Powerlines Blog Seattle City Light

Powerlines

News and Updates from Seattle City Light

7 Simple Things You Can Do To Use Less Energy and Save Nearly $500 a Year

by

  1. Turn Off The Lights And Replace Incandescent Bulbs.  It only takes a few seconds to conserve energy: just remember to always turn off your lights when you leave a room. And switching to energy-efficient LED light bulbs can save you about $75 each year.
  2. Program Your Thermostat.
    Save as much as $180 a year on your heating and cooling bills by setting your thermostat to a lower temperature when you are asleep or away from home.
  3. Take Shorter Showers.
    Hot water is expensive. If a family of four each shortens their daily showers by 3 minutes, they could save about $80 a year.
  4. Unplug Unused Electronics.
    Standby power can account for 10% of an average household’s annual electricity use. Unplug your DVR, stereo—and even your coffee maker—to conserve energy and save as much as $76 a year.
  5. Run Full Loads Of Laundry.
    90% of the energy used by washing machines is for heating water. Use cold water and only wash full loads to save up to $124 a year.
  6. Weatherize Your Home.
    Drafts can consume 5% to 30% of home energy usage. Buy or make a DIY draft stopper, or add weather-stripping and caulk leaks to improve your home’s comfort and save $38 a year.
  7. Use The Microwave, Crock Pot Or Toaster Oven.
    A microwave takes 15 minutes to do the same job as 1 hour in an oven. Use another cooking method and save time, energy and as much as $70 a year.

Learn more about energy saving in the home from the American Council for an Energy Efficient Economy.

Seattle City (spot)Light: Katie Ewing, Senior Policy & Project Manager

by

Katie Ewing brings a passion for economics and public service to help shape policy at City Light.

Celebrating one year at City Light this month, Katie Ewing came to the utility from the City of Seattle City Budget Office (CBO) in January 2020.

“I am a Senior Policy & Project Manager in the General Manager’s Office where I work with Jen Chan, the chief of staff, on different projects and learn about the many operational areas throughout the utility,” Katie shared. “I also help to coordinate work among different units and lend a hand when there is an effort that needs additional help or must be fast tracked. It is a fantastic way to get to know the organization!”

In this week’s (spot)Light, Katie talks about her journey in public service and life on Bainbridge Island.

“I grew up in Indiana and moved to Chicago after undergrad where I fell into the research side of investment banking. That experience showed me that I would prefer to help people in my community rather than work in the private finance sector,” Katie explained. “I always loved the Northwest and thought I would live in Seattle after visiting many times as a kid, so when I decided to go to graduate school, I applied to both the economics Ph.D. program and the Evans School of Public Policy at the University of Washington. I decided to combine my passion for economics and public service and went on to earn master’s degrees from both programs. It turns out that my whole family has slowly migrated out here, so we’re all in the Northwest now!

“I live on Bainbridge Island with my husband and kids. I love having the small town feel for raising my kids, while also being just a ferry ride away from downtown. I could do without the extended power outages that we deal with because of all the vegetation over here, but the greenery is pretty.” Katie shared. “The pandemic has really put a damper on the normal activities, but I have become a part-time first and third grade instructor, so at least I’m gaining a few new skills. I really like to cook, bake, and be active outside as much as I can. Before kids, my husband and I loved playing ultimate frisbee, and the kids are finally getting old enough to share the sport with us which has been fun.

“After working at the City in more centrally positioned financial roles for over 10 years (most recently as the City’s Healthcare and Labor Economist), I wanted to experience the more focused work in department land and have always wanted to work for a public utility. I find the nature of working for a public organization that is funded by rates and the specialized business decisions that accompany this relationship fascinating. City Light’s values of environmental stewardship and leadership as well as its pursuit of innovation are exciting, and I wanted to be a part of it. 

“I love being a part of a community with so much varying expertise committed to delivering an efficient and environmentally responsible product to our customers – us economists are all about efficiency, you know.”

