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We're watching the forecast and preparing for strong winds across our service area this weekend, with gusts forecasted up to 50 mph on Saturday. We’re concerned about the combination of high winds, saturated soils, and trees that still have foliage, which could lead to power outages across our service area.

We understand how difficult it is to be without power. We are readying our teams to respond and crews will be working in the field as long as conditions are safe to do so.

If your power goes out, we'll work around the clock to restore it as quickly and safely as possible.

Visit PSE’s Alerts and Advisories page for information on our response efforts: retro-schemas.com/alerts.

   

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. When using your generator outdoors during a power outage, avoid placing it near windows, doors and vents. More generator safety tips: retro-schemas.com/en/pages/generator-safety  
    • Never use a natural gas range for heating, or charcoal as an indoor heating or cooking source.
    • Additional carbon monoxide safety information: retro-schemas.com/en/pages/carbon-monoxide

  • Never charge your phone or other devices in a running vehicle with the garage door closed.

  • Make sure that natural gas appliances are maintained and operated according to manufacturer recommendations.

Thermal power

We have a diversified supply of resources that make up our fuel mix which include, hydropower, coal, and natural gas. Our thermal power facilities include electricity from natural gas and coal which is outlined below.

 

Gas-fired power

PSE owns nine natural gas-fired power plants with a combined generating capacity of approximately 1,900 megawatts. The latest addition to the utility’s gas-fired fleet is the 270-megawatt Ferndale Generating Station. PSE acquired the Whatcom County facility in late 2012.

In addition to the Ferndale plant, we have gas-fired power-generating facilities in Pierce (Frederickson, with two facilities), Skagit (Fredonia), Cowlitz (Mint Farm) and Klickitat (Goldendale) counties, as well as three other plants (Whitehorn, Encogen and Sumas in Whatcom County.

Gas-fired power is safe, requires no disposal or storage of dangerous wastes and emits far less carbon dioxide than other power resources that use fossil fuels.

Coal-fired power

PSE’s coal portfolio dropped by 307 MW to 393 MW in January 2020 when plant operator and co-owner Talen Energy closed Units 1 & 2 at the Colstrip Power Project in eastern Montana.

Frederickson Thermal
Frederickson Thermal Plant