PSE | Learn About Grid Modernization

Prepared to Respond Updated Sep 01, 2:00 PM

Wind and rain are expected Wednesday as an unseasonably strong weather system moves through the region. With trees and vegetation still fully leafed out, winds may bring branches and trees into power lines, potentially causing numerous outages.

We understand how difficult it is to be without power. We have brought in additional staffing and teams are ready to respond. Crews will remain in the field to assess damage and restore power as long as it is safe. If your power goes out, we'll work around the clock to restore it as quickly and safely as possible.

This storm may catch some people by surprise given the time of year. As we get ready, we encourage our customers to do the same:

Charge cell phones and other essential devices.
Make sure you have emergency supplies at home and in your vehicle, including flashlights, extra batteries, food, water and blankets.
Have a battery-powered radio ready to go.
Download the PSE mobile outage app to track and report outages or visit pse.com/outagemap.
Find more preparedness tips at pse.com/storm.

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.

Grid Modernization

Transforming our grid for a better energy future

What is Grid Modernization?

For PSE, it means taking a holistic approach to updating and improving our infrastructure to create a grid that's reliable, resilient, smart and flexible. Above all, it also needs to be safe and designed to meet our customers' unique energy needs and expectations.

The process for creating a modernized grid means investing in new equipment, installing new software and communication platforms, testing and deploying new technology, and empowering customers with tools to make their own energy choices. Some of our grid modernization programs, like Distribution Automation and Demand Response, utilize smart technology, while others provide structural improvements and support the overall health of our delivery system.

Grid modernization timeline

Click image to see an expanded view of our vision

Battery storage

Battery Storage

Batteries offer exciting solutions for a variety of energy challenges. See how we’re testing and installing them.

Conservation Voltage Reduction

Conservation Voltage Reduction

CVR optimizes voltage so we can operate more efficiently and better respond to periods of high demand.

Demand Response

Demand Response

DR gives PSE and customers flexible ways to decrease demand on the grid during times of peak use.

Self Healing

Distribution Automation

DA helps us detect and address outages more quickly, decreasing the overall time customers are without power.

Hosting Capacity Heat Map

Hosting Capacity Analysis

The HCA tool helps PSE and customers decide where to place energy resources on the distribution system.

Other initiatives

More Grid Modernization Initiatives

From Smart Street Lighting and Electric Vehicles to our exciting Living Lab projects.