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Friday, Sep. 25, 4:00 p.m.

We understand the stress and disruption that power outages can cause. Crews have been assessing damage and restoring power throughout the day, even as new outages continue to occur.

Today's storm had its greatest impact in Thurston County, where stronger-than-forecast winds and trees with full foliage caused widespread outages. As of this afternoon, approximately 50,000 customers are without power. Crews continue to assess damage, remove hazards and make repairs; efforts include working to restore a transmission outage that impacted three substations. New outages could occur as the weather system moves through our service area.

When will my power be restored? 

We know you need information to make plans. In a storm, it can take at least 24 hours after the weather has passed to provide initial estimated restoration times. Our first step is damage assessment: understanding the extent of damage and determining what repairs are needed. Teams are deployed as soon as conditions are safe, while crews also restore power where repairs can be made immediately.

Visit PSE’s Alerts and Advisories page for more information: pse.com/alerts. 

Download the PSE App to track and report outages or visit pse.com/outagemap.


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.
  • If you’re using portable heaters, keep them away from furniture, draperies and other flammable materials.
  • Always use flashlights instead of candles.
  • Be aware of the dangers of carbon monoxide poisoning: Never install or use a generator indoors or in enclosed or partially enclosed areas, even those that are ventilated.

Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project

Puget Sound Energy's Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project, located about 30 miles east of Seattle on the western slopes of the Cascade Mountains, is one of the oldest hydropower plants in the United States.

The Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project is located on the Snoqualmie River in Snoqualmie, Washington. The Project consists of a low diversion dam located 150 feet upstream from Snoqualmie Falls and two powerhouses (Plants 1 and 2) with a total generating capacity of 54 megawatts. Snoqualmie Falls Plant 1, located in a cavern 270 feet below Snoqualmie Falls, was originally built in 1898 as the world's first completely underground powerhouse. Snoqualmie Falls Plant 2, about a quarter-mile downstream from Plant 1, was built in 1910 and expanded in 1957.

After operating for more than a century, the facility still produces clean, renewable electricity for PSE customers. The project contains a small diversion structure just upstream from Snoqualmie Falls, and two powerhouses. The first powerhouse is encased in bedrock 260 feet beneath the surface and was the world's first completely underground power plant. Together, the two power plants currently have 53 megawatts of generating capacity.

Puget Sound Energy redeveloped the Snoqualmie Falls Project between 2010 and 2015, making extensive improvements to Plants 1 and Plant 2 as well as Snoqualmie Falls Park and historic buildings near the falls.

The project received a new, 40-year federal operating license in 2004. The facility recently underwent a four-year redevelopment project, which included substantial upgrades and enhancements to the power-generating infrastructure and public recreational facilities. Check out the recreational opportunities we offer at the facility.

More information

Real-time data on river flows over Snoqualmie Falls

Snoqualmie Falls Hydroelectric Project
YouTube Video