Four electricity substations were attacked on Christmas Day affecting thousands of customers
Brett Davis
The Center Square Washington
Washington Gov. Jay Inslee is one of many people concerned about what appears to be the intentional sabotage of several electric substations in his state, cutting off thousands of people from electricity during extreme winter weather events.
“We are aware of increased threats to our utilities and are monitoring threat activity, as we play a support and coordination role with federal and local governments and individual utilities,” Jaime Smith, director of communications for the governor’s office, told The Center Square Tuesday.
At present, the Governor’s Office is offering reinforcement, not recommendations.
“We defer to utilities and the appropriate law enforcement agencies working with them to describe any specific threats they’ve received or experienced,” Smith added.
Four electricity substations in the Tacoma area were attacked Sunday – Christmas Day – affecting thousands of customers, according to authorities.
The Pierce County Sheriff’s Department estimated that 14,000 homes and businesses were affected at one point on Sunday when a person or people broke into the three facilities and vandalized equipment.
On Sunday night, the department indicated there was one more incident that evening at another Puget Sound Energy substation.
“This is the 4th incident at a Power Substation in South Pierce County on Christmas Day. All law enforcement agencies in the county have been notified of the incidents and will be monitoring power substations in their area,” the department said in a same-day statement. “At this time power has been restored to most of the affected homes.”
A wintry mix comprised mostly of freezing rain covered the Pacific Northwest in traffic-snarling ice right before the Christmas weekend and shut down Seattle-Tacoma International Airport for a time. Warmer weather moved through the Puget Sound area on Christmas Eve and melted some of that ice right before Christmas Day.
There have been a recent string of electrical grid attacks beyond Washington, including substations in Oregon, Florida, and North Carolina being struck.
This report was first published by The Center Square Washington.
Also read:
- Opinion: WA turns redder, despite faulty media reports that said otherwise
WAGOP highlights gains in Washington’s November 2024 election, challenging claims the state turned “bluer.” - Vancouver City Council to host community forum on Nov. 25
Vancouver City Council invites community members to share questions and ideas at a public forum on Nov. 25 at Evergreen Public Schools. - Vancouver Public Schools to run Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy on February ballotVancouver Public Schools Board approves a Technology, Safety, and Capital Projects Levy for the February 2025 ballot to support long-term needs.
- Bridge, trail reopen at Moulton Falls Regional ParkMoulton Falls Regional Park reopens its iconic wood bridge and trail after restoration work to ensure structural integrity and weather protection.
- Take steps to save money and prevent food waste this holiday seasonClark County shares tips to save money and prevent food waste this holiday season, from smart shopping to creative leftovers.
- Mortenson presents Clark College with ceremonial key to Advanced Manufacturing CenterClark College celebrates the completion of its Ridgefield campus’s Advanced Manufacturing Center, boosting local workforce development and education opportunities.
- City of Battle Ground seeks community input on NW 5th Street Extension ProjectThe City of Battle Ground seeks public feedback on the NW 5th Street Extension Project to ease Main Street congestion.