City Light Tradeswomen Shine at Annual Awards Ceremony

by

Congratulations are in order for Transmission Right-of-Way Crew Chief Margaret (Peggy) Owens and Lineworker Apprentice Erika Belsby who were recognized by Washington Women in Trades (WWIT) with top awards for their commitment and contributions to the skilled trades. Peggy was named Tradeswoman of the Year, and Erika is the recipient of the Peggy Cook Apprentice Award.

The annual awards program “recognizes, celebrates, and validates the successes and challenges” of women as they make history in non-traditional careers. Other award categories include Lifetime Achievement, Active Advocate, Union Activist, Instructor, Workplace Leader, the Josie Dunn Apprentice Award, and honorable mentions. See the full list of recipients here.

Peggy Owens

Peggy began her City Light career as a lineworker apprentice 24 years ago and now serves the utility as one of two crew chiefs on the Vegetation Management Team. “Peg is incredibly dedicated to her job, this utility, and her position as a tradeswoman,” said Vegetation Management & Fleets Manager Dave Bayard. “She’s responsive 100% of the time, day or night, in all weather, always ready to jump in and do her part. She’s deeply dedicated to her team and is very aware of her position as a successful tradeswoman in a male-dominated industry and works hard to serve as a role model for those coming up behind her.

Erika Belsby
Photo credit: Tauna Hood

Erika, who is almost halfway through the apprenticeship program, was inspired to become a lineworker through her participation in logger sports (i.e., ax throwing, wood chopping, sawing, and speed pole climbing). “I like the physical and mental challenges of being a lineworker,” Erika shared. “I love being outdoors. The work is different every day.

“This award puts me in a position to better advocate for women in this trade. It also allows me to highlight City Light’s apprenticeship programs,” Erika said. “I’m flattered WWIT recognized my hard work; it’s an honor to be in the company of the women who won this award before me. I want to help WWIT educate women on skilled trades careers and, hopefully, direct them to opportunities at City Light.”

Congratulations to Peggy and Erika on this well-deserved achievement. We tip our (hard) hats to you!

Seattle City (spot)Light: Angela Bertrand, Management Systems Analyst

by

Strategic Planning’s Angela Bertrand talks triathlons, baking, and books, oh my!

Management Systems Analyst Angela Bertrand joined City Light in 2018 as part of the Continuous Improvement Team and has since moved to Strategic Planning and Performance.

“We’re part of the General Manager’s Office under the chief of staff. We work on City Light’s six-year strategic plan and help teams align internal reporting with utility values and priorities,” Angela explained. “Take our Customers First value as an example. I might ask groups what that looks like for them and how that translates into their work. A general answer may be reporting on reliability or closing customer inquires on time. I’m also working on an internal report for the executive team on our five City Light values: Customers First, Environmental Stewardship, Operational & Financial Excellence, Community Connections, and Safe & Engaged Employees.”

Angela was born and raised in Washington and grew up in the Puyallup area. “I went to college in Pennslyvania. I wanted to try a new place to see if I liked it better than the Northwest,” Angela said. “It just wasn’t for me, and I moved back as soon as I graduated. I missed the mountains, trees, and water!”

In this week’s (spot)Light, Angela talks about her hobbies, education, and work at the utility.

“I studied globalization with minors in peace & justice and sociology at Gettysburg College. Much of my focus was on migration and identity, particularly during my semester abroad in Copenhagen. I also just started going back to school for my master’s in public administration at Seattle University this summer!

“I live in Ballard with my partner Mike and our dog, Whisper. We’ve been in this neighborhood for about eight years and absolutely love it! My favorite part is how walkable it is; neither of us loves driving, so being able to get around, especially with so many delicious restaurants nearby, is just perfect for us.

