More study needed to justify PSE’s Energize Eastside
PSE’s studies that show a need for Energize Eastside assume that no local generation plants are operating during an infrequent arctic winter event. This is an unrealistic assumption, because many of those generators were acquired by the company to serve exactly this scenario.
The report by the Independent Technical Analyst studied a scenario where about half the generators were turned on, and it found that the need for Energize Eastside was reduced, but not eliminated. We would like a study that shows what happens when all the generators are turned on. This is the normal way to conduct such a study, so we’re not asking for anything unusual.
PSE’s studies also assume a huge amount of power is being transmitted to Canada. Canada doesn’t need this power, and could be compensated in other ways. Bellevue’s analyst studied what would happen if no electricity was flowing to Canada during these emergencies, and concluded that 80% of the system overloads would disappear. We ask ColumbiaGrid to explain why PSE’s customers are exclusively responsible for paying for Canada’s electrical service.
Finally, we remind PSE and ColumbiaGrid that they are required to plan the grid as if it belonged to one utility. There is already an under-utilized 230 kV transmission line through the Eastside. ColumbiaGrid identified it as the best choice to serve Canadian electricity. However, this option was inexplicably taken off the table when PSE said they wanted to build a second 230 kV transmission line, parallel to the first one, about a mile to the east. This is not something a single utility could justify, and therefore it is not allowable under current regulations.
The letter gives PSE until May 22 to respond. If the deadline is not met, or the response is not reasonable, further actions are planned that will become increasingly uncomfortable for PSE.
Steve O’Donnell,
President Coalition of Eastside Neighborhoods for Sensible Energy (CENSE)
Larry G. Johnson,
President, Citizens for Sane Eastside Energy (CSEE)
News helicopter over Island fire on May 5
On May 5, in the early morning, from 5:50 a.m. to 6:40 a.m., there was a helicopter hovering above Mercer Island. The constant noise kept the whole house awake and lasted nearly an hour.
From local police I found out it was a King 5 News helicopter reporting on a local fire. When I called their news desk, I got a very indifferent reply,
“We are reporting a breaking news in that area.”
When asked why they couldn’t send a vehicle instead, I got the same reply, “It is breaking news.” When pressed whether that in itself justifies disturbing an entire neighborhood in the early morning for an hour, I received the same reply, “It is breaking news.”
I hope (this will) let the local residents know that it was King 5 News’ helicopter. So that if they wish to, they can contact them.
Bing Wu
In May, honoring older Americans
The Washington State Council on Aging is asking you to join us, and Gov. Jay Inslee, in honoring Older Americans during the month of May.
Since 1963, the month of May has been historically designated to recognize the contributions of Older Americans. The theme of this year’s celebration is “Get into the Act,” to focus on how older adults are taking charge of their health, getting engaged in their communities, and making a positive impact in the lives of others.
This theme also reflects on the 50th anniversary of the Older Americans Act. President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Older Americans Act into law in July 1965. Since that time, the Act has provided a nationwide aging services network and funding that helps older adults live with dignity in the communities of their choice for as long as possible.
Older Americans Month offers an opportunity to emphasize how older adults can access the home- and community-based services they need to live independently in their communities. It is also an occasion to highlight how older adults are engaging with and making a difference in those communities.
Gov. Inslee has issued a proclamation acknowledging Older Americans Month. Let’s join him across the state in celebrating our elders.
Dr. Cheryl Townsend Winter
Vice Chair, Washington State Council on Aging
