Power Restoration

Power Restoration Priority

During times of multiple outages, the Operations Department must decide which areas to restore power to first. We follow a set of standardized guidelines, known as the Power Restoration Priorities, the goal of which is to restore power to the largest number of members in the shortest time possible.

The Power Restoration Priorities are, in order:

Safety of our employees, members, and the public; then protection of property and assets; and finally, restoration of power to:

1. Transmission lines
2. Substations (8 in the system)
3. Main feeders (31 in the system)
4. Three-phase primary lines: medical facilities, emergency response facilities, food stores, schools, etc.
5. Single-phase primary lines: the main line supplying your home or business
6. Secondary lines: the line going from the road to your home or business

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The Power Restoration Process

Power is restored according to a plan that enables us to affect the greatest number of people in the least amount of time. The restoration process follows a sequence, which is based on the design of an electric distribution system.

1. Transmission Line – Transmits 110,000 volts from the generating source to each of Peninsula Light Company’s 8 substations.
2. Substations – Transforms power from 110,000 volts to the distribution voltage of 7,200 volts, then sends power out through feeder lines.
3. Main Distribution Lines – These lines are also referred to as feeders.
4. Peninsula Light has 31 such lines throughout its 107 square mile service territory.
5. Tap Lines – These lines come off the distribution lines and serve groups of homes or businesses.
6. Individual Services – Also referred to as service drops or secondaries. These are the insulated lines that serve individual residences. Often times they are the lines that go directly to the house from the pole.

Want More Information on Current Outages?

In the event of a major power outage, natural disaster, or other emergency, you can turn to KGHP radio 93.7 FM, 89.9 FM or 89.3 FM (in the City of Gig Harbor) to get information specific to our local community. Listen at the top and bottom of every hour for current information.