Power through the Valley Preserving a lifeline between Peshastin and the Pass

Chelan County PUD crews are actively clearing hazard trees along a six-mile high-voltage line to bolster electrical grid safety as winter storms and wildfire season approach. This initiative involves widening the right-of-way to its permitted 100 feet, thus protecting communities from Peshastin to Plain. Dan Koch, the PUD’s chief of operations, highlighted the critical nature of this work and acknowledged the potential for longer outages during the process. Chelan PUD is partnering with the U. S.

Forest Service to implement effective forest management practices that benefit both the electrical grid and local ecosystems. This tree-clearing effort is the first phase of a multi-year rebuild of the McKenzie–Beverly transmission line, first established in the 1930s. The next phase, scheduled to commence in 2027, will involve rebuilding 15 miles of the line with new steel poles and modern conductors. The project represents a $60 million investment aimed at enhancing power reliability and resilience for around 3,500 customers in the Upper Valley. Ultimately, this work seeks to ensure that power remains stable during snow and ice storms while minimizing wildfire risks for years to come.