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Seattle City (spot)Light: Cindy Reside Hensel

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Cindy Reside Hensel celebrated 20 years with City Light in November 2018. Her work as a Student Engineer and Energy Management Analyst led to her current role as an Electrical Service Engineer in the Customer Construction Services division. “I love being part of the Electrical Service Engineering group because I get to work with large key and industrial customers on the largest construction projects in Seattle,” Cindy said.

Cindy grew up in Bremerton and attended Olympic High School where she played in the band. “I’ve been playing the flute and piano since elementary school,” Cindy shared. “I enjoyed being in wind ensemble and jazz band”. In fact, in high school, I was in the jazz band with Ben Gibbard, the lead singer of Death Cab for Cutie!” She went to college at the University of Washington and graduated with a degree in material science and engineering. She lives in Richmond Beach with her husband and three children (ages five, eight and ten).

In this week’s (spot)Light, Cindy talks about her career path, hobbies and shares her engineering inspiration.

Cindy with her family at Grand Canyon National Park

“I’m a long-distance runner. I ran the Honolulu and Big Sur marathons. I’ve also ran six half-marathons. Running is not just exercise for me; it’s a way of life. It clears my mind and really gives me that runner’s high. When I was a kid, I would see a group of young students run in my neighborhood. I always wondered who they were and why they ran. They motivated me.  So, when I was in junior high school, I decided to sign up for cross country. I’ve been running ever since! I’m not fast, but I’m steady. When training for marathons, I give myself a mileage goal to hit. I always tell myself just one more mile!”

“I love math. That kind of spurred my interest in engineering. My dad also inspired me. He was a mechanical engineer. He used to bring home his drawings and I would watch him create his designs.  High school was another source of inspiration. That’s where I was introduced to new programs like AutoCad and programming. I ended up taking additional classes which inspired me to go into this field. I was planning to have a career in failure analysis with Boeing, but somewhere along the way, I got pulled into the electrical world and have loved it ever since.”

“My kids love math and chess! Our oldest is in fourth grade at Syre Elementary. I’m co-chairing the Math Olympiad program and am a Chess Club volunteer at his school. It looks like the love of math is continuing in our family!”

“I’ve been lucky to work with such talented people at City Light. It’s been a rewarding experience to work with a diverse array of unique and technical projects while providing the best customer service to our customers. During my time here, I’ve always felt the support of management during transitions in my life—from being a student to getting married and having kids.  I’m very thankful I was able to take a one-year sabbatical. Even though they don’t work here anymore, I especially want to acknowledge John Nierenberg and Fred Ojima. If it wasn’t for them, I wouldn’t have applied for the Electrical Service Engineer position. It opened many doors for me and I’m so grateful to them for that opportunity.”

Need Assistance With Your City Light Bill? We Can Help.

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Thursday, Jan. 10, 2019, marked the 20th consecutive day of a federal government shutdown. According to the United States Office of Personnel Management, over 10,000 people in Seattle (.pdf) are employed by the federal government, and many of those folks may be affected by the shutdown and missing their normal paychecks. If you are among them—or if you are just having a hard time making ends meet—Seattle City Light has payment plans and assistance programs that may help you.

Make a Payment Plan
If you don’t already have a payment plan in place and receive a bill that you don’t think you can pay in time, City Light will work with you on a payment plan as long as you can pay 50 percent of any delinquent amount. Read more about how to set up a payment plan here. 

Payment Deferral

If you are a federal employee or enrolled in federal assistance programs impacted by the federal government shutdown, City Light will work with you to defer payment on utility bills until the shutdown is resolved. Call us at (206) 684-3000 or you can submit an online inquiry via the link in the “Contact Us” box here. 

Federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP)
One federal program for customers that need help is the Federal Low Income Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP). LIHEAP offers assistance with paying bills along with budget counseling and weatherization services. Even though it is federally funded, it is administered by agencies in our community, so it isn’t affected by the shutdown. Depending upon where you live, you can sign up for LIHEAP online or via phone. City Light has instructions on how to sign up for LIHEAP here.

