Advisory group narrows Energize Eastside route options | Public comment sought on final four

Puget Sound Energy reports a community advisory group has further reduced an original 18 proposed route options for the energy company's Energize Eastside project down to four.

Puget Sound Energy reports a community advisory group has further reduced an original 18 proposed route options for the energy company’s Energize Eastside project down to four.

Fifteen of the 18 advisory group members voted Wednesday to recommend the following routes: Ash (Segments A-C-D-F-G1-I-K2-M-N); Oak (Segments A-C-E-G2-I-K2-M-N); Redwood (Segments A-C-E-G2-G1-H-K1-K2-M-N); and Willow (Segments A-C-E-J-M-N). These routes can be viewed online.

The project will provide 18 miles of 230kV lines between Redmond and Renton. The goal is to link the lines to an additional transformer to increase capacity on the Eastside, as the four existing in the area are beginning to feel the strain, he said. A fifth transformer is expected to handle capacity needs into 2030.

PSE will continue to take public feedback into December, when the community advisory group is expected to make its final recommendation. The energy company will make the final decision on which route is selected.

Open houses 6-8 p.m. Nov. 12 at the Renton Technical College and 6-8 p.m. Nov. 13 at the Redmond Marriott Town Center will allow the public to comment on the four remaining routes being considered, and PSE will launch an online open house in early November.