Steilacoom schedules two-day outage for substation maintenance
Steilacoom plans townwide power interruptions from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Aug. 13-14 for substation maintenance; the district office will close.
Steilacoom has scheduled townwide power interruptions for Thursday, Aug. 13, and Friday, Aug. 14, while proactive and required maintenance is performed at the local substation that the town says supplies 100% of Steilacoom’s electrical power.
The Town of Steilacoom says the planned outage hours are 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day. Power is planned to be restored each evening, but the town’s notice does not guarantee restoration at exactly 5 p.m. or provide a specific restoration time.
What will remain open
The Steilacoom Community Center is expected to remain open and operational with electricity from a backup generator. The town has notified Public Safety, West Pierce Fire and Rescue, and South Sound 911’s emergency communications system about the planned outage.
Town administration says it will monitor weather conditions and post updates if conditions affect the schedule.
School district office will close
The Steilacoom Historical School District has confirmed that its district office will be closed Aug. 13 and 14 because of the planned townwide outage. The district notice does not say that all schools will be closed.
Why one substation matters
Steilacoom’s electric utility information says the town purchases power from the Bonneville Power Administration and operates a town-owned electric distribution system. A 2024 town project document described the BPA substation as the system’s single source for power and discussed reliability and interconnection work.
That background helps explain why maintenance at one facility can affect the town. It does not establish whether previously discussed alternate-interconnection work is complete or available for the August 2026 outage. The town’s current notice is the source for the dates, hours and maintenance purpose.
How residents and businesses can prepare
- Charge phones, laptops, battery packs and other essential devices before 7 a.m.
- Make a plan for refrigerated or frozen food and for equipment that cannot operate without electricity.
- Arrange backup power or an alternate work location if you work remotely or operate a business that depends on electronic payments, refrigeration or communications.
- Residents who rely on powered medical equipment should contact their provider and arrange a safe backup location or power source before the outage.
- Check on older adults, people with disabilities, medically dependent neighbors and households without reliable transportation.
The Community Center’s generator does not by itself mean that charging, cooling, medical or shelter services will be available. Residents should verify what services are being offered before relying on the facility.
Residents should follow Town of Steilacoom updates and emergency notifications for weather-related changes, outage updates and restoration information.
Sources
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