Utility Discount Program (UDP)
The City of Seattle also offers the Utility Discount Program (UDP) for income-qualified customers of Seattle City Light and Seattle Public Utilities. Customers enrolled in UDP receive 60 percent off their City Light bills, so if you need help check to see if you meet income requirements and enroll here.

Emergency Low Income Assistance (ELIA)
City Light offers its own program for customers who have received an “Urgent” or “Shut-Off” notice on balances of $250 or more. The Emergency Low Income Assistance (ELIA) program offers up to $200 every 12 months for customers who make the minimum payment to avoid disconnection and payment arrangements for the balance.

To get more information or sign up for ELIA, call (206) 684-3688 or email SCL_InfoELIA@seattle.gov.

Looking to help others? Donate to Project Share
Finally, there is a program available for LIHEAP or ELIA participants which is funded by donations from City Light employees, customers and other supporters. Project Share takes donations and disburses the money to those in need. Last year, Project Share provided assistance to about 1,000 people. The average benefit for recipients was $250.

Project Share’s one-time emergency assistance grants can make a huge difference in the lives of your friends and neighbors. If you are financially stable, please consider making a donation here. 

Jan. 6-8 Windstorm Outage Summary

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In the early morning of Sunday, Jan. 6, a massive windstorm with wind speeds of up to 60 mph struck City Light’s service area. The rapid storm caused significant damage to City Light’s infrastructure including broken poles and trees on lines. Soon, 50,398 customers were without power. Crews, dispatchers and other City Light teams worked long shifts throughout the weekend and well into Tuesday, Jan. 8 to safely restore power to all. We want to thank our customers for their patience and their messages of the support as we worked to restore power. Below is a timeline of the event.

Jan. 6

[ORIGINAL POST 1/6, 2:34 AM] Nearly 50,000 customers are currently without power across our service area. Please continue to check our outage map for estimated restoration updates. http://seattle.gov/light/outage. Thank you.

[3:20 AM] There are currently 50,398 customers without power across our service area. A large-scale outage of this magnitude will require extensive restoration which will last throughout today and possibly into Monday. We will provide updates as we receive them. Thanks.

[ 4:00 AM] Crews are assessing the vast amount of damage across our service area. Please remember that the restoration times on our outage map (seattle.gov/light/outage) are estimates and can shift due to the severity of the damage. Thank you for your patience and please stay safe!

[5:00 AM] Crews have restored power to more than 9,500 customers and 40,000+ are still without power. With temps in the low 40s, please bundle up and use portable generators outside in well-ventilated areas. We will restore power as quickly and safely as possible!

[6:45 AM] Crews continue to restore power and assess the damage from the windstorm across the area. Currently, 33,026 customers are without power. We thank you all for your patience. #wawind

[8:00 AM] Our crews and teams made considerable progress this morning! Currently, we have restored power to over 28k customers, with roughly 22k to go. If you plan to be out and about this morning, keep your distance from downed trees and power lines. Thanks!

[1:11 PM] Crews continue to make progress in the aftermath of this windstorm. They have now restored power to more than 40,000 customers. About 9,000 still to go. They won’t stop until everyone is back in service.

[3:15 PM] Our crews and teams are continuing to restore power to customers across our service area with a little more than 6,500 to go. This is a good time to prepare so you and your family can keep safe and warm this evening. Learn more here: https://powerlines.seattle.gov/2019/01/06/tips-to-stay-safe-warm-during-an-outage/

[6:55 PM] We have restored power to over 47,000 customers across our service area and we’re not done yet! Our crews will work throughout the night into tomorrow to restore power to all, including two large projects that will require extra attention. We will continue to keep you updated. Thank you.