“Before the pandemic, I competed in triathlons. I’ve done eight so far, including two Olympic distance: a one-mile swim, a 24-mile bike, and a three-mile run. Unlike most triathletes, my favorite part is the swim. I really enjoy open water swimming and have swum from Vashon to Point Defiance and from I-90 to 520. I also try to read 52 books a year. Octavia Butler is my favorite author, and speculative fiction is my go-to genre. I’ve been staying home a bit more with the pandemic and have traded in triathlons for baking. I’ve made macarons, cream puffs, scones, donuts, and MANY loaves of sourdough.

“I was initially drawn to the Continuous Improvement Team because of their mission to listen to employees and find ways to improve their work processes. I try to involve folks in decisions that will impact them, and I learned a lot on that team. In many ways, it was a great introduction to the world of utilities. I got to collaborate with different groups and hear about their work. Now, in my current role, I get to see all that work come together while meeting all the wonderful folks who make it happen!”

City Light Completes Underdeck Lighting Upgrades in South Park

by

Seattle City Light recently completed the final lighting upgrades at the State Route 99 overpass on South Cloverdale Street. Contracted crews replaced the high-pressure sodium (HPS) lights with new light-emitting diode (LED) fixtures from August to December 2020.

New underdeck lighting fixtures shown on South Cloverdale Street in Seattle, Wednesday, Dec. 30, 2020. (Photo/Dene Diaz)

City Light staff worked with the South Park community to address safety concerns about the underdeck lighting. The newly installed lights will improve safety for vehicles and pedestrians traveling through the area.

(Photo/Dene Diaz)

City Light thanks residents and businesses for their patience during construction. For additional information about this project and others in your neighborhood, please visit our construction website.

Seattle City (Spot)Light: Sandy Fernandez, Customer Service Representative

by

Customer Care, Adapting to Changing Needs, and Community with Sandy Fernandez.

Customer Service Representative Sandy Fernandez has worked at City Light for 13 years. She serves the utility as a member of the Customer Operations Team in the Customer Care and Energy Solution Business Unit.

“I’ve worked as a Customer Service Representative in the Credit and Collections department of City Light since I was hired,” Sandy said.

Born in Manila, Philippines, Sandy was 19 years old when she and her family migrated to California in 1987. After living in Glendale, Calif., and getting married, she moved to the Pacific Northwest to “stay away from the crazy life in LA and be closer to my siblings who also moved from Edmonton, Alberta, to Vancouver, B.C.”

In this week’s (spot)Light, Sandy shares her latest hobbies and talks about her role at the utility.

“Since moving to Seattle, we have yet to leave the West Seattle area. We love our parish community at Holy Family Church, the diversity of people, and the general area and close vicinity to basically everything!” Sandy exclaimed. “My family and I love to travel (when possible), walk our dog, eat out, and we spend a lot of time at home watching movies on Netflix, Hulu and Amazon Prime. Lately, I’ve been addicted to watching K-dramas (Korean drama)!

“I had just finished my third year of college, majoring in communication arts, when I left my country. I was only one year away from graduating and did plan to go back to finish, but life happens! I became a wife, a mother of three, and found City Light.

“As a customer service rep, we answer calls from customers who are past due on their account. We try to work with them to resolve their issues, educate them on different kinds of discounts/assistance programs they may qualify for, and offer payment arrangement plans. It’s been quite a challenge to serve our customers during this pandemic, but we are always flexible and understanding of the customer’s needs.

“I absolutely love working at City Light because I simply love what I do. It’s a rewarding job, and it is personally satisfying when you’re able to help guide customers towards solutions. It makes a difference when you show kindness and compassion, especially during this difficult time. I enjoy working with my co-workers, and everyone has just been so helpful and welcoming over all these years.”

Windstorm Outage Update – Jan. 14

by

City Light crew working in the rain to restore power

We understand how challenging the past few days have been as our region recovers from one of the largest storms in recent memory. Our crews have been working non-stop since the storm began. In addition to our field crews, personnel from vegetation management, system operations, emergency management, fleets, warehousing, substations, environmental, safety, engineering, customer service and more are working around the clock to support these efforts. Overall, hundreds of City Light employees are committed to restoring power to every single customer.

