The City of Newcastle Hearing Examiner has issued a decision to conditionally approve Puget Sound Energy's (PSE) application for the Energize Eastside project. The proposal is part of PSE's larger project to upgrade approximately 16 miles of electrical transmission lines from Redmond to Renton. In the Newcastle segment, the existing wooden transmission poles measuring up to 55 feet in height will be replaced with steel poles measuring an average height of 84 feet. Newcastle held five-day public hearing in early 2022 for expert testimony and public comments. A 21-day appeal period is now open.

The examiner's conditions of approval require PSE to coordinate work in their corridor with Olympic Pipeline, several safety mitigation measures, the installation of landscaping, and a tree protection plan. PSE is also required to provide public outreach to affected residents prior to construction. For additional information, please see the City’s Energize Eastside webpage.