Chelan PUD Pursuing Projects that Reduce Wildfire Risk, Improve Reliability

Chelan PUD is advancing projects to enhance electrical reliability and mitigate wildfire risks across Chelan County. Director Chad Rissman emphasized the importance of selecting projects that address multiple objectives, including reducing wildfire risks and improving broadband access. Among the initiatives, aggressive tree pruning has more than doubled in scope over the past five years, while equipment upgrades will lead to temporary power outages in downtown Leavenworth. The utility is also modernizing substations, with construction at Coles Corner Switchyard set for 2027. Additionally, Chelan PUD is implementing grid automation to balance fire risk with outage frequency.

By 2026, the utility plans to sectionalize the grid, reducing the number of homes affected by outages. The replacement of spark-emitting equipment will ramp up in high-risk areas, and ongoing underground line conversions aim to further enhance reliability. These comprehensive efforts illustrate Chelan PUD's proactive stance on fire safety during peak risk seasons.