South Lakeshore Road - Fiber network expansion

We're expanding the PUD's fiber network to the South Lakeshore area of Chelan

We are in the Preconstruction Phase of a project to extend fiber in the areas of Fiber Distribution Towers (FDT) 230, 150, and 151 (map to the right). This includes the area north of Lake Chelan Yacht Club to the end of the line at 25 Mille Creek.

Before we can extend fiber cable to the area, we must first upgrade the electrical system (poles, wires, and other equipment). Significant work, including property rights and permitting, is sometimes needed to upgrade the electrical system to bring them up to current standards before fiber cables can be added. These upgrades not only prepare the system for fiber cables, they will also improve electrical reliability in the area.
It takes a lot of planning and coordination to extend the fiber network and serve individual homes and businesses. These projects are multi-phase and take multiple years. If you chose to apply for fiber service and your property is eligible, please know it will take some time between submitting your application and having fiber service at your home or business.
The PUD’s Fiber team will let you know when you can start applying for service with your chosen service provider. For more information on fiber service and a list of service providers, please visit the PUD’s Fiber webpage.

Join Us!

WHO: Customers in FDT-230
WHEN: Wednesday, Sept. 27 at 6pm
HOW: Zoom
WHAT: Project overview and Q&A

Chelan PUD will host a virtual meeting with customers in the service area of FDT-230. If your property is located in this area and you did not receive an email with a link to the Zoom meeting, please sign up here.

Stay Engaged!

Sign up for email updates to stay engaged throughout the project. We'll be able to identify the FDT service area you're associated with based on your service address.

Virtual meetings will be scheduled for each FDT separately. We'll let you know when we're ready to meet with stakeholders in your area.

Help Us, Help You:

PUD staff is currently reviewing property rights.
If the PUD needs additional property rights before construction, you will receive a letter requesting an easement across your property.
Please sign and return the easement promptly, this will allow us to bring fiber to the area. If you have specific questions about easements, please email realestateservices@chelanpud.org or call 509-661-4220.

The area from the Yacht Club south to just before the intersection with Navarre Coulee Road (see map to the right) is currently in the 3-5 year plan for fiber expansion. We will begin engaging stakeholders in FDT 152 and 153 once we reach the Preconstruction Phase for this area.

Questions?

Please email contactus@chelanpud.org or call 509-661-4563.

Anticipated Timeline

S Lakeshore Fiber_Web_Timeline

How the PUD expands the Fiber network

- In steps 1-4, work is performed on the main electrical system (primary line).
- Engineers evaluate poles in the area. Based on their findings, they plan for adjustments to the poles or pole replacements
- In some areas, pole locations will move, poles may be taller and wire height may change.
- Engineers design the route for the primary line.
- In many areas, the primary line is located in the right-of-way (edge of roadway). In areas where the primary does not follow the roadway, we will attempt to realign it.
- Engineering and real estate specialists review property rights and seek easements as needed.
- Staff applies for necessary permits required to work in the Chelan County and WSDOT Right-of-Way.
- Distribution line crews replace or reframe existing overhead power poles on the primary line.
- Where new poles are needed, holes are dug and new poles are installed.
- Existing wire is transferred from the old poles to the new poles.
- PLEASE NOTE – the old poles will not be removed until much later in the project, after other pole contacts (phone, cable, etc.) have been transferred.
- Fiber crews install the main fiber-optic cables on the primary line.
- Install service terminals in area neighborhoods to prepare for bringing fiber service from the primary line to the line that serves your home or business (secondary line).
- Splicing crew joins the newly installed main-line fiber cables together.
- In step 5, work is performed on the secondary line(s) that connect individual services to the primary line. Adjustments to the secondary line(s) may be needed, based on customer’s applications for fiber service.
- If your property is eligible and your application for service was placed with your service provider, the PUD will receive your order directly from the provider.
- PUD engineers will design a path to extend fiber to your individual home or business. They will review any requirements needed to connect your fiber service. In some instances, they may need to meet you on-site to review the design.
- PUD crews will extend a service line to your home or business and attach equipment to the exterior of your building.
- Your service provider will schedule the remainder of the installation with you.
- Once the service provider has completed their work, you can begin enjoying high-speed fiber internet.