Notwithstanding debate over EMF effects, property values, etc., the heart of the matter is the amount of electrical power available to supply the needs of Bainbridge Island.

That amount is now near capacity. And if somehow no additional/new draw on that capacity could be arranged, in combination with energy conservation, we could probably get by with what we have.

But the problem, which seems to be conveniently ignored, is that development is still being encouraged by the City of Bainbridge Island.

Once the current situation in the housing markets stabilizes you can be sure that new construction will reappear all over Bainbridge Island. And with that construction will be new demands on the already limited electrical service capacity. Sooner, rather than later, there will not be enough to go around.

Energy conservation is a good thing and I subscribe to it myself. But just so much can be done.

We can keep our head in the sand and try to hide from the problem, or address it and manage it in a way as to have the least negative impact.

If we try to hide, eventually we’ll pay the price with brown outs and black outs. And at that point, it will be way too late to do anything on a timely basis. The only responsible party I have seen yet in this process is Puget Sound Energy. Too bad…

Norman T. Marten Jr.

Bainbridge Island