Puget Sound Energy is investing approximately $421 million in service-area infrastructure improvements in 2008, of which about $247 million is earmarked for capacity and reliability upgrades, and about $174 million is allocated to meet growing customer needs.
PSE’s 2008 electric system investments include:
• Building four miles of new 230 kilovolt (kV) transmission line and five miles of new 115 kV transmission line.
• Replacing old power lines with new power lines along 54 miles of PSE’s transmission system.
• Replacing or injecting with silicone (to extend the life of cable) approximately 70 miles of underground cable.
• Replacing 800 poles.
PSE’s 2008 natural gas system investments include:
• Installing approximately 200 miles of new natural gas main, including replacing approximately 20 miles of older, uncoated steel main.
• Annually leak-surveying 12,000 miles of pipeline.
Projects locally include:
• Kent-Black Diamond natural gas line – Upgrading the Kent/Auburn natural gas system at an estimated cost of $5.25 million to reinforce the existing system currently serving Kent, Auburn, Federal Way and Vashon Island.
Anticipated schedule: begin construction fall – winter 2008.
• Covington-Berrydale 230 kV – Building a new transmission line at an estimated cost of $12.6 million to improve reliability and meet growth needs in the Covington area. Anticipated completion: fall 2008.
• Four Corners substation – Building a new electric distribution substation at an estimated cost of $5.5 million to meet increased demand for electricity in the Maple Valley area. Anticipated schedule: begin construction spring 2009.
• Kent-Black Diamond natural gas line – Upgrading the Kent/Auburn natural gas system at an estimated cost of $5.25 million to reinforce the existing system currently serving Kent, Auburn, Federal Way, and Vashon Island. Anticipated schedule: begin construction fall – winter 2008.
