If you’re wondering why your bedside clock was blinking with the wrong time this morning, it was because of a power outage that happened around 4:30am.
According to Seattle City Light, an equipment failure at a substation caused the loss of multiple feeders in the SeaTac/Burien area around 4:30am Monday morning (Dec. 7th), with 9,796 customers losing power.
Power was quickly re-routed. Currently there are still 12 customers out within these boundaries:
- N: S 96th St
- S: S 124th St
- E: 39th Av S
- W: Pacifc Hwy S
Power was restored to the majority of customers by about 5:15am.
UPDATE 2:45pm 11/16/09: It appears that Seattle City Light lineworkers restored power about 2pm Monday (Nov. 16th) to most of the 4,000 homes and businesses affected by an outage in Burien and unincorporated King County.
According to Seattle City Light’s website, the outage started about 12:40pm as the result of an equipment failure that started a utility pole fire on SW 104th Street.
The repair crew expected to restore service for the remaining 360 customers without power by 5pm.
The general boundaries of the remaining outage were SW 100th Street on the north, SW 108th Street on the south, Occidental Way SW on the east, and 10th Avenue SW on the west.
PREVIOUSLY: According to the latest “Tweet” from Seattle City Light:
Power restored to most customers in Burien, King County outage.
Remaining 360 customers should have power back by 5 p.m
A previous Tweet from SCL said:
Burien, King County outage caused by pole fire. Crews on site making repairs. Estimate to restore power by 4 p.m.
EVEN MORE PREVIOUSLY: On Monday afternoon (Nov. 16th) around 12:40pm, Seattle City Light reported that around 4,000 customers have lost power in the Burien and North Highline areas.
According to their website:
A repair crew was immediately dispatched to identify the problem and make repairs. An estimate for when power might be restored was not immediately available.
The general boundaries of the outage were SW 95th Street on the north, SW 131st Street on the south, Glendale Way S on the east, and Seola Beach Drive SW on the west.
by A proposed 8.8 percent rate increase by Seattle City Light, which would begin in January, “will affect most of our residents,” Burien City Manager Mike Martin said last week.
City Light provides electrical service to almost all of Burien and all of the North Highline area. The Seattle City Council will vote on whether to accept or amend the rate increase request later this month.
Included in City Light’s rate analysis supporting the proposed increase are additional increases of 5.4 percent in 2011 and 6.6 percent in 2012.
Because City Light is a publicly owned utility, it is not regulated by the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission. Oversight comes instead from the Seattle City Council.
Martin said Burien has asked City Light for clarification about the need for a rate hike at this time, “since it will affect so many of our residents,” but has not yet received a reply.
Outgoing Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels called for the increase when he submitted in September his proposed 2010 budget.
In a report to the Burien City Council, Martin noted that reasons given for a higher power rate when Nickels announced his budget proposal were the poor economy, a sharp decline in sales of surplus power and a larger-than-proposed rate decrease in 2007.
Surplus power sales have been driven down by low natural-gas prices, according to Seattle budget director Dwight Dively. While Seattle’s 2009 budget anticipated surplus power sales of $140 million, only about half that amount has been sold – leaving City Light with a $70 million shortfall.
Martin added that City Light also says the increase is needed to maintain its net operating income reserve, although “there is no legal reserve requirement” for that reserve as structured by the utility.
Citing City Light’s reference to cash flow, Martin replied, “The economy is also hurting our residents’ cash flow.”
In a statement to The B-Town Blog, he said, “At this time, it’s still not entirely clear what’s going on.” Burien staff will seek more information from City Light within the next couple of weeks.
UPDATE 6:30pm 8/27/09: According to Seattle City Light, power has been restored to most who lost electricity Thursday afternoon after a utility pole fire knocked out electricity for 7,100.
It was not immediately clear what caused the power line to fall from the utility pole. Initial reports that a tree caused the damage were incorrect.
When the wire hit the ground, it started a fire in a wooded utility right of way south of South 96th Street and west of Des Moines Memorial Drive.
The general boundaries of the outage are SW 95th Street on the North, SW 131st Street on the South, Glendale Way S on the East and Seola Beach Drive SW on the West.
PREVIOUSLY: Around 3:30pm Thursday (Aug. 27th), a utility pole caught fire south of South 96th Street and west of Des Moines Memorial Drive, knocking power out to some 7,100 residents in the Burien area.
We were one of them, having lost power at both our office and home. Power was restored for us just before 5pm, and the electrical folks say power should be fully restored before 5:30pm.
