Puget Sound Energy Update on Wind-Storm Power Outages, Restoration Effort.

As of noon today, Puget Sound Energy line crews had restored electric service to more than 120,000 of the 140,000 PSE-served homes and businesses that lost power during Saturday's fierce wind storm. Of the 19,000 customers still without electricity, most are in Kitsap County, southern Jefferson

The utility is continuing to make steady progress restoring service, and believes all but a few thousand of the remaining customers still without power should have their electric service restored by the time the Super Bowl begins at midafternoon. Some of these customers, along with small pockets of other customers in remote, outlying areas elsewhere in PSE's service territory, may not see their power restored until later today or even tomorrow.

PSE line crews, with help from about 60 outside line crews that PSE called in from Canada, Eastern Washington, Idaho, Oregon, California, and Nevada, have been working nonstop since the severe storm struck Western Washington late Friday night and early Saturday morning.

Safety Note to Media:

Please use caution when surveying or photographing storm damage or utility restoration work. Wet soils have made trees very susceptible to high winds, so PSE advises against setting up TV shots under or near large trees. If you see a power line on the ground, assume it is energized, keep clear, and call PSE right away (1-888-225-5773). If you feel public safety may be at risk, please dial 911.