Project overview
As part of an ongoing effort to improve electric safety and reliability on Bainbridge Island, we’re making upgrades to the electric system along Northeast South Beach Drive (see project map on this page).
These improvements will include upgrading the existing overhead electric wire with tree wire, replacing aging utility poles, upgrading related electric equipment, and installing avian protection devices and a perch. Tree wire is a specially coated, overhead wire that’s designed to prevent an electric short (and subsequent outage) when a tree limb falls into a power line. By installing tree wire in other locations in PSE’s service area, we’ve reduced power outages caused by falling limbs by up to 95%. The new tree wire will also make our system more avian-friendly by protecting eagles and other birds from accidental contact with energized equipment, preventing both wildlife deaths and power outages.
These improvements will increase the Island’s electric reliability by reducing the risk of power outages caused by falling tree limbs and wildlife.
Currently, the project is in the design phase. We will keep the community informed as the project progresses.
Quick Facts
- Replace aging utility poles and overhead wire with tree wire
- Will reduce likelihood of tree-related outages
- New poles and wires will be built according to the latest avian protection standards resulting in increased wildlife protection
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