Energize Eastside
| Company type | Project |
|---|---|
| Industry | Electric power transmission |
| Founded | 2013 |
| Founder | Puget Sound Energy |
| Headquarters | Eastside, Washington , United States |
Area served | Eastside corridor between Redmond and Renton, Washington |
| Parent | Puget Sound Energy |
| Website | www |
Energize Eastside represents a Puget Sound Energy (PSE) project aimed at modernizing 16 miles of electric transmission lines along the Eastside corridor between Redmond and Renton. This initiative involves building a new electric substation and elevating the existing lines from 115 kV to 230 kV within the current right-of-way. The plan has encountered considerable local resistance concerning its justification and potential effects.
History
Constructed during the 1960s, this power corridor is a key component of the Eastside’s electrical network and runs adjacent to the Olympic pipeline. In response to rapid regional population growth, PSE announced in 2013 the necessity for infrastructure enhancements.[1][2]
Instead of pursuing alternatives such as a parallel line managed by Seattle City Light or deploying battery storage systems, PSE opted to upgrade the existing "Willow 1" corridor. The proposal includes increasing voltage capacity from 115 kV to 230 kV and adding a new substation.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Funding for these improvements is planned through rate adjustments.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name
The construction process began in stages starting from the southern end. Work on the new substation commenced in 2020, designed to transform power from 230 kV lines down to local 115 kV distribution. Upgrades to the 230 kV transmission line started in 2021, with sections passing through south Bellevue and Renton completed by 2022. Newcastle granted project approval in 2022, leading to construction initiation in 2023.Cite error: The opening <ref> tag is malformed or has a bad name Permitting for the northern segment is still underway.[1]
Controversy
Significant opposition emerged against the project, particularly led by the Coalition of Eastside Neighborhoods for Sensible Energy (CENSE). The introduction of new 230 kV lines necessitates larger easements and transmission towers that are 20 to 40 feet taller. Critics contend that PSE has exaggerated future demand projections and advocate for battery storage solutions instead of expanding transmission infrastructure. Additionally, some opponents argue that the project primarily serves Canadian energy requirements rather than local Eastside needs. Despite these objections, Bellevue approved the project in 2019 and construction began in 2020.
PSE disputes these claims with independent analyses indicating that electricity demand will surpass current line capacity. They maintain that battery technology alone cannot fulfill the Eastside’s power requirements and emphasize that high-voltage lines can safely coexist with the Olympic Pipeline.
Concerns were also raised about routing higher-voltage lines above the Olympic Pipeline, especially following the 1999 Olympic Pipeline explosion. Both CENSE and Citizens for Sane Eastside Energy (CSEE) opposed this alignment. As part of regulatory approval, PSE is required to collaborate with Olympic Pipeline operators on a comprehensive safety plan.
Route
Beginning at Renton’s Talbot Hill Substation, the corridor crosses over the Cedar River and spans Renton Technical College. It continues westward through Newcastle near Lake Boren, then crosses over Coal Creek. Upon entering Bellevue, it passes through the Eastgate neighborhood, traverses Interstate 90, and reaches the newly constructed substation. From this point, it proceeds northward through Bellevue’s Crossroads area, crosses State Route 520, moves into Bridle Trails, then advances into Redmond where it passes over Rose Hill Middle School before terminating at the Sammamish substation.