...1976 - 1990

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