Jan. 7

[10 AM] Our crews and teams worked overnight to restore power to as many customers as they could. Currently, roughly 500 customers are still without power from Sunday’s storm. We aim to have power restored to everyone by this evening. If you are still without power, please know that we are doing as much as we can to get your lights back on. We’re sure it was a long night for most of you and we appreciate your understanding and patience. Thank you.

[5:15 PM] Crews continue to restore power to the less than 90 customers remaining without power from Sunday’s windstorm. Hang tight! We won’t stop until we have restored power to you all. Thank you.

Jan. 8

[3:37 PM] As of earlier this afternoon, we have restored power to the 50,398 customers who lost power due to Sunday morning’s windstorm. Thank you all for your patience and messages of support throughout this restoration process!

 

Seattle City (spot)Light: Quan Tharngtrakul

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Quan Tharngtrakul joined City Light in 2015 as a receptionist in Human Resources. From there, she moved to Talent Acquisition before landing her current role in Transmission & Distribution Operations. “I’m an Administration Specialist lll and support our network, substations and service operations teams,” Quan explained. “My responsibilities include compiling management reports, meeting and event coordination, scheduling, travel requests and other items our director and management team need.”

Quan grew up in Anacortes and attended college at Western Washington University where she graduated with a degree in international business. “I was kind of tucked away up north until I started my job at City Light; it’s what got me to move to the big city!” she said with a laugh. Quan and her fiancé, Erin, live in Kirkland and are busy planning their September 2019 wedding.

In this week’s (spot)Light, Quan talks about her job, her hobbies and her move to the Emerald City.

Quan in Whistler, British Columbia

“I like my job because I work with different groups across the utility. I have a lot of friends who are in this role within their own divisions; it’s fun to coordinate with them and brainstorm how we can improve our processes. We’re a strong network for one another. It’s also great that I work under a female executive (Michelle Vargo). I really like that I support Michelle directly. I learn a lot from her and the people around me. In fact, every group I’ve worked with has been filled with good, supportive people. They’ve always encouraged my professional development with trainings, workshops and other opportunities.”

“Moving to Seattle was a big culture shock for me. People assumed that I was familiar with the city because I’m from the Northwest, but it’s so completely different than from where I grew up. I never had to deal with traffic. I never took public transit. When I first moved here, everyone seemed to know what they were doing! It was intimidating, but I’m glad I made the move. Before Seattle, I was working in my hometown and basically in the same environment of my upbringing. I wanted to try something new. I applied to City Light on a whim; it was for a temporary six-month position! But it got me out here and now I’m in a full-time role.”

“The majority of my family is in Thailand, but my parents and grandma live here. We have a small Thai restaurant, Bangkok Bistro, in Burlington; a good midway stop on the way to Skagit! I grew up helping at the restaurant and developed a love for cooking. I cook a lot of Thai fusion food at home. Right now, I’m trying to get into baking. I love the Food Network and have even made cookies for CLEA!”

“I can’t imagine living anywhere else.  I love the natural beauty of the Northwest. I enjoy photography and this area has a ton of cool photo opportunities. I like doing landscapes and stand still shots. Also, food. I’ll take photos of my meals and send them to my friends. My fiancé and I also love to do jigsaw puzzles. We go big and do the complicated ones; anything above 1,500 pieces. Right now, we’re working on a Stars Wars puzzle that’s turning out to be pretty awesome.”

Tips to Stay Safe Warm During an Outage

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With crews continuing to restore power across our service area and with lows tonight in the 30s, this is a right time to get prepared. Here are a few tips to keep you and your family can stay warm throughout the night.

  • Using generators, camp stoves or barbecue grills indoors can cause carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep them a safe distance away from your dwelling. Heating your home with your gas stove is also dangerous.
  • Bundle up with blankets and layered clothing.
  • Camp out in a small room with your windows properly. Seal your exterior doors with a wrapped up towel, too.
  • Flashlights, headlamps, solar lamps and glow sticks are good alternatives. While candles are popular, they can run the risk of an open flame.
  • If your cell phone is your primary phone, make sure it is charged, and you have a phone charger ready.
  • For updates on our current estimated restoration times, visit our mobile-friendly outage map at seattle.gov/light/outage and follow us on Facebook and Twitter as well.
  • Finally, we want to thank everyone for their patience and understanding as we continue to work through the night to restore power as quickly and safely to our customers.

