Council moves Puget Sound Energy franchise renewal to July 15 consent calendar

The Tumwater City Council voted to place Ordinance O2025-002, renewing Puget Sound Energy's franchise agreement, to the July 15 consent calendar after a staff presentation.

Jennifer Radcliffe presented the ordinance and said the city had an existing 10-year franchise agreement with Puget Sound Energy (PSE) and that PSE requested a renewal under provisions that allow two 2-year extensions. Radcliffe noted state statute precludes council from granting a franchise at the time of introduction and described the ordinance as a renewal of the existing arrangement.

Radcliffe told the council that "there's no cost associated with the agreement itself," while also explaining the agreement contains financial terms for specific work: as an example she cited underground conversion, where PSE would pay 60% of the cost and the city 40% when that option is pursued.

Councilmember Kelly Von Holtz moved to place the ordinance on the July 15 consent calendar; Councilmember Angela Jefferson seconded the motion. The council approved the referral by voice vote.