News

Electrical, wastewater services restored as region braces for high winds
Fiber crews working hard to restore internet service to greater Leavenworth area

WENATCHEE, WA – Chelan PUD has restored power to most customers, while crews continue to repair the fiber optic internet network this week. With another weather system expected to in the next few days, Chelan PUD encourages customer-owners to prepare now:

• Charge phones, laptops, and backup batteries
• Stock up on water, non-perishable food, and medications
• Fill up vehicles with gasoline, prepare generators

For more outage tips, visit chelanpud.org/outagetips and bookmark Chelan PUD’s outage map at outages.chelanpud.org.

Broadband internet

The fiber outage affected about 1,360 customers in the Lake Wenatchee area and 700 customers in the Chumstick area.

Crews restored the main fiber line into the Lake Wenatchee area on Sunday, bringing service back to all but about 150 customers.

This week, crews are focused on restoring service to Chumstick Highway and the greater Leavenworth area, first at the neighborhood level, followed by repairs for individual customers.

“The electrical grid can be repaired with brute force, but fiber requires finesse,” said Dan Moser, Chelan PUD’s Director of Electric and Fiber Operations. “The fiber network is complex and takes longer to repair. We appreciate everyone’s patience.”

If you still cannot connect, contact your internet service provider. Chelan PUD will work directly with providers to fix issues affecting individual customers.

Electricity

Electric service has been restored to most customer-owners from Cashmere to Stevens Pass. Dozens of crews worked to restore service safely. There were no reported injuries or accidents during restoration efforts. At the height of the storm, more than 15,000 customers were without power due to fallen trees and downed powerlines.

If you are still without power – or to report a safety concern – call Chelan PUD’s outage line at 1-877-783-8123. Stay far away from downed powerlines; assume that they’re live and can be fatal if touched.

• Tumwater Canyon: A few customers remain without power due to safety and access issues along Highway 2. Chelan PUD is working with the Washington State Department of Transportation on a plan to restore service safely.
• Stehekin: Dozens of customers may be without power for a week or more depending on weather and safe access. A diesel generator is providing limited power from the powerhouse toward Silver Bay, but the landing area remains without power. Helicopter inspections showed significant road damage and about 12 downed power poles. The Company Creek powerhouse and penstock remain intact. Chelan PUD is coordinating with Chelan County Emergency Management and the National Park Service to support recovery efforts and public safety.

Water and wastewater

Water and wastewater customers may resume normal water use.

Wastewater service was restored Sunday for about 100 customers along Cedar Brae Road in Lake Wenatchee after crews repaired a sewer line at Nason Creek. Service was restored Saturday for nearly 40 customers along the north shore of Lake Wenatchee after floodwaters submerged step tanks.

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