With the specter of a 33 percent rate increase looming after the first of the year, it’s relatively easy to find fault with the Snohomish County PUD and accuse the utility of pulling the plug on our Christmas spirit. However, tempering any frustration ought to be a profound gratitude to the men and women who staff the utility’s storm-response teams.
The powerful windstorms that blew through the region late last week clearly created their share of inconvenience. Those who overslept Friday morning because the alarm clock malfunctioned and couldn’t enjoy a hot cup of morning coffee were certainly grumbling as they headed out wearing bed-head for their trip to work or a day of holiday shopping. Long before the rest of us crankily started our day minus the power we often take for granted, the utility crews were already hard at work. While the wind continued to howl, they labored amid storm-broken trees and downed power lines. Thankfully, crews worked throughout the night and into the weekend to restore power throughout Western Washington. So, Sunday’s sunshine and calm skies was able to bring a welcome respite for the weather weary.
As late as Saturday night, a lumbering convoy of PUD trucks made their way down rain-slickened I-5, finally returning to the utility following a long, cold stretch of dangerous duty. In these trucks were dedicated men and women who deserve an appreciative wave of thanks along with the overtime checks they earned.
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