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News and Updates from Seattle City Light

Seattle City (spot)Light: Cassandra Smith

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Cassandra Smith has been at City Light for nine months. She’s part of Customer Energy Solutions (CES) where she works as an Energy Advisor. “Our group assists CES with a wide range of activities,” Cassandra explained. “We’re all-knowing of the utility’s energy conservation programs! We educate customers and trade alleys about current rebate and incentive programs, renewable energy, electric vehicles, and other emerging technology. Every day is a little different.”

Cassandra grew up in Issaquah and moved to Seattle five years ago. “I live in the Northwest Seattle neighborhood. I love it because it’s close to fast public transit, Carkeek Park and the Puget Sound.” She recently graduated with honors from South Seattle College in Sustainable Building Science Technology. She also has an associate degree in Sociology from Bellevue College.

In this week’s (spot)Light, Cassandra shares her hobbies and why she enjoys working at City Light.

Cassandra Smith

“My favorite activity is practicing yoga. I became a certified yoga instructor a couple years ago and taught for two years. Now I practice two – five times a week at my neighborhood studio. I enjoy hiking, biking and kayaking. I also have a little veggie garden that I am proud of! It’s full of different varieties of squash, onions, carrots, and potatoes.”

“I love living in the Northwest because we are constantly surrounded by nature, which inspired me to pursue a career in resource conservation. Before electricity, I worked in the solid waste and recycling industry. My friends and family take advantage of my knowledge even when I’m not working, which is fine with me because I am helping to make the world a better place.”

“I got married to my crafty, beer brewing husband last October. We will soon celebrate our first wedding anniversary! We are hoping to buy our first house in the next upcoming months in Seattle. This would mean a bigger garden and at least one dog.”

“I was attracted to City Light for a few reasons. City Light is 100% carbon neutral and has the longest running conservation program than any other utility. City Light has a strong Mission, Vision, Values. I’m also a big fan of Debra Smith! She is a great role model for women in leadership and the utility industry.”

“What I love about my job is that I’m able to talk about energy and resource conservation! I get to walk away knowing that I did something good for our customers, community and our planet. I am surrounded by an amazing team, including a wonderful supervisor. Our work in CES is unique to the utility because our mission is to help reduce consumption so that City Light doesn’t have to build more power plants.”

Additional Rolling Slowdown Work Will Affect Traffic on I-5

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Seattle City Light crews plan to relocate existing overhead power lines over Interstate 5 near Northeast 180th Street to support Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project. This work will result in traffic impacts on August 27-29.

To complete this work safely, Washington State Patrol troopers and contracted crews must intermittently conduct rolling slowdowns of traffic in both directions of I-5 to ensure safe work operations and passage for motorists. Traffic will be intercepted and escorted at slow speeds for up to 15 minutes between Lynnwood and north Seattle as crews pull overhead feeder cables across the highway. Traffic will return to normal speeds once past the work area.

Limits of rolling slowdowns on I-5

Rolling slowdowns will occur on the following dates:

  • Tuesday night (11:59 p.m.), August 27 to Wednesday morning (4 a.m.), August 28
  • Wednesday night (11:59 p.m.), August 28 to Thursday morning (4 a.m.), August 29

Traffic using the following on-ramps to I-5 will be affected:

  • On southbound I-5: 44th Avenue West (Lynnwood), 220th Street Southwest (Mountlake Terrace), State Route 104 (Shoreline)
  • On northbound I-5: Northeast 175th Street, 5th Avenue Northeast (Shoreline), Northeast Northgate Way (Seattle)

Drivers should expect delays and consider using alternate routes during construction. Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT mobile app and the WSDOT Traffic Twitter feed.

For more information on Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project, which will extend light rail into south Snohomish County and serve stations in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood, please visit www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/lynnwood-link-extension or seattle.gov/light/atwork.

