||| FROM KRISTA BOUCHEY for ORCAS POWER & LIGHT |||
Starting January 15 th , OPALCO will begin the process of replacing the overhead power lines on Prune Alley. Moving the lines underground will increase reliability by reducing the likelihood of power outages due to high winds or falling trees. As a bonus, removing the visual powerlines enhances the beauty of Eastsound.
Join us Tuesday, January 19 at 11:30 am for a tailgater event to answer questions about the project (find us in the parking spots behind The Lower – we’ll be there until 12:30!). OPALCO is working with local contractor Mike Carlson for this two month long project (could be longer due to weather conditions). The project will also include installing vaults for low profile streetlights for the County and
EV charging stations. For the duration of the project, drivers can expect delays on Prune Alley.
The west side of Eastsound had the power lines put underground many years ago. OPALCO’s distribution power lines are 87% underground which greatly increases our power reliability and overall safety of our grid. Local business owners are happy with this upgrade to our grid and reliability.
2021 is going to be a big year for OPALCO. OPALCO is starting a new campaign, The Island Way, to begin telling the story of what it means to have a healthy and sustainable energy future in the island.
Stay tuned for ways to engage with this big energy transition, including a new Community Solar project. For those who wish to be directly involved in shaping the co-op, there are three open board positions – learn more at https://opalco.com/why-run.
Orcas Power & Light Cooperative (OPALCO) is our member-owned cooperative electric utility, serving more than 11,400 members on 20 islands in San Juan County. OPALCO provides electricity that is 97% greenhouse-gas free and is generated predominantly by hydroelectric plants. OPALCO was founded in 1937.
I can think of many areas where trees are a much bigger problem with power lines. Where is the money for this project coming from? Is there another increase coming up to afford this?
I do realize that the planning that went into this project was well thought out and that the meetings were open to the public… My last comment was simply a question about a rate increase since I was not able to attend the meetings.
I’ve got an idea; let’s just cut down ALL the trees. Then we won’t have to worry about one falling on one of us or any power lines. Or the road we drive on to get to our house.