Kenmore’s power grid is antiquated and is one of the least reliable | Letter

I recently read the report from the Exponent engineering consultants requested by the City of Kenmore related to the frequent extended power outages experienced particularly in NW Kenmore.

November 14, 2016 8:30 am
Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@kirklandreporter.com.
Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@kirklandreporter.com.

I recently read the report from the Exponent engineering consultants requested by the City of Kenmore related to the frequent extended power outages experienced particularly in NW Kenmore. Then I live streamed the presentation by the consultants at Kenmore City Hall.

Their results indicated that Kenmore’s power grid is antiquated and is one of the least reliable power grids in the PSE (Puget Sound Energy) region. It was only after the contract between PSE and City of Kenmore expired and customers began complaining that PSE stated they are committed to better service in Kenmore.

Research definitively indicates that public utilities that are community owned tend to provide more reliable service than those that are investor owned and for profit like PSE. I understand that the City of Kenmore is heavily invested with PSE and it would be a substantial undertaking to change providers. I hope that PSE will continue their more recent upgrade of our power grid and cooperate with the City so that we can move from third world village service to that of a 21st century city.

Larisa Lindemann, Kenmore