Ketron Island Power Planning Study

Ketron Island Study Milestones

Background

Tacoma Power has been serving the island with power since an undersea cable was installed in 1965. At the time of deployment, it was anticipated that significant real estate development would follow, and Ketron Island would grow to include 265 homes and other non-residential facilities, such as a church, library, and market. The cable providing power was designed to accommodate this projected growth. However, this development never occurred due to persistent issues with septic, freshwater, and ferry transportation. A little less than 20 homes were built over the years, and many are used only during the summer months. Ketron Island is currently zoned R-10 by Pierce County, which limits residential home development to 1 for every 10 acres.

In 2005, Tacoma Power performed cable injection to extend the life of the power cables’ insulation, but not the other cable components.  Currently, the cable serving Ketron is nearing the end of its useful life, and the electrical testing required or the act of trying to inject the cable again could mean the end of the remaining life. Ketron Island residents should always plan ahead in the event of a power outage or if the undersea cable is unable to provide power to the island.

What to Expect

Provide your Questions and feedback

Tacoma Power will provide an opportunity for residents to share input regarding the study and the draft findings near the completion of the study. If you have questions or comments you’d like to share before the input opportunity, please feel free to use our message form.

No Immediate changes

This study is a planning effort. No decisions about the future power supply for Ketron Island will be made at the end of this study; only recommendations will be made. Those recommendations will be shared with the residents of Ketron Island.

Transparency and updates

Tacoma Power will keep residents informed throughout the study and share the findings once the study is complete. This webpage will be updated as new information becomes available.

You may see new faces

Residents may see representatives from Tacoma Power and HDR Engineering, our contractor, on the island for a brief period during an early field visit. This is expected to occur only once and last about one workday.

Common Questions

Why is Tacoma Power doing this study?

• The undersea cable serving Ketron Island is nearing the end of its useful life. This study aims to identify long-term, reliable, and affordable solutions for maintaining power service.

Is this study about replacing the cable?

• The study focuses on exploring new local options, such as microgrids. Tacoma Power is also evaluating cable replacement separately, but this is not part of the current study.

Will there be construction or immediate Changes?

• This is a planning effort. No decisions or construction will happen as part of this study.

How will residents be involved?

• Residents will have opportunities to review draft findings and provide input later in the process. We’ll also keep the community updated throughout the study.

Will Tacoma Power Staff or Contractors visit the island?

• Early in the process, a small team from our participating contractor, HDR, will visit the island for a brief, one-day field assessment.