Puget Sound Energy reliability project
Whidbey Island vegetation management
Summer 2009 project updates
- In 2009 we are clearing 7 miles along the transmission corridor from the intersection of Troxell Road and Kinzie Road south to Hunt Road
- Currently we are in the permitting stage with Island County for clearing in 2010
- Customers will receive advance notice of any proposed clearing, and will have an opportunity to speak with PSE real estate and vegetation management representatives prior to any work being done
Project Overview
Historically, fallen trees and tree limbs are the main cause of power outages on Whidbey 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 is accelerating its efforts on Whidbey Island and improving our system's reliability by pro-actively 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 has identified specific existing transmission line corridors where the removal of trees with a mature height of 25 feet or more can materially improve service reliability.
The reliability initiative on Whidbey Island is a unique, multi-year effort to improve electric reliability through enhanced vegetation management; it will take several years to clear around the transmission line corridor. Priority for our vegetation removal is being given to line segments with the greatest risk of tree-related outages. For 2009, PSE has identified over seven miles along the transmission corridor within our existing easements to be cleared of trees that mature to a height of 25 feet or more.
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.
South Whidbey Record. Used
with permission from
South Whidbey Record.
Committed to keeping you informed
PSE will continue to provide updates to the community. We will notify residents who live near the project area when construction will occur. We aim to complete the work with as little disruption as possible.
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 vegetation management section on PSE.com.
Download information
FAQ (42 KB PDF)
Outage Map (1,961 KB PDF)
System Map (2,234 KB PDF)
Whidbey Island Winter Survival Guide (2,629 KB PDF)
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