesday. Can't make the 3 p.m. meeting time? No worries – we'll post the video to our website shortly after the presentation.
Project information reports posted
2/28/14 - Visit our Documents page to read in-depth project studies and learn when additional studies are anticipated. Topics include explaining the need for the project, potential solution options, an analysis of how PSE identified the project area and narrowed route segments, and an analysis of how to solve the project need without building a new transmission line.
March to May: Sub-Area Committee Workshops
2/27/14 - PSE is hosting a series of upcoming Sub-Area Committee workshops focused on specific geographic areas (North – Kirkland, Redmond and North Bellevue; Central – Bellevue; South – Newcastle and Renton). At these meetings you can learn more about the Energize Eastside project, chat with your neighbors and project staff, and provide feedback about the potential route segments.
Workshop overview
- Workshop #1 – The Sub-Area Committee and members of the public can learn about the project, examine route segments and identify factors to evaluate the segments
- Workshop #2 – The Sub-Area Committee and members of the public can score each segment based on factors developed in Workshop #1
- Sub-Area Committee Meeting – Sub-Area Committee members will review outcomes from the workshops and develop findings to share with the Community Advisory Group. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observe.
Each of these three meetings will occur in each geographic area. Visit our project calendar page for date, time and location details.
Energize Eastside project survey launched
2/26/14 - Puget Sound Energy invites you to complete the first Energize Eastside project survey. The purpose of this survey is for you to provide feedback on potential route segments so that community-based knowledge and values are reflected in the route selection process.
The information collected will be shared with the project’s Community Advisory Group and Sub-Area Committees during a series of workshops taking place March through May. Specifically, the survey results will be used by the Sub-Area Committees at the second round of workshops starting in April to develop route segment combination recommendations that will be submitted to the Community Advisory Group for further consideration. The survey will close on March 28, after the first round of workshops.
For more information on those meetings, visit the project calendar.
Coming soon: Sub-Area Committee Workshops
2/18/14 - You’re invited to participate in a series of upcoming Sub-Area Committee workshops focused on a specific geographic area (North – Kirkland, Redmond and North Bellevue; Central – Bellevue; South – Newcastle and Renton). At these meetings you can learn more about the Energize Eastside project, chat with your neighbors and project staff, and provide feedback about the potential route segments.
Workshop overview
- Workshop #1 – The Sub-Area Committee and members of the public can learn about the project, examine route segments and identify factors to evaluate the segments
- Workshop #2 – The Sub-Area Committee and members of the public can score each segment based on factors developed in Workshop #1
- Sub-Area Committee Meeting – Sub-Area Committee members will review outcomes from the workshops and develop findings to share with the Community Advisory Group. Members of the public are welcome to attend and observ.
Each of these three meetings will occur in each geographic area. Visit our project calendar page for date, time and location details.
Open House Materials Available
1/31/14 - Thanks for joining us at this week's open houses! You can view the open house materials on the meeting materials page.
Next Community Advisory Group meeting - Feb. 12
1/31/14 - You’re invited to observe the next meeting of the Community Advisory Group on February 12 in Renton. At this meeting, the advisory group will:
- Learn about the factors involved in developing the route segments.
- Consider a community values-based evaluation process to allow the advisory group to make a recommendation on the route.
- Listen to comments from the public.
The meeting will take place Wednesday, February 12 from 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Rainier Hotel and Conference Center (formerly the Renton Holiday Inn). The address is 1 South Grady Way, Renton, WA.
Learn more about the Community Advisory Group and be sure to check the project calendar for details on upcoming events.
Join us for open houses on Jan. 29 and 30
1/16/14 - You’re invited to the first project open houses on January 29 in Redmond and January 30 in Renton to:
- Review project materials about growth on the Eastside, how it’s straining the existing system, and why conservation alone isn’t enough to meet this challenge.
- Learn why we need to act now, and how the Energize Eastside project will power the area’s growth into the future.
- Speak with project staff and get your questions answered.
- Learn about the Community Advisory Group process that begins on January 22.
- Understand the different ways you can get involved in the public routing discussion.
The same content will be shared at both open houses. No presentation is scheduled for this meeting and all materials will be posted online. These meetings will take place:
Wednesday, January 29, 2014 from 6-8 p.m.
Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center 16600 N.E. 80th St. Redmond, WA 98073Thursday, January 30, 2014 from 6-8 p.m.
Renton Pavilion Event Center 233 Burnett Ave. S. Renton, WA 98057First Community Advisory Group Meeting
1/8/2014 - You're invited to observe the first Community Advisory Group meeting for the Energize Eastside project, scheduled for January 22, 2014. At this meeting, Puget Sound Energy and the advisory group will:
- Learn more about the Energize Eastside project, the electric system and project need
- Review the Community Advisory Group purpose, goals and ground rules
- Listen to comments from the public
The meeting will take place Wednesday, January 22 from 5:30-8:00 p.m. at the Red Lion Hotel in Bellevue (11211 Main Street).
Learn more about the Community Advisory Group and be sure to check the project calendar for details on upcoming events.
Puget Sound Energy announces the Energize Eastside project
12/4/2013 – In December 2013, Puget Sound Energy (PSE) announced the Energize Eastside project. The Energize Eastside project will bring new higher capacity electric transmission lines to the Eastside. It takes years to plan, permit and construct new electric transmission lines, which is why we are getting started now. During 2014, PSE will engage our community in a conversation to identify a solution that works best for the Eastside.
To learn more about Energize Eastside, read our project press release, check out our project newsletter or watch our project overview presentation.