Chelan PUD is planning a series of improvements along the main transmission line that delivers electricity to Plain, Lake Wenatchee and Stevens Pass. These improvements will:
- Rebuild wood structures in fire-resistant steel as needed
- Replace aging equipment, including conductor wire
- Improve reliability with switching improvements at Coles Corner substation
Improvements are planned along a 16-mile portion of transmission line that runs from Anderson Canyon in Peshastin to Sunitsch Canyon and from Winton to Coles Corner (see map below). The project footprint stays within existing utility easements. The plan also includes replacing wooden transmission poles with fire-resistant steel along an existing 2-mile section over Natapoc Ridge to Plain.
In 2019, the PUD presented two alternatives to the public. Based on customer-owner feedback, a third alternative was developed which achieves maintenance and fire-resiliency goals while staying within existing utility easements.
For more details, here’s a presentation about the project heard by the PUD Board of Commissioners meeting on Oct. 17, 2022.
Chelan PUD is budgeting for further engineering and design work in 2023. Construction is tentatively planned for 2024 and 2025.
We welcome your questions and comments HERE.