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March Windstorm Event

We know being without power is difficult, especially with cold temperatures, and we appreciate your patience. Crews are out in full force working around the clock to make repairs to our electric system as weather has improved, and safe access has been established in most areas. We have also brought in additional crews to help us assess damage and restore power as quickly and safely as possible.

Below are updates and current estimated restoration times for hard-hit areas:

  • In Skykomish, crews continue to work on the electric system that feeds the town from the west. East of the town going up to Stevens Pass is still under high avalanche danger according to NWAC. We plan to patrol the area by helicopter as weather permits to help determine an estimated restoration time for the area. Nine crews are actively working on damage previously discovered.
  • In Greenwater, we have identified many areas of damage on the transmission line that serves the area. Crews’ progress has been hampered due to the closure of Hwy 410 and we are working to safely access the known damage for repairs. We do not yet have an estimated restoration time but will have more information once we are able to complete helicopter patrols. We currently have five crews working in Greenwater to repair accessible damage.
  • In King County, we continue to assess the damage from intense snowfall yesterday and expect most customers will have their power restored by March 15th at 8 p.m.
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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.

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Streamlining distributed generation interconnections for a clean energy future

Hosting Capacity Analysis (HCA) is a type of planning study that estimates the amount of generation that can be added to the electric distribution system at a given time and location under existing grid conditions. This is an important tool for PSE’s strategic goals to incorporate new technologies such as distributed energy resources (DERs) onto the distribution system. A distributed energy resource can be a generation asset such as solar PV, or it can be an energy storage unit such as a battery. Hosting capacity helps identify where DERs can be placed on PSE’s distribution system to create a cleaner modern grid.

How it works

Adding new DERs to the electric system impacts the operating conditions of the grid. As part of the generation interconnection process, a power flow study is completed to ensure that the reliability and capacity needs of the system are met after the addition of a DER. PSE is utilizing distribution system modeling software to automate the Hosting Capacity Analysis process in order to streamline these interconnection studies and improve the customer experience.

How we’re deploying it

PSE created a Hosting Capacity Heat map to provide visibility and transparency into the generation capabilities of a given area. The Hosting Capacity Map is available to customers and developers looking to add a new DER in PSE’s service territory. This map provides value to DER applicants because it helps avoid loss of time and application fees for planned projects that turn out infeasible. Furthermore, PSE is using the hosting capacity map to proactively analyze and enhance the distribution system to enable optimal DER penetration. Please email solarstorageRFPmailbox@pse.com to receive a link to access the Hosting Capacity Heat map.



Hosting Capacity Heat Map

Hosting Capacity Map

Check out the available DER capacity in your area by emailing to receive a link to access the Hosting Capacity Heat map.

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Frequently asked question

RFP Process

Learn about adding DER's to PSE's system

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