With an event of this magnitude, we focus first on life safety and then on repairs that will restore large numbers of customers at once. This outage peaked at 74,000 customers out, and we are now down to approximately 1,400. Except for a handful of events impacting up to 100 customers, currently the majority of the 200 separate outages impact one or two customers. With so many individual events spread throughout the service area, it takes more time to respond to and repair each one.

We understand it is difficult to be without power, especially during a pandemic. Our crews are working hard to restore power as safely and quickly as possible, and they won’t stop until the job is done.

Broken tree fallen on power lines
Some of the damage caused by the storm
City Light crew working on repairs
City Light crews working to restore power

Windstorm Outage Update – Jan. 13

by

4:30 p.m. Update: Crews continue to make significant progress on today’s outages. Power was restored to approximately 68,000 customers. 6,100 customers remain without service.

For updates, please visit our outage map: seattle.gov/light/outage.

Seattle City Light crews continue to respond to several outages throughout our service territory from last night’s windstorm. High winds and saturated soil triggered heavy trees and branches to land on power lines, resulting in more than 120 individual outages and 74,000 customers without power. Impacts were greater south of the Ship Canal, with 15 feeders damaged in the south end vs. five feeders in the north end.

As of 12:20 p.m., crews had restored power to over 41,000 customers and approximately 33,000 remain without service. They’ll continue to work throughout the day to bring power back to affected customers.

During large, widespread outage events, City Light focuses first on addressing life safety incidents and restoring power for emergency services, such as hospitals. Crews then focus on repairs that will bring the largest number of customers back online. Restoration times will vary based on the outage incident and severity (e.g., if crews need to wait for a tree to be removed in order to safely make repairs).

Learn more about City Light’s process for restoring power to customers.

Customers can track the status of their outage by visiting our online outage map at seattle.gov/light/outage. With widespread outages, there may be lags updating restoration times on the outage map as crews focus on assessing damage and making repairs. We appreciate your patience as crews work to bring you back in service.

Tips:

  • Assume any downed wire is energized. Stay at least 35 feet away and call 911.
  • Prevent carbon monoxide poisoning: do not bring BBQs or propane heaters indoors; only use generators outdoors and away from windows.
  • Disconnect electronics to avoid damage from potential electrical surges.
  • Keep your fridge and freezer closed.

For additional outage preparedness tips, please visit the following links:

City Light’s Commitment to Women and Minority-Owned Businesses

by

Seattle City Light actively supports opportunities for women and minority-owned businesses. We provide networking opportunities, conduct outreach, facilitate technical assistance, and encourage businesses to register using the Online Business Directory so they are supported in consulting and purchasing contract opportunities with the City of Seattle.

The City’s women and minority-owned business (WMBE) program defines WMBE as state-certified or self-identified firms at least 51% owned by women and/or minorities. The WMBE program was created to break down long-standing historical barriers impacting women and minority businesses. In return, it strengthens our economy and our community, drives social change, and supports small businesses.

Seattle City Light welcomes the opportunity to work with all businesses that embrace our WMBE goals and strengthen the communities we serve, while also providing a benefit to the projects that light Seattle and our franchise Cities. City Light strives to build partnerships with businesses that reflect the diversity of the greater Seattle area. We actively support businesses that add value to our services, our customers, and our community.

Networking Opportunities

Networking among consultants and contractors is one of the most successful methods for securing work on Seattle City Light projects. City Light promotes relationship-building among our project managers, consultants, and contractors through attendance at contracting forums and trade shows, networking time at pre-submittal meetings, and meet-and-greet events that focus on consultant specialties.

Conduct Outreach

On behalf of businesses, the City and City Light conducts outreach by attending and hosting events, producing a list of upcoming project and contract opportunities, meeting with WMBEs, and facilitating meetings with City Light decision-makers.

