Urban Transmission Upgrade Strengthens Grid Capacity

Home to some of the world’s largest software companies, the metropolitan Seattle area shows no signs of slowing its 30-year growth trend. It’s the type of place where innovators develop leading-edge technologies by day and come together with family and friends to unwind on stunning trails and shorelines. It’s also the type of place where reliable power seems like a given. 

Puget Sound Energy (PSE) assembled a collaborative team to upgrade a 16-mile transmission corridor from Redmond to Renton when the existing 115-kilovolt (kV) transmission line reached capacity — an effort known as Energize Eastside. HDR provided permitting, extensive mapping support and construction compliance monitoring in a streamlined effort with PSE and other project stakeholders. 

Adding power capacity in a densely populated area with abundant natural scenery presented a challenge for permitting. To minimize impacts, PSE elected to upgrade the existing corridor to high-capacity 230kV transmission and add Richards Creek Substation, which allows the new transmission system to supply power to a greater number of residents and businesses.

Throughout Energize Eastside’s years-long permitting process, our environmental team prepared local permits and materials for five jurisdictions – Renton, Newcastle, King County, Bellevue and Redmond — and multiple state and federal permits. Coordination of multiple disciplines provided PSE consistent, comprehensive permit applications and thorough responses to agency comments. 

Our geographic information system (GIS) analysts created mapping exhibits throughout the decade-long effort from initial planning through final permits. An automated approach to production, data management and cartographic standards helped PSE quickly address jurisdictional needs and design changes by efficiently incorporating changes, and producing quality maps that include design elements, survey details, utilities and sensitive areas.

To keep construction on track, our construction compliance monitoring team routinely coordinated with construction contractor, providing a critical link to transition permits from a piece of paper to a functional plan in the field. The team provided weekly reports and proactively coordinated technical meetings with the contractor and PSE to meet critical deadlines and avoid potential pitfalls. We fostered a collaborative dynamic between the client, contractor and permit stakeholders to smoothly navigate challenges.

Now operational, Energize Eastside added capacity and reliability that will serve PSE customers for years to come.