Seattle City (spot)Light: Irina Rasputnis

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Irina Rasputnis has worked at City Light for nearly two years as the Executive Director of the Lighting Design Lab which is part of Customer Energy Solutions (CES). “I’ve worked in lighting and energy efficiency for over a decade,” Irina shared. “With my engineering background, I intentionally pursued jobs that were environmentally focused.”

Originally from St. Petersburg, Russia, Irina studied chemical engineering at Northeastern University in Boston and urban planning at Tufts University. She lives in Tacoma with her husband Patrick and their three-year old daughter Raya.  “My husband and I met on a layover at the Denver airport when I was on my way to a Department of Energy conference!” Irina said chuckling.

In this week’s (spot)Light, learn about Irina’s cross-country bike ride, passion for community building and finding her niche.

Irina with her family

“When I first entered the job market, green tech was a big buzzword. I secured good jobs, but I wanted to do exciting things right from the get-go. The roles weren’t interesting; it wasn’t the kind of work I wanted to be doing. So, I took a year off and did a cross-country bike ride. During that time, I was supposed to figure out what I wanted to do, but I was more focused on my ride and where I was going to sleep! A lot of people opened their doors to me and shared different resources. It got me thinking about communities and I decided that I wanted to be a community builder.”

“But I didn’t really know how to do that. I started attending different lectures and universities to learn more. I was introduced to an urban planning graduate program at Tufts University. It was fascinating, but I still didn’t see a role for myself. Then I discovered the field of energy efficiency. It had a technical component but also the policy side that’s connected to how people function in society. It felt like the niche I needed to pursue.”

“Being in the industry, I knew about the Lighting Design Lab. I liked the work they were doing and had worked with people there that I respected. But it wasn’t until I met my current manager, Edward Smalley, at a national conference that I really became interested in working there. He painted a picture of the Design Lab that matched up with my hopes for what I wanted to pursue. It got me very excited.”

“I used to be an avid cyclist. I’d do long-distance and multi-day rides, like my cross-country trek. It’s been hard to get back into it since my daughter is still young. She’s not steady on a bike but she’s working on her scooter skills! I also played in bands and really enjoyed that. I wasn’t any good, but I looked like I was having fun and that’s what allows the audience to have fun. So, it didn’t matter to me if I was good! I play the bass clarinet. I like playing goofy music, stuff that’s fun. I’ve been wanting to start a CES band, but it’s been tough working with everyone’s busy schedules. I’m open to starting a City Light band. Reach out if you’re interested, but you have to like goofy music!”

Seattle City (spot)Light: Todd Newcombe

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Todd Newcombe has been at City Light for 18 ½ years. He’s part of the Customer Operations teams where he works as an Office Aide. “I do a lot of data entry and computer-based work,” Todd explained.

A native Washingtonian, Todd grew up in the Federal Way area where he currently lives. “My family still lives in the area,” Todd shared. “I very much enjoy spending time with my three nieces and my brother and sister-in-law. It’s nice to just hang out – I cherish the time.”

In this week’s (spot)Light, Todd talks about his friends, his work at City Light and shares a few hobbies.

“I heard about this job through Scott Richter. He and I have been friends since elementary school. His dad was the one who told me about the position because he thought it would be a good fit for me. Scott encouraged me to apply. In fact, he said that if they didn’t hire me they would be making a mistake!”

“I went to Federal Way High School and was part of the employment transition program. It provided a lot of training and gave me a strong sense of community and a good network of people. I like being around people and knowing what they’re all about. It’s fun to talk with others and discuss different topics. They get to know me a lot better that way, too.”

“I like to watch movies and listen to music – I like soft-rock. I’m also excited to see the new Lion King movie. As for sports, I’m a Mariners fan and also watch the Seahawks.”

“I like my co-workers and the friends that I have at City Light. It makes me feel very confident in what I do. I’m grateful to have a job like this – to be around the people at work, day after day. It makes me feel very happy to come to work and very excited to do what I do each day.”

