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West Sound Grid Improvements

The West Sound's electric infrastructure is aging, and upgrades are necessary to create a power grid that's more resilient, more reliable and meets the region's growing energy needs.

Project overview

Since its original power lines and substations were built decades ago, this region has seen:

Significant population and commercial growth

  • Since 1960, Kitsap County's population alone has grown by more than 193,000 people, a nearly 230% increase.
  • This region is home to major players in the manufacturing, maritime and defense industries, including Naval Base Kitsap, one of the Navy's largest installations in the US and Kitsap County's biggest employer.

More extreme temperatures

  • We increasingly rely on electrical appliances throughout our daily lives, especially during the hottest and coldest times of year.

New building codes

  • Washington recently modified its Building Code to require new buildings to meet higher energy efficiency standards, incentivizing the use of efficient electric appliances like heat pumps.

Increasing vehicle, ferry and transit electrification

  • Electric vehicle use is growing in the West Sound and across the state. Since 2018, the number of registered EVs in Kitsap County has grown by 4,000, a nearly 200% increase.
  • In addition, Washington State Ferries and Kitsap Transit are electrifying their fleets.
Project Study Area Map, showing ovular region containing Seabeack, Bremerton, Gorst and Belfair
Click image to enlarge.

PSE plans to update the West Sound's power grid to accommodate the increased demand for electricity and reduce the likelihood of power outages.

Project timeline

PSE is currently in the process of developing and evaluating long-term solutions for the West Sound's power needs. At this time, we expect the project will be completed in 2030. Note, this timeline may change once we determine the project solution. We will continue to update the community as this process progresses.

You may see PSE staff and contractors in the area conducting fieldwork. This can include things like testing soil, surveying existing infrastructure and managing vegetation.

    Planning

  • Identify the need for the project
  • Begin project solution analysis and development* Conduct initial stakeholder outreach
  • Share the selected project solution with stakeholders and the public

    Design, Permitting and Real Estate

  • Plan for the project, including fieldwork and conceptual design
  • Share conceptual design with stakeholders and the public
  • Begin easement acquisition and property owner coordination, permitting** and detailed design
  • Finalize design and plan for construction

    Construction

  • Construct infrastructure and restore vegetation

    Anticipated In-service

  • Energize infrastructure

Key:

  • Teal circle Project milestones
  • Red circle Outreach and/or input opportunity
  • Star We are here
*Easement acquisition for PSE's existing transmission corridor in Kitsap County will occur in the planning phase to avoid future conflicts with development.
**There will be various opportunities for public input throughout the permitting process.

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