Park, Charge and Go: Electric Vehicle Charging at Two Seattle Parks

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Electric Vehicle Charging

Seattle City Light and Seattle Parks and Recreation invite community members to attend the following open houses to learn about City Light’s proposal to install public electric vehicle (EV) charging stations in Magnuson Park and Gas Works Park as part of the City of Seattle’s Drive Clean Initiative. Road transportation represents two-thirds of Seattle’s climate pollution. The Drive Clean Initiative is focused on leveraging Seattle’s clean electricity across the transportation sector to support the city’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

Magnuson Park and Gas Works Park have been identified as sites for two direct current (DC) fast chargers for electric vehicles. These units can charge most EVs for approximately 100 miles of range in 30 minutes. At the open house, customers can learn about the proposed EV charging station locations. City of Seattle staff will be available to answer questions from the community about EVs and City Light’s public EV charging pilot program.

Magnuson Park Open House

Wednesday, January 9, 2019

6:00-8:00pm

The public is encouraged to drop in anytime during these hours.

Open House Location

Magnuson Park
The Brig / Building 406

6344 NE 74th Street

Seattle, WA 98115

Gas Works Park Open House

Thursday, January 17, 2019

6:00-8:00pm

The public is encouraged to drop in anytime during these hours.

Open House Location

John Stanford International School
Library Room

4057 5th Ave NE

Seattle, WA 98105

Seattle City Light will present input from the open houses to the Seattle Board of Park Commissioners prior to approval of the sites.

Seattle City Light is dedicated to delivering customers affordable, reliable and environmentally responsible electricity services. http://www.seattle.gov/light

[#FlashbackFriday] 1969 City Light Holiday Mailer

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1969 City Light Holiday Mailer

Talk about a blast from the past! A member of City Light’s Power Marketing team recently found this holiday mailer from 1969 in a stack of documents. The manila cover and carbon paper interior include scrumptious recipes like Brisk Cherry Salad and Quick Lemonade Bread (and yes, one of the ingredients is frozen lemonade concentrate) along with beautifully designed kitchen appliances and holiday-themed characters. The back cover encouraged the reader to consider adding a “major electric appliance” to their holiday wishlist. This (at the time) annual piece was developed for City Light’s Home Economics Division and included the venerable Mary Norris’ signature of approval (read about Mary’s lasting legacy at City Light here!).

Check out our Flickr album above and tell us which recipe you’re want to make for your next holiday gathering!

City Light and Starbucks Team Together to Brighten the Holiday Season for Treehouse

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2018 Treehouse Donations

This holiday season, City Light partnered with Starbucks to gather donations of gifts and funds for Treehouse, a local non-profit organization which provides foster children in Washington state with the support they need to thrive. In its second year, the duo spread their holiday cheer across Seattle’s downtown core by expanding the number of donation sites including 14 Starbucks locations.

As of Dec. 21,  the drive garnered more than 300 gifts including clothing, toys, tech gadgets, etc. for kids of all ages and raised $5,200 in monetary funds, exceeding its initial goal of $2,000, which will go directly to Treehouse to further their efforts!

In an email, Dana Petrarca, community engagement officer, thanked City Light, Starbucks and the donators who helped make this season a little brighter for the community they serve, writing: “we can’t thank you all enough for giving so many people the opportunity to give to youth in foster care!”

Here is a breakdown of this year’s drive!

 

To learn more about Treehouse and to donate to their cause, visit treehouseforkids.org. 

