Customers may be paying for Energize Eastside even though it has not been fully permitted. If the rate hike is approved, PSE will start draining money from the pockets of 1.2 million electric customers to cover Energize Eastside, years before it is built. Details here.
The Energize Eastside public hearing concluded on February 1, 2022, wrapping up 5 days of testimony from the public, CENSE’s attorney and expert witnesses, Larry Johnson, the City of Newcastle, and PSE. The Newcastle Hearing Examiner is expected to issue a decision by April 29, 2022. See our Newcastle Hearing page for details.
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Thank you for your participation!
Transmission Lines vs. Local “Virtual Power Plants”
A debate is brewing over the future of energy delivery in the U.S.: Should we be investing in new transmission lines, or localized “Virtual Power Plants” using solar cells, batteries, and demand response techniques?
This New York Times article* explains how energy companies are pushing for more transmission lines. Transmission lines are familiar to them and known to be lucrative revenue generators. However, many energy experts say Virtual Power Plants would provide better reliability and resilience, for less cost and less environmental impact. A letter from CENSE (Seattle Times, July 18, 2021) frames the issue locally, in relation to Energize Eastside, population growth in the region, and recent heat-wave-induced power outages.
* If you don’t have access to the New York Times, you can read or listen to this interview with the author of the article.
North Segment Permit Process Initiated for Energize Eastside
PSE’s efforts to build the South Segment of the proposed transmission line have temporarily stalled in Newcastle. Undeterred, PSE has now submitted a permit application to build the North Segment of the project through central and north Bellevue and Redmond, impacting residential neighborhoods including Lake Hills, Wilburton, and Bridle Trails.
The first step in the North segment permitting process was a “Courtesy Hearing” in front of the East Bellevue Community Council (EBCC). The meeting was held June 1st 2021, via zoom. PSE and CENSE gave presentations and many residents spoke against the project. You can read about it here: EBCC Courtesy Hearing Report
The
Plan Reliable Electricity • Quality of Life • Safety
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