Submitted by Mason Public Utility District 3
On the evening of Wednesday, June 29 through the morning of June 30 approximately 1,400 customers fed from the Mason PUD’s Union River Substation will experience a planned power outage for approximately 8 hours from the hours of 10 p.m. to 6 a.m.
The outage is required to replace three transmission poles identified during the PUD’s routine pole inspection program in 2021. Because these poles were identified as end-of-life, it is urgent to replace them before they fail. Working on transmission lines is extremely dangerous. By de-energizing the lines, crews can work more efficiently, cutting the work time significantly. Additionally, since the poles are located along Highway 300, performing the work overnight will avoid disruptions to daytime traffic.
The three transmission poles being replaced are located along Highway 300/North Shore Road, however the outage will affect customers from the Union River Substation (near Sand Hill Road) along Hwy 300/Northshore Rd to approximately the 3600 block of North Shore Rd, it includes all of Sandhill Road, all of Mission Creek Rd, Beards Cove, Lynch Cove, and all connecting roadways. Customers affected by the outage will be notified by mail and other methods they have requested (email, phone call, text message, SmartHub notifications).
During any outage, the PUD recommends unplugging sensitive appliances and electronic equipment until power has been restored for about 20 minutes. Also, especially with electronics, it is important to use surge protectors. Customers can visit www.pud3.org/prepared to find other tips and suggestions. It is especially important for customers with medical equipment or other health requirements, relying on a constant source of power, to have back-up generators or alternative accommodations arranged.
Providing safe and reliable services to the residents of Mason County is the PUD’s top priority. Proactive projects such as this play a part in the PUD’s national reliability ranking with the American Public Power Association as a Reliable Public Power Provider.