Technical Assistance Opportunities

  • University of Washington – Foster School of Business – Seattle City Light partners with the University of Washington Foster School of Business to provide technical assistance and business development to WMBE firms.  To be considered for Seattle City Light sponsorship for the UW Technical Assistance Opportunities please contact City Light’s WMBE Manager, Kara Williams for consideration.
  • Ascend Seattle Program – Ascend Seattle is a business education program that accelerates business growth through management education, access to contracting and business development opportunities with large corporations and government agencies, and connections to lenders and investors.
  • University of Washington – Minority Business Executive Program (MBEP)- is a one week program that takes place each Fall.  Participants learn to utilize financial tools, make better business decisions, develop strategic plans for growth/sustainability, identify new technologies to scale operations, marketing strategies to access global markets, and develop their leadership acumen. For more information on MBEP check out their website.
  • University of Washington – Student Consulting Program – Through the Consulting & Business Development Center’s Foster Consulting Program, students are matched with business owners for six-week consulting projects to help with a specific business need. Past projects include: launching a new product line, developing a marketing plan, market research, pricing strategy, and improving operating efficiencies. The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises.
  • Seattle City Light’s Mentor Protégé – Technical Assistance Program -With the support of our strategic partners, MBDA-Tacoma Business Center will provide technical, strategic, marketing and planning services, and business consulting to established minority-owned firms. In 2021, MBDA will manage the City Light Mentor/Protégé program.  This partnership will strategically recruit City Light prime contractors to participate in this program and will seek WMBE firms that are prepared to grow their participation with City Light.  For more information on MBDA, please check out this overview.

COVID-19 Business Resources

Many businesses are experiencing short and long-term impacts from COVID-19. Visit the Office of Economic Development resources page to find a list of initiatives supporting businesses impacted by COVID-19. 

King County’s Office of Equity and Social Justice has also developed a COVID-19 Resource Guide that includes information for small businesses.

Check out www.SafeStartKingCounty.com to receive a Safe Start Kit of masks and hand sanitizer for your small business. 

Register Your Business today using the single registration system.

If you have any additional questions and/or would like to schedule a meeting with the City Light WMBE Manager to discuss your business and potential Seattle City Light WMBE opportunities, please contact Kara Williams, WMBE Program Manager.

Seattle City Light breaks ground on new solar microgrid at Miller Community Center

by

Seattle City Light began construction this week on a new solar microgrid at Miller Community Center, located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood. The microgrid, a demonstration project, will provide backup power storage for the community center during emergency events, such as a windstorm or unplanned power outage. 

Miller Community Center, located in Seattle’s Capitol Hill neighborhood

The solar microgrid project, designed and installed by contractor Worley, will include the installation of solar panels and a fenced-in battery energy storage system with microgrid controls. Construction is scheduled for completion in March 2021. Once activated, the University of Washington will perform analytics on the microgrid’s operations.  

As part of the project, the Seattle Office of Arts & Culture hired Seattle artist Julia Harrison to develop an artwork installation for the microgrid project. This installation will occur in spring 2021.

City Light and Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) selected Miller Community Center to host the $3.3 million demonstration project, after a careful assessment of sites. Funding was provided through a $1.8 million investment from City Light and a $1.5 million Washington Department of Commerce grant. 

For more information about this project, please visit seattle.gov/light/atwork.   

Seattle City Light, one of the nation’s largest publicly owned utilities, generates and delivers affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible power to the homes, businesses, and communities we serve. We provide carbon-neutral electricity, generated primarily from carbon-free hydropower, to over 900,000 residents in Seattle and the surrounding areas. 

Seattle Parks and Recreation provides welcoming and safe opportunities to play, learn, contemplate and build community, and promotes responsible stewardship of the land. We promote healthy people, a healthy environment, and strong communities.