Here’s what Seattle City Light had to say about it:
A fire associated with a power outage in Burien and unincorporated King County has increased the number of customers affected by the outage to about 7,100 homes and businesses.
The fire is burning in a wooded utility right of way south of S 96th Street and west of Des Moines Memorial Drive.
The outage started when a tree fell into power lines, knocking them to the ground and starting a fire. At least one utility pole was burning.
Seattle City Light deenergized the power lines to allow firefighters to put out the blaze. City Light crews were dispatched to restore service once the fire was extinguished.
The cause of the outage was not immediately known. City Light expects to restore service to most of the affected customers by 5:30 p.m. by routing power around the damaged area. An estimate for full restoration of service will not be available until crews are able to inspect the damaged equipment.
The general boundaries of the outage are SW Barton Street on the North, SW 167th Street on the South, Glendale Way S on the East and Puget Sound on the West.
Over 3,600 residents in the Burien/SeaTac areas lost power at 12:36pm Tuesday (June 30th) due to a brush fire at a substation that “burned cables on a telephone pole,” according to Mike Eagan of Seattle City Light.
“It seems a cable fault at a terminator on a tower at the Duwamish Substation (located at 10000 W. Marginal Way So.) caused the outage and the brush fire,” Eagan added. “A terminator is a device at the end of an insulated high-voltage cable that connects it to the distribution system.”
Power was lost in an area spanning, from the north end, South 96th Street, on the south by SW 175th Street, between 24th Ave.SW and 33rd Ave SW.
Thankfully, power was restored just over an hour later at 1:50pm, avoiding riots in the streets from disgruntled B-Town Blog Readers.
Here’s City Light’s original statements as posted on their website:
Power went out for approximately 3,671 City Light customers in Burien, SeaTac and unincorporated King County at 12:36 p.m. today.
The cause of the outage is currently unknown, but City Light crews are heading to the area to investigate. An estimated time of restoration is unknown at this time.
The area affected is bordered on the north by So. 96th St., on the south by S.W. 175th St, between 24th Ave. S.W. and 33rd Ave S.W.
Power has been fully restored for the approximately 3,671 City Light customers in Burien, SeaTac and unincorporated King County whose electricity went out at 12:36 p.m. today.
The area affected was bordered on the north by So. 96th St., on the south by S.W. 175th St, between 24th Ave. So. on the east and 33rd Ave S.W. on the west.
If you live in the Burien area around SW 128th to SW 130th between Ambaum Blvd. and Puget Sound, you probably aren’t able to read this story since your power has been out since 9:07am this morning (Wed., April 29th).
The power outage started at 9:07am and is scheduled to last for 7 hours, ending at approximately 4:07pm.
Power will be restored after the completion of a pole replacement project.
For questions or concerns please contact Seattle City Light at 206-684-3000.
The B-Town Blog offers a high-volt yet relaxing welcome to our latest Advertiser: Economy Wiring and YB Tubless!
At Economy Wiring, their slogan is “Wiring more, Charging less!”
“We work on residential, commercial, new construction and remodel projects,” says owner Jay Smith. “We also offer 24 hour emergency service, seven days a week for any electrical, wiring, heating, ventilation or air conditioning issues.”
They're located at 633 SW 148th Street - just look for the hot tub!
They’ve been in business since 1953. Thomas Edison once requested their advice. Just kidding on that one.
“Call us anytime at 206-244-7542. We are on call for you!”
Ask about their Furnace Tune-Up and Repair services.
Economy Wiring also offers well-built hot tubs and spas, plus accessories, for the home through their sister company YB Tubless.
Think of them as your One Stop Spa Shop.
“It is a medical fact that spas are considered to be one of the best forms of relaxation available,” say the folks at YB Tubless. “Not only are they very therapeutic, they are also recreational.”
Thinking about grilling and barbecuing this spring and summer? Check out the easy-to-use Traeger Pellet Barbecues. You’ll be stunned by their affordability.
Office Manager Shawn Becker will teach you how to barbecue.
We stopped by recently and enjoyed a mouthwatering Beef Brisket, skillfully prepared by office manager Shawn Becker. Just ask and he’ll be more than happy to guide you on “The Shawn Becker Barbecue Basics.”
Come by and say Hello to Shawn and Jay and everyone at their showroom, located next door to Hans’ Deli and just west of the brand new Ace Hardware. Look for the Coleman sign just outside their showroom, on the south side of SW 148th (see map below).
“We are also happy to be a Coleman, American Standard and Kelvinator furnace dealer,” says Shawn.