What to Expect On Day Two of Yesterday’s Wind-Related Outages

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Yesterday, a windstorm blew through Western Washington. Almost 300,00 people lost power throughout the region as wind gusting over 60 mph battered trees and blew them into contact with power lines. In the Seattle City Light service area, 40,000 customers lost electricity over the course of the day.

City Light crews worked throughout yesterday afternoon and evening to restore power to those customers. As the day came to an end, approximately 4,000 City light customers remained without power. At this moment, City Light’s overhead, underground and vegetation management crews are continuing their work throughout the service area to bring power back to everyone.

City Light crews expect to restore service to almost everyone by this afternoon. Here’s what City Light customers can expect as the outage restoration process moves forward today.

It’s going to take a while to reach everyone.

After threats to life safety and emergency services are addressed, City Light restores power in the order which will benefit the most customers. That’s why outages that affect thousands are resolved before outages that affect dozens. Once the large outages are remedied, the restoration process moves to medium-sized outages, and so on.

Are you the only person without power in your neighborhood? If so, you won’t be the first stop for a crew in your area. We have over a hundred outages across our service area, and that’s a lot of individual outages to address. Don’t worry, though. Help is on the way.

Here’s a graphic to more fully explain the process.

Working in the dark is more difficult.

City Light crews are used to working in adverse conditions, but it is an inescapable fact that doing line work in low light makes the job more difficult. This is another factor that will contribute to delays as work continues overnight.

 

Lineworkers need sleep too.

But that doesn’t mean work comes to a halt! It just means it’s time for a shift change. It may take a few extra minutes to bring the new folks up to speed on current restoration efforts.

 

We won’t stop working until the job is done.

At City Light, we take great pride in serving our community. It’s our community too! We want to restore your power as quickly as possible, and we’re going to do everything we can to accomplish that goal safely and efficiently.

For more updates, follow our Facebook and Twitter channels. Information is also available on our power outage map. Thanks for being patient as we work to bring power back to everyone throughout our service area!

Seattle City Light Funds Glacier Recession Research

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Glacier-fed Diablo Lake

Seattle City Light recently funded a study which researched and forecasted the recession patterns of glaciers in our region. The research article, titled “Glacier Recession and the Response of Summer Streamflow in the Pacific Northwest United States, 1960-2099,” explores the recent recession patterns of these glaciers whose melt and water flow will impact hydroelectric power generation, agricultural water supply, and the ecological health of the watersheds downstream. Along with funding a portion of the research, City Light advised on the scope of the project to provide insight into when streamflows were most important for power generation, recreation, and fish protection.

Through hydrological modeling, the study found that primarily temperature-induced shrinking of glaciers will increase throughout this century. The model showed that the glaciers in the North Cascades could nearly disappear by the year 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions are not curbed.

For Ronda Strauch, City Light’s climate change adaptation researcher and adviser, this research is vital to not only the health of the glaciers but shapes how utilities that generate power with hydroelectricity like City Light will continue their operations in the future.

“We look to research like this for future predictions of inflows into the reservoirs and how much hydroelectric power our utility will be able to produce,” explains Strauch. “We wanted to make sure that glacier activity was added to this hydrologic model used in this research to get a better picture of streamflow into our reservoirs. It could also guide our operational changes in the future, such as controlling water levels to reserve for the summer months. This will help us decipher the long-term consequences of these melting glaciers.”

One of the consequences is the potential lowering water levels along the Skagit River during late summer. In keeping with City Light’s commitment to environmental stewardship, such as supporting the salmon recovery plan that protects and restores the chinook, bull trout and other species listed under the Endangered Species Act in the Skagit Watershed, the utility is watching closely this kind of research to better understand the changes in climate the region will incur for decades to come.

“The future still has a lot of uncertainty to it,” said Strauch. “While it is not completely set, there are some aspects of the future that is clear. It’s our job as a utility to do what we can to ensure that future generations are prepared for the impacts. Our decisions help prepare for what the future will look like.”

Click here to read the abstract of the research article.