Puget Sound Energy keeps Wild Horse wind site closed after damaged turbine left standing

Puget Sound Energy told the Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council on Aug. 20 that a previously reported damaged turbine tower at the Wild Horse Wind Facility remains standing and that the utility will keep the site closed to the public for the remainder of 2025. Jennifer Galbraith, representing Puget Sound Energy, said the damaged tower “remains standing” and that PSE is monitoring the structure around the clock while emergency responders remain on standby. PSE told the council it is assessing options to safely decommission the tower after wildfire season and is coordinating with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife to notify hunters and other users about the closure so they can plan alternate access during upcoming hunting seasons. When asked by Council Pamplin whether any parts of the site might be reopened if the turbine is safely decommissioned earlier, Galbraith said the site is typically closed for winter beginning Dec. 1 and that PSE has determined to keep it closed “through the remainder of the year.” She added: “At this point, we do not have any plans for reopening just because there’s too many unknowns at this point, and the risk is too high right now.” The council did not take formal action; members asked staff and PSE questions about reopening and notification practices. PSE said it will continue to coordinate with state wildlife officials and emergency responders while it monitors the tower and considers decommissioning options.