While you’re there be sure to ask about Heat N Glo gas fireplaces, too.
Showroom/office hours:
- Monday through Friday: 8am to 6pm
- Saturday: 10am to 5pm
- Sunday: Closed
The offices for Economy Wiring and YB Tubless are located at 633 SW 148th Street in Burien; their phone number is (206) 244-7542:
View Larger Map
| Mar ’09 |
| 28 |
| 8:30 pm |
This coming Saturday, March 28th, from 8:30pm-9:30pm will be “Earth Hour,” where all citizens of planet Earth are encouraged to turn their lights off for one full hour.
We just double-checked and determined that Burien was still part of Earth, so apparently this will include our town as well.
“Earth Hour” is sponsored by the World Wildlife Fund, which is asking individuals, businesses, governments and organizations around the world to turn off their lights to make a global statement of concern about climate change and to demonstrate commitment to finding solutions.
It is projected that one billion people will go dark for Earth Hour.
Already hundreds of icons and landmarks around the world have signed up to turn their lights off for Earth Hour 2009 including:
- The Eiffel Tower in Paris
- Sydney Opera House
- Acropolis and Parthenon in Athens
- The London Eye
- Perhaps your house?
For more information, check out earthhour.org.
Here’s another video with more info:
Numerous Burien-area residents were in the dark Sunday night, and it wasn’t just because the sun went down – Seattle City Light reports that power was lost last night around 8pm to nearly 3,900 homes.
According to Mike Eagan of Seattle City Light, there were two outages overnight, both caused by falling tree branches laden with heavy snow:
1. Boundaries – 1/4/2009 8:03:00 PM:
- North – S Barton St;
- South – SW 152nd St;
- West – Puget Sound;
- East – 10th Ave S;
- Approximate customers affected: 3899
- Cause: UNKNOWN It was a Tree
- Estimated power restoration time for the above outage: January 5, 2009 at 6 a.m. 100% power restored at 1:28am 1/5/09
2. Boundaries – 1/4/09 early am (time unknown):
- North – S. 96th
- South – SW 175th
- West – 24th SW
- East- 33rd SW
- Cause: Tree
- 95% power restored as of 9:25am 1/5/09
As of 8:30pm Friday night (Dec. 12th), Seattle City Light crews have restored power to Burien, the last large outage from today’s storm that once affected 4,000 customers.
During the afternoon, more than 8,000 customers lost power in City Light’s service area.
The range of the outage started on the north at South Director Street to SW 150th Street on the south; and on the east from 12th Ave. South to the west at 25th Ave SW.
Seattle City Light says they’re prepared for any further outages due to wind or cold, and they also offer up this warning:
In the event of a large-scale outage, residents should be ready to fend for themselves for at least three days.
One of the best steps is to assemble an emergency kit with at least three days of food and water for each person in the family and any family pets. Other items to include are a hand-crank or battery-operated flashlight and radio, fresh batteries, a survival blanket, a first aid kit, pocket tissues and hand sanitizer wipes. For a complete list of what to include, please visit http://www.govlink.org/3days3ways/.
City Light also reminds people that barbecue grills and emergency generators should never be operated indoors. Doing so could cause fatal carbon monoxide poisoning. If you lose power, dress in layers to stay warm and seal up drafty windows and doors to slow the loss of heat in your home.
Our advice:
- Stock up Saturday on groceries (for the entire week – see weather warning below) before it gets too cold and the roads become difficult
- Go to McLendon’s and get some wrap to use on your water pipes and do some serious winterizing around the house
- Make sure your car has anti-freeze
- Get ready for no school on several days this coming week (perhaps)
- Be prepared to stay home if indeed the snow and ice arrive
The Weather Service is predicting up to a week or longer of a major cold snap starting Saturday, and they’re calling it “the coldest since 1990″:
An Arctic cold front will move south through western Washington on Saturday…pulling in much colder air in its wake. The front will first arrive over the north interior early in the morning…where Fraser outflow winds will pick up on Saturday morning… bringing in very cold and very windy conditions. As the front slips further south during the day with unsettled conditions continuing…snow accumulations of 1 to 3 inches are possible for much of The Lowlands on Saturday afternoon and evening. With the passage of the cold front… daytime temperatures will actually fall. As temperatures fall below freezing… wet surfaces could quickly become icy… so be sure to watch your footing and avoid slip-and-fall accidents.