Rolling Slowdowns Expected on I-5 in mid-August 2019

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Seattle City Light continues to relocate existing overhead power lines on Interstate 5 to support Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project. This work will result in traffic impacts on August 12-14 and August 19-20.

To complete this work safely, Washington State Patrol troopers and contracted crews must intermittently conduct rolling slowdowns of traffic in both directions of I-5 to ensure safe work operations and passage for motorists. Traffic will be intercepted and escorted at slow speeds for up to 15 minutes between Lynnwood and north Seattle as crews pull overhead feeder cables across the highway. Traffic will return to normal speeds once past the work area.

Rolling slowdowns will occur on the following dates:

  • Monday night (11:59 p.m.), August 12 to Tuesday morning (4 a.m.), August 13
  • Tuesday night (11:59 p.m.), August 13 to Wednesday morning (4 a.m.), August 14
  • Monday night (11:59 p.m.), August 19 to Tuesday morning (4 a.m.), August 20
Limits of rolling slowdown work on I-5 (August 12-14)

Limits of rolling slowdown work on I-5 (August 19-20)

Additional Details:

  • Traffic using the following on-ramps to I-5 will be affected:
    • August 12-14:
      • On southbound I-5: 196th Street Southwest, 44th Avenue West (Lynnwood), 220th Street Southwest (Mountlake Terrace), State Route 104 (Shoreline)
      • On northbound I-5: Northeast 175th Street, 5th Avenue Northeast (Shoreline), Northeast Northgate Way and Northeast 80th Street (Seattle)
    • August 19-20:
      • On southbound I-5: 44th Avenue West (Lynnwood), 220th Street Southwest (Mountlake Terrace), State Route 104, North 175th Street (Shoreline)
      • On northbound I-5: 5th Avenue Northeast (Shoreline), Northeast Northgate Way, Northeast 80th Street and Northeast 70th Street (Seattle)

Drivers should expect delays and consider using alternate routes during construction. Real-time traffic information is available on the WSDOT mobile app and the WSDOT Traffic Twitter feed.

For more information on Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project, which will extend light rail into south Snohomish County and serve stations in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood, please visit www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/lynnwood-link-extension or seattle.gov/light/atwork.

City Light Continues Overhead Power Line Work on I-5

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Seattle City Light continues to support Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project by relocating existing overhead power lines on Interstate 5 near Northeast 185th Street in Shoreline. This work will result in traffic impacts on August 6-8.

To complete this work safely, crews must intermittently conduct rolling slowdowns of traffic in both directions of I-5 to ensure safe work operations and passage for motorists. The work will start late Tuesday night on August 6. Traffic will be intercepted and escorted at slow speeds for up to 15 minutes between 196th Street Southwest (Lynnwood) and Northeast 80th Street (Seattle) as crews pull overhead feeder cables across the highway. Traffic will return to normal speeds once past the work area.

Rolling slowdowns will occur on the following dates:

  • Tuesday night (11:59 p.m.), August 6 to Wednesday morning (4 a.m.), August 7
  • Wednesday night (11:59 p.m.), August 7 to Thursday morning (4 a.m.), August 8

Additional Details:

  • Washington State Patrol troopers and contracted crews will intermittently intercept and escort southbound I-5 traffic through the work area beginning at 196th Street Southwest in Lynnwood. The same will occur for northbound traffic beginning at Northeast 80th Street in Seattle.
  • Traffic using the following on-ramps to I-5 will also be affected:
    • On southbound I-5: 196th Street Southwest, 44th Avenue West (Lynnwood), 220th Street Southwest (Mountlake Terrace), State Route 104 (Shoreline)
    • On northbound I-5: Northeast 175th Street, 5th Avenue Northeast (Shoreline), Northeast Northgate Way (Seattle), Northeast 80th Street (Seattle)

Drivers should expect delays and consider using alternate routes during construction.

