The following is a release from Puget Sound Energy:

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) has dismissed the complaint filed by three local residents and two neighborhood opposition groups against Puget Sound Energy’s Energize Eastside project. The ruling reaffirms that PSE complied with federal rules and the transmission planning responsibilities in planning the project.

“Contrary to Complainants’ vague allegations that the Respondents have violated [Federal transmission planning regulations], the record before us shows that [PSE] and the other Respondents have complied with the applicable transmission planning requirements,” states FERC.

The Energize Eastside project – which will build a new electric substation and higher capacity transmission lines to serve homes and businesses on the Eastside – is essential to meet the growing electric needs of homes and businesses in Eastside neighborhoods. The line, which is the backbone of the existing local transmission system, had its last major upgrade in the 1960s.

“The complainants erroneously asserted the Energize Eastside project primarily benefits the larger, regional transmission system,” said Dan Koch, director of engineering and major projects at PSE. “In fact, Energize Eastside is needed to solve local delivery capacity issues because of so much growth. Independent studies, along with our own, have confirmed that. And now, so has FERC.”

FERC further states the Energize Eastside project “was designed to address [PSE’s] projected inability to serve its own customers,” and confirmed that PSE “has demonstrated that its needs assessments identified a transmission capacity deficiency.”

In addition to PSE, the Bonneville Power Administration, Seattle City Light and ColumbiaGrid were also listed in the complaint. The claims against BPA, Seattle City Light and ColumbiaGrid were also dismissed.

For the latest information on the Energize Eastside project and to read the FERC order in its entirety, go to energizeeastside.com/news.