Puget Sound Energy celebrates Operational Training Center grand opening
State-of-the-art facility enhances safety training for utility workers and emergency responders
Bellevue, Washington (10/6/2025) Puget Sound Energy, along with development partner Trammell Crow Company (TCC), are proud to announce the grand opening of a new Operations Training Center, marking a significant milestone in utility workforce development for the Pacific Northwest region.
Electric and gas utility workers, along with emergency first responders, will receive high-quality training at a centralized location – a first for PSE. Completed in July, the facility is operational and classes are underway. The new center includes classrooms, labs and outdoor training areas, featuring a simulated residential neighborhood to provide workers and first responders with real-life training experience, such as how to safely repair broken gas lines, approach downed power lines or equipment replacement. “This state-of-the-art Operational Training Center is a crucial investment in the future of energy,” said PSE President and CEO Mary Kipp. “This world-class training environment is essential for developing the skilled workforce we need to serve our customers safely and reliably. We're committed to ensuring both our current employees and the next generation of energy professionals have access to the most advanced training resources available, empowering our existing workforce to master evolving technologies while preparing newcomers for the challenges ahead. The work they do today will power our communities tomorrow," Kipp added. More than 1,000 people can train at the facility per year, which will deliver upwards of 108,000 hours of classroom instruction. This does not include more than 4,000 apprenticeship hours. The facility will strengthen the critical partnership between utility workers and first responders, ensuring all are better prepared to handle emergencies involving gas lines and electrical systems. When utilities and first responders work together in realistic scenarios, we build coordination and expertise, which can prevent incidents from becoming disasters. October 5 marks the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week, and this facility stands as a testament to the critical importance of collaborative preparation and logistical coordination between utility workers and first responders. This joint training approach allows teams to practice together in a controlled environment, building the essential coordination and expertise needed to respond safely and effectively when real emergencies occur. "The Operations Training Center exemplifies the type of purpose-driven development that Trammell Crow Company is honored to deliver,” said Mike Nelson, TCC Seattle Market Leader. “Working alongside PSE, we've created more than just a building – we've built a foundation for enhanced safety training that will benefit communities throughout the region. This project demonstrates our commitment to developing facilities that address critical infrastructure needs while supporting workforce development in essential industries." The grand opening event will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, facility tours with live demonstrations, and opportunities to interview PSE training personnel and local first responders about the importance of this training partnership. Light refreshments will be provided. PSE and Trammell Crow invite you to attend our ribbon cutting:
Media Contact:
Gerald Tracy, 1-888-831-7250, psenewsroom@pse.com
Puget Sound Energy is proud to serve our neighbors and communities in 10 Washington counties.
We’re the state’s largest utility, supporting approximately 1.2 million electric customers and 900,000 natural gas customers.
We’re undergoing the most significant transformation in our history as we strive to meet some of the most ambitious clean energy laws in the nation,
while delivering on our customers’ expectations for safe and reliable energy.
For more about us and what we do, visit pse.com. Also follow us on Facebook and X.