By Monday… temperatures will generally reach daytime highs only in the 20s with nighttime lows in the teens or lower. With the continuation of strong northeast winds over the north interior… wind chill values should drop to 10 or 15 below zero. Wind chills this low can cause frostbite to exposed skin in about 30 minutes. The north interior will be under the gun for brutally cold wind chills for much of the week ahead as cold air continues to funnel out of the Fraser valley.
Cold sub-freezing weather should continue over nearly all of western Washington through next week. In addition… a weather system on Wednesday could interact with the stubborn cold air mass to produce a renewed threat of accumulating snow nearly everywhere except perhaps the immediate coastline.
The bottom line is that western Washington should experience the coldest weather in a couple of decades during the week ahead. Please be prepared for an unusually prolonged and intense period of winter weather.
Just got off the phone with Scott Thomsen, Seattle City Light Communications and Public Affairs, and here’s the latest (as of 10am Fri. 11/7):
- Power was lost this morning around 6:30am in an area bordering South 99th Street, SW 176th Street, Military Road South and 32nd Avenue Southwest
- Reason for the outage was a downed tree
- Over 2,800 customers lost power
- Seattle City Light crews re-routed power, and currently around 1,500 are still in the dark
- Crews are on scene now, and they expect to have power restored by Noon today
The B-Town Blog proudly welcomes its newest Advertisers, Dave and Wendy Lind, owners of Eagle Electric of Seattle LLC.
We met Dave and Wendy when they attended the B-Town Blog’s first ever Blog Party in June at The Tin Room in Olde Burien, by all accounts successful in every way.
“It was so crowded there that night,” Dave said, “I couldn’t make my way up to the prize box to put our name in!”
It’s a family affair at Eagle Electric, which was started by Dave’s dad, Larry Lind, a quarter of a century ago. Larry is still an advisor to the company today.
“Dad started as an uptown commercial installer. He was so good, that friends would call asking his help on home-style electrical issues. And so, one day, he just started Eagle Electric.”
Dave took over full time in 2000. Wendy, a former Special Education elementary school teacher, runs the office.
“She’s very, very good at it,” Dave says.
Wendy and Dave Lind, married since 2002, are the proud and happy parents of their firstborn, 3-1/2 month old Amelia.
Dave recommends a home safety inspection. “Many people don’t realize it, but the code book updates every three years.”
Dave says “We always provide our customers with a comprehensive written estimate before we begin the work. We price everything right down to the penny.”
“We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for any emergency you may have.”
“We guarantee our work, period. No ifs, ands or buts. If for some reason you are not satisfied, we’ll do it over with the least amount of inconvenience to you and of course, for free. We also offer a full money refund.”
If to some the name Eagle Electric recollects a hydroplane of a similar name from many years back, Dave says “No, that wasn’t us.”
Then, with a pondering tone and careful growth in mind, he says, “Maybe, sometime next decade, there could be a whole new Miss Eagle Electric on Lake Washington. You never know!”
Call Dave and Wendy at Eagle Electric anytime at 206-246-7123.
So, go get a charge by clicking on their ad in the lower right sidebar (or above) and checking out their website.
| Mar ’08 |
| 29 |
| 8:00 pm |
“Earth Hour” is this Saturday night, March 29th, when all citizens are asked to turn off their lights, shut off their computers, TVs, Wiis, Xboxes and other electrical appliances and totally power down for one solid hour starting at 8pm.
Apparently, the City of Burien is taking part, by turning off all its computers and appliances before they leave for the weekend.
We here at the B-Town Blog plan on shutting down our computers and lights as well.
Here’s a video explanation of this event, narrated by Jeremy Piven:
It’s possible for a small act, multiplied around the world, to have a huge impact. That’s what the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) is betting as they ask you to turn out your lights, shut off your computers – power down at 8 p.m. for just one hour on March 29.
The worldwide rolling brown out is called: Earth Hour.
Earth Hour started last year in Sydney, Australia.
“On March 31 2007, for one hour, Sydney made a powerful statement about the greatest contributor to global warming – coal-fired electricity – by turning off its lights. Over 2.2 million Sydney residents and over 2,100 businesses switched off, leading to a 10.2% energy reduction across the city. What began as one city taking a stand against global warming caught the attention of the world.” — Earthhour.org
All you’ve got to do to make a difference is power down. One hour – 60 minutes. That’s it. If you’d like more information, visit the site. There are more facts and figures. You can also sign up to register your support.
But you don’t have to – just switch off your lights Burien (hey, it can even be romantic, so get some candles out! And who knows, maybe there will be an “Earth Hour” baby boom in 9 months…).
