Building a Resilient Community: The Importance of Infrastructure Reliability

by Andrew Strong , Interim Environmental, Engineering, and Project Delivery Officer, Seattle City Light

In today’s interconnected world, the reliability of our electrical infrastructure is more important than ever. From adding line sensors to replacing aging wooden utility poles, laying new underground electrical cables, and installing new transformers, ensuring an uninterrupted power supply is about more than just keeping the lights on.

For us at Seattle City Light, it’s about fostering economic growth, supporting everyday needs, and preparing for future energy demands in an increasingly electrified world.? Our ongoing efforts to modernize and enhance the electrical grid ensure that we can continue to provide affordable, reliable, and environmentally responsible energy services. To achieve this, we’re investing in and modernizing our aging infrastructure. ?

This is the first in a two-part blog series that will explore the steps we’re taking to ensure the reliability of our power grid and the benefits of these actions for you, our customers.

Why reliable infrastructure matters.

Reliable electrical infrastructure forms the backbone of any thriving community. It powers our homes, fuels our businesses, and keeps our critical services running smoothly. For City Light, reliability is more than a buzzword—it’s a core mission.

Here are several reasons why taking care of our infrastructure matters:

1. Fewer power outages: A reliable electrical grid means fewer unplanned power outages, which translates to fewer disruptions in your daily life. Whether you’re working from home, running a business, or simply enjoying an evening with your family, a consistent electricity supply is essential.
2. Smart investing: Modernizing our infrastructure isn’t just about reliability—it’s a long-term investment. By reducing the need for frequent repairs and maintenance, and at the same time adding additional capacity, we all can benefit from a more efficient, productive system for years to come.
3. Economic growth: A stable power grid supports economic growth by attracting new businesses and helping existing ones thrive. Reliable electricity is a key factor for companies looking to invest in our communities, creating jobs and boosting the local economy.

Addressing inflation and rising costs.

Maintaining and modernizing our infrastructure is no small feat. It involves replacing components that have reached the end of their useful life, a task complicated by rising costs. Inflation has significantly increased the price of construction materials, particularly electrical components. Here are some specific examples of price increases our utility has faced since just 2019:

• Pad-mounted transformers – 240%
• Pole transformers – 205%
• Underground cable – up 239%
• Wood poles – 170%

Despite these financial challenges, we remain committed to our work. This investment is essential for maintaining the high standards of service our customers expect and deserve.

Why we need to modernize our infrastructure.

Modernizing our infrastructure means making the?power grid ready for change. Our infrastructure includes components that have outlived their usefulness, which can lead to more frequent power outages. By investing in the replacement and modernization of these components, we can enhance the overall reliability of our infrastructure.

Modernizing our infrastructure also means preparing for the future. With the increasing adoption of electric vehicles, more reliance on electricity for cooking, heating and cooling, and the push for greener energy solutions, our grid needs to be ready for future higher demands and new challenges. This adaptability will help us meet increasing electricity demands while improving security and resiliency from unpredictable impacts.

By providing this overview, we aim to reinforce our commitment to infrastructure reliability and engage you, our customers, with our ongoing efforts at City Light. Reliable infrastructure not only benefits individual customers but also supports the growth and resilience of our entire community.

In the second part of this series, we will highlight how City Light is ensuring the continued reliability of our infrastructure. From installing line sensors to preparing for electric buses, we’re taking proactive steps to stay ahead of increasing energy demands and climate change impacts. Stay tuned!

City Light is committed to creating a brighter, more sustainable future for everyone. Learn more about how we’re making sure our power grid is ready and reliable for years to come on our website.