Power outage in Gig Harbor, Key Peninsula affected tens of thousands
Mar 19, 2024, 12:17 PM | Updated: Mar 29, 2024, 1:36 pm
Peninsula Light Company reported a power outage that has affected tens of thousands of customers on Tuesday, March 19, 2024. (Map graphic courtesy of Peninsula Light Company)
(Map graphic courtesy of Peninsula Light Company)
The territory of Peninsula Light Company experienced a system-wide power outage affecting an area that included Gig Harbor late Tuesday morning, according to a post published on X, formerly known as Twitter.
According to the Peninsula Light outage map, all of the outages were remedied after thousands of people were affected throughout the afternoon and evening Tuesday. The utility stated on X Tuesday evening “full restoration” was anticipated for around 7:30 p.m.
About 1,700 customers were affected by the power outage, as of 3:30 p.m. Tuesday. The majority of those impacted were southwest of Gig Harbor near Arletta.
Previously, at about 2:30 p.m., the outage affected about 3,200 people. More than half of the outages at the time were limited to Fox Island.
The utility explained in a separate post on X at 1:33 p.m. on Tuesday that some people will remain without power for 6-8 hours, until repairs are complete.
3/19 – 1:30PM: Dispatch has rerouted as much as system will allow. Due to area of the accident – most on Fox Island and some of Artondale will remain without power until repairs are complete. ETA 6-8hrs. Crews working efficiently in hopes for sooner. We appreciate your patience!
— Peninsula Light Co. (@PenLightCo) March 19, 2024
At 1:20 p.m., about 7,000 people were affected. The outages were mostly limited to areas around Gig Harbor and on Fox Island at that time.
The number of customers affected appears to have peaked at around 12:15 p.m. Tuesday, as about 25,000 people were impacted at that time. It extended from Gig Harbor north to Purdy and southeast to Lakebay and Longbranch.
The utility also revealed on X late Tuesday morning that a “car accident involving a transmission pole” has caused the current outages.
A car accident involving a transmission pole has caused the current territory wide outages. We are working with our community partners to resolve the situation and PenLight will assess where we are able to isolate outage and restore power. Thank you for your patience!
— Peninsula Light Co. (@PenLightCo) March 19, 2024
Shortly before 12:30 p.m., the company published another post on X stating the accident took place when a car hit a transmission pole at 56th & Gustafson in Gig Harbor and it is the cause of outages. The utility added that, “Impacts are greater when a transmission vs. standard power pole is involved.”
Around 1 p.m., the company published an X post showing a photo of the pole impacted by the crash with a note that “the majority of members have had their power restored.”
3/19 – 1:00PM: Majority of members restored at this time. Crews awaiting new pole to install. Thank you for your continued support! pic.twitter.com/6B7rbvW7Yd
— Peninsula Light Co. (@PenLightCo) March 19, 2024
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Brittany Wicken, a spokesperson for Peninsula Light Company, told KIRO Newsradio early Tuesday afternoon that since a car accident caused this outage, it should be fixed quickly.
“A normal (car) that hits an electric pole or a transmission pole has less of an impact and is quick to remedy because we can isolate the outages around it,” Wicken said.
Steve Coogan is the lead editor of MyNorthwest. You can read more of his stories here. Follow Steve on X, formerly known as Twitter, here and email him here.