For more information on Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project, which will extend light rail into south Snohomish County and serve stations in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood, please visit www.soundtransit.org/system-expansion/lynnwood-link-extension or seattle.gov/light/atwork.

Seattle City (spot)Light: Katie Zook

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Katie Zook has been at City Light for nearly six years. She’s part of the Transformation and Customer Experience team where she works on renewable energy accounts. “I administer annual incentive payments and assist in billing corrections for customers who participate in one or more of our renewable energy programs, through either having solar panels (or other renewable energy sources) on their homes or businesses or by participating in one of our Community Solar Projects,” Katie explained.

Katie is originally from Colorado (go Broncos!) but moved to Washington when she was young. She studied accounting and business management and has worked in utilities for 14 years. Katie lives in South Everett with her boyfriend James, 11-year old son Gavyn and puppy Whittaker. “Gavyn named our puppy after mountaineer Jim Whittaker, the first American to summit Mount Everest,” she shared.

In this week’s (spot)Light, learn about Katie’s hobbies, love of the outdoors and her role at City Light.

Katie at Mt. Rainier National Park

“I love the outdoors and traveling. I’ve been to several countries, 43 states and am the first to say yes to a road trip. My son and I went on a five-week road trip last summer across eight states and 5,000+ miles.  We camped, hiked national parks (we visited eight!), went to the Bonneville Speed Races, enjoyed hot springs and spent countless days surfing up and down the California coast.”

“Gardening is another hobby of mine. Currently, I have over 40 types of veggies, fruits and herbs in my garden! My other happy place is our off-grid property in Wenatchee where we ride dirt bikes and quads, hike and spend time with family and friends. I also love kayaking, rock-climbing, snowboarding and hiking. Someday I plan to hike the Pacific Crest Trail.”

“My job is to calculate annual incentive payments for certified incentive customers. While that sounds simple, a lot of behind-the-scenes work goes into data analysis and database creation, maintenance, reporting and quality control. I love that our work supports sustainability in the Northwest. It’s exciting when customers enjoy the benefits of these programs and see how they support renewable energy in the region! I also enjoy working with data. To me, data tells a story all its own; it directs and supports so much of what we do. It’s up to us to use it to make informed and successful decisions.”

“I absolutely love the people at the utility. We truly are a melting pot and are very diverse in our cultures, skillsets, personalities, hobbies and backgrounds. It’s refreshing to see this all come together in a respectable manner; it truly makes coming to work easy. I’m constantly learning from my co-workers – whether it’s job skills, hobbies or how to make their favorite family recipe that’s been passed down through generations.  I have seriously never worked with a more driven, motivated and compassionate group of people who take pride in their work and just simply do what needs to be done. In an industry that is quickly changing and adapting to new technologies and business models, it’s refreshing to see all the people behind the scenes that consistently keep everything moving and come up with new innovative ideas.”


Electrical Reliability Upgrades Planned in South Lake Union

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Seattle City Light crews plan to increase the electrical reliability of the South Lake Union neighborhood by installing an underground electrical vault near the intersection of Republican Street and Fairview Avenue North. This new infrastructure will provide the additional capacity needed for electrical lines coming from the Denny Substation.

Construction will occur at the intersection of Republican Street and Fairview Avenue North.

This project is scheduled to start the weekend of August 10th – 11th and will have impacts to the surrounding area. Uniformed police officers will be present to maintain traffic and pedestrian safety.

Republican Street (between Fairview and Boren avenues north) will be closed to traffic during times of construction. However, local access will be made available.

Northbound traffic needing to turn on Republican Street will be detoured through Mercer Street and Boren Avenue North. Southbound traffic on Fairview Avenue North will be limited to one lane with some turn restrictions.

Construction Work Area

Construction will be limited to weekends only. Weekend work hours are from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Some evening work is possible, but construction will not run past 10 p.m.

For more information, customers can contact Richard Ohashi, Senior Electrical Service Representative at (206) 386-1674 or Richard.ohashi@seattle.gov.

