Third “100-Year Storm” Creates Islands-Wide Work Parties
The third 100-year storm in two years caused power outages for two-to-four weeks. Staff member Beth Anderson recalled, “Hurricane-force winds whipped trees in all directions. Trees and power … Read More
1993 Office Staff
Cherry Thurman, Robin Morgan, Michelle St. Claire, Karin Becker, Rita Davis, Cele Westlake, Judi Resch and Carol Merrill.
Armitage Island Lights Up
Tiny Armitage Island became the 20th island to be electrified by OPALCO.
First “100-Year Storm” Causes Massive Outages
The first of three “100-year storms” to hit San Juan County in a two-year period struck. Acres of trees were mowed down by the storm, and power was … Read More
New General Manager: Doug Bechtel
Doug Bechtel was named General Manager. Bechtel played a key role in the development of the Co-op during his 14-year tenure and was responsible for moving the utility … Read More
OPALCO Turns 50!
1987: OPALCO celebrated 50 years of service.
Union Now! OPALCO Becomes IBEW Shop
OPALCO employees voted to unionize under an International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) contract.
OPALCO Heroically Files for Bankruptcy in Response to WPPSS Quagmire
OPALCO was swept up in the Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS) debacle, the biggest and most notorious municipal bond default in U.S. history. OPALCO was one of … Read More
Lineman Ole Pederson Tragically Killed
One of OPALCO’s own, Bruce “Ole” Pederson, Journeyman Lineman of Lopez Island, was killed while working on a 7,200-volt regulator bank on Lopez.
Washington Public Power Supply System Debacle
In the late 1970s and early 1980s, OPALCO was swept up in the “Whoops!” Washington Public Power Supply System (WPPSS) debacle, the biggest and most notorious municipal bond … Read More
Celebrate OPALCO's 75th Anniversary
