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of additional County review for"consistency with local policies, laws, customs,and culture," as this language may <br /> introduce uncertainty without further definition. <br /> U-P17:It is the position of Kittitas County that it is inappropriate for utilities to over or under build other utilities.A <br /> specific example of such requirements may be found in RCW 35A.14.900 and other state laws. <br /> PSE requests clarification of the terms"over build" and "under build" as used in this policy.The cited statutory <br /> example (RCW 35A.14.900) relates specifically to annexation scenarios, in which county franchises are replaced by <br /> city franchises.Additional context would help utilities better understand how this policy is intended to apply outside <br /> of annexation circumstances. <br /> U-6`7:Plan for, coordinate, and allow the expansion of solar production,small nuclear and wind facilities to improve <br /> the resilience of Kittitas County. Ensure codes encourage upfront mitigation for project impacts and are properly sited. <br /> PSE appreciates the County's support for solar,wind, and small nuclear resources. We would also advocate for the <br /> inclusion of battery energy storage systems to improve system reliability and community resilience. Energy storage <br /> technologies play an increasingly important role in supporting grid stability, integrating renewable generation, <br /> managing peak demand and improving outage response. <br /> PSE supports the policies under this goal that direct the County to provide study requirements, mitigation measures, <br /> preferred siting considerations, and a streamlined permitting process.As noted above for transmission, maintaining <br /> momentum and flexibility in infrastructure siting will be critical to meeting the County's growing and evolving energy <br /> needs. <br /> CR-P8: Work with energy utilities to improve the safety and reliability of infrastructure replace with during extreme <br /> heat events. <br /> In 2025, PSE invested nearly$85 million in grid strengthening projects,with a large portion of this work concentrated <br /> in Kittitas County.This included equipment upgrades, underground conversions and tree wire installations. We have <br /> also installed 15 weather stations and seven Pano Al smoke-detecting cameras with viewsheds in the County,with an <br /> additional two planned for 2026. We share camera access with more than 270 emergency response agencies <br /> throughout our service territory, including fire districts, DNR and the Kittitas 911 center,which improve detection and <br /> response times. PSE will continue to invest in wildfire mitigation and vegetation management to reduce risk, protect <br /> our communities and maintain reliable electric service. <br /> PSE has been a long-standing community partner, electric utility provider and renewable energy operator in Kittitas <br /> County.We are committed to supporting Kittitas County's economic growth by investing in electric infrastructure that <br /> serves existing customers, attracts new business and supports housing and employment growth. We will also <br /> continue to work alongside Kittitas County to support renewable energy projects that contribute to the local tax base, <br /> landowner income, long-term capacity, and the clean energy economy. <br /> PSE looks forward to continued collaboration with Kittitas County as the Comprehensive Plan is refined.Thank you for <br /> considering our comments and for your commitment to thoughtful,forward-looking utility planning. <br /> Sincerely, <br /> ~1F' <br /> Carryn Vande Griend <br /> Puget Sound Energy <br /> Local Government Affairs <br />