Visit Seattle City Light’s “At Work in Your Neighborhood” website for the latest updates on this project and others in your neighborhood.

City Light System Reliability Work to Affect Traffic on I-5 from July 30-31

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Seattle City Light crews plan to maintain the reliability of the electrical system by relocating existing overhead power lines on Interstate 5 near Northeast 155th Street in Shoreline. This work will support Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project.

To complete this work safely, crews must intermittently conduct rolling slowdowns of traffic in both directions of I-5 to ensure safe work operations and passage for motorists. The work will start late Tuesday night on July 30. Traffic will be intercepted and escorted at slow speeds for up to 15 minutes between 44th Avenue West (Lynnwood) and Northeast 70th Street (Seattle) as crews pull overhead feeder cables across the highway. Traffic will return to normal speeds once past the work area.

Rolling slowdown details:

Occurring from 11:59 p.m. to 4 a.m. beginning Tuesday, July 30 through the morning of Wednesday, July 31:

  • Washington State Patrol troopers and contracted crews will intermittently intercept and escort southbound I-5 traffic through the work area beginning at 44th Avenue West in Lynnwood. The same will occur for northbound traffic beginning at NE 70th Street in Seattle.
  • Traffic using the following on-ramps to I-5 will also be affected:
    • On southbound I-5: 44th Avenue, West (Lynnwood), 220th Street SW (Mountlake Terrace), State Route 104 (Shoreline), 175th Street SW
    • On northbound I-5: 5th Avenue NE (Shoreline), NE Northgate Way (Seattle), NE 80th Street (Seattle), NE 70th Street (Seattle)

Drivers should expect delays and consider using alternate routes during construction.

The relocated power lines will maintain electrical reliability for customers. This work supports Sound Transit’s Lynnwood Link Extension project, which will extend light rail into south Snohomish County and serve stations in Shoreline, Mountlake Terrace and Lynnwood. For more information, please visit soundtransit.org/system-expansion/lynnwood-link-extension or seattle.gov/light/atwork.

Seattle City (spot)Light: Isiah Williams

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Isiah Williams has been at City Light for six years. As an Office Aide, he works in the mail room where he delivers mail, packages and paper to City Light employees at the Seattle Municipal Tower. “There are about five of us in the mail room,” Isiah said. “I meet so many people delivering the mail. It’s the best part of my job. It’s fun to go around and interact with different people every day.”

Born and raised in Auburn, Isiah is a true Washingtonian. “I still live in Auburn. In fact, I live in the same home I grew up in!” he shared. He has two older sisters and a niece and enjoys the sense of community in his hometown. He also loves the beauty of the Northwest. “I enjoy all the scenery here – the trees, the water. It’s nice.”

In this week’s (spot)Light, Isiah talks about his hobbies and shares what’s on his bucket list.

Isiah with his family

“I love sports. Football is my favorite. I love the New England Patriots. Obviously, one of my bucket list items is go to Boston for a game! When I watch baseball, I follow the Angels. Locally, I play basketball for Auburn Parks in their Special Olympics. I’ve been doing that for eight years. Usually, I play a forward or center. It’s really fun. I also do cycling and softball.”

“I like spending time with friends and family. And going to the movies. I also like traveling. In the last three years, I’ve been to Las Vegas, California, Michigan. In California, we went to Disneyland and Universal Studios.  Couldn’t get to an Angels game, though! Oregon is one of my favorite places to visit. We have family there and we always go the beach. That’s a special spot for me.”

“I went to Auburn Mountainview High School. I did a school-to-work-program which connected me to Vadis, a program that helps students with disabilities with job placement. That got me to City Light. When my mom got the call that there was an opportunity for me at City Light, well, it was too good to pass up. When I first started here, the people were so welcoming. I was able to learn my job easily and, soon, my responsibilities began to grow. I really like it here. If it’s possible, I continue to like my job more and more each day!”