After hearing concerns from local businesses about frequent power outages, the City of Burien reached out to Seattle City Light, which says it is prioritizing infrastructure upgrades and community outreach to improve service reliability and efficiency.
Burien has historically faced challenges with its electrical infrastructure, and in the first six months of 2025 alone, the city has already experienced at least six major power outages.
According to data provided by the utility to the city’s Economic Development staff, the top causes of unplanned outages over the past decade have been:
- Equipment failure: 41%
- Tree or wire damage: 27%
- Animal or bird interference: 14%
City Light said that a notable spike in weather-related incidents was recorded in 2023, when lightning became the leading cause of outages.
In response to complaints about non-weather-related disruptions, Seattle City Light stated:
“We have heard the recent concerns about non-weather-related outages that have disrupted business operations. City Light understands that reliable service is critical for businesses.”
The utility added that it is “prioritizing system upgrades and maintenance,” including system replacements and pole reinforcements, to reduce future disruptions. “Ongoing investments in infrastructure upgrades are designed to enhance service stability and reduce future disruptions.”
In addition to its efforts to improve reliability, Seattle City Light’s Business Customer Service team visited 31 businesses along SW 152nd Street on May 19, 2025, providing customized energy-saving recommendations – though the visit did not appear to address the ongoing pattern of power outages.
“Business Customer Service Advisor Danielle and Energy Management Analyst Avery worked with business owners to identify tailored solutions to improve energy efficiency,” the city said in an email. These improvements included such ideas as replacing inefficient wall heaters with mini-split systems and installing outdoor light sensors that adjust with daylight, solutions they said can help reduce utility bills and align energy use with operating hours.
This was Seattle City Light’s second Burien outreach event, following a similar visit in October 2024. Another round of business visits is planned for later this summer.
Seattle City Light encourages Burien businesses to reach out to its Small and Medium Business Solutions team at (206) 256-5200. Free translation services are available.
