Anderson Island Update
North Bend, WASHINGTON February 12, 2009 – Anderson Island residents who have been consuming generator-powered electricity for more than a week now since their service was interrupted should take comfort in knowing that Tanner Electric Cooperative is working around the clock to solve the submarine cable problem, as well as seek relief in emergency funding.
“First of all, I would like to thank everyone for obviously doing their part to use electricity in a conservative manner while the island is temporarily sustained by two diesel generators,” said Tanner Electric General Manager Steven W. Walter today. “Because of everyone’s conscious effort to use electricity wisely and conserve where they can, the load the generator has had to bear to date is estimated at 30 percent less than normal. That is definitely going a long way to preventing further power interruptions on Anderson Island,” he added.
To assist cooperative members in their conservation movement, Tanner Electric will be distributing 8,000 compact fluorescent lights in the next few days. “We are working with the Riviera Community Club and volunteers from the fire department to get these electricity-saving light bulbs out to every member of the cooperative,” Walter said.
“Our Anderson Island community’s conservation effort, so far, has been great. Please keep it up!” Walter said.
As soon as service to the entire island was interrupted during the early-morning hours of Jan. 31, local Tanner Electric personnel worked diligently to get power temporarily restored to about 1,000 residents in need. With the help of the generators, power had been restored to all residents as of Wednesday night, Feb. 4. “I want to, again, thank all the volunteers and contractors who assisted us in getting this piece of the puzzle accomplished,” Walter said.
Since then, BPA (Bonneville Power Administration) sent a crew to assist in finding the fault in the submarine cable that normally provides electricity from the mainland to the island. “We have worked with them throughout the weekend and the beginning of the week to confirm the location of the fault,” Walter said. “This process will wrap up by the end of the week.”
In addition, Hittle and Associates was contracted to help in the project by bringing in more powerful radar equipment to confirm what BPA discovers in its evaluations. The firm has also started the permit process, along with positioning the necessary personnel and materials to fix the faulted area of cable once it is pinpointed. “As soon as I get an update as to when this will occur, I will get it out to the membership,” Walter said, adding, “One thing to note is that after Hittle locates the faulted piece of cable, it will bring it up and remove the bad section. At that time, they will be able to test the remaining cable to insure its stability.”
While crewmen have been busy trying to determine the cause, location and necessary steps to finish the incident, management has been working with a state lobbyist and attorney to formally request state emergency funds. “Since our cooperative is member-owned, we are also pursuing other county public agencies to see if they may help us with the problem,” Walter said.
The Tanner Electric leadership has also met with district Legislators to discuss any help that may come from the state for the installation of a new submarine cable. “The cost of installing a new cable is estimated at $4 million, with the permitting and study generating a significant portion of that bill. Currently, we are researching any methods that may streamline the effort,” Walter said.
In addition, Tanner Electric is inquiring about possible grant funding available from the USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and it has formally asked the Governor’s office to consider funding the replacement submarine cable from its Federal Stimulus package. “We feel that it meets the requirements that President Obama has set forward in his plan,” Walter said.
As developments occur in regards to this situation, statements will be posted on the Tanner Electric website:
www.tannerelectric.coop.
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