Tour of the Georgetown Steam Plant

Georgetown Steam Plant:

In 1906 the Seattle Electric Company (SEC), a Stone and Webster company, completed construction on the Georgetown Steam Plant. When it began operation it supplied alternating current to the city of Georgetown and direct current for street cars in Seattle and the interurban between Seattle and Tacoma. Ownership of the facility transferred to the Puget Sound Traction and Lighting Company during its formation in 1912, via merger. When it was originally constructed it was located on the Duwamish River which it used for cooling. The plant remained in operation even after the Duwamish was straightened between 1914 and 1920. Originally an oil-fired power plant the conversion to coal occurred in 1917. This facility houses the last operating examples of the early Curtiss steam turbines that had double the efficiency of the older steam engines. Initially the facility housed two vertically mounted turbines, 3 and 8 MW, but a horizontally mounted unit, 10 MW, was added in 1919 and nearly doubled the capacity of the plant. This new turbine was installed as a peaking unit to address the growing peak system load. In 1951 the plant was purchased by the City of Seattle Department of Lighting, the predecessor of Seattle City Light. The Georgetown Steam Plant remained in operation until 1972. Today the Georgetown Steam Plant is a National Historic Landmark and is still owned by Seattle City Light. Tours to the general public are not currently available so we are very fortunate for this opportunity.

Visit Requirements:

• While this is not an active power plant this is still an industrial facility. Closed toe shoes and sensible clothes are required. Because of the age of this facility it is not ADA compliant. There will be steep stairs and narrow walkways.
• All attendees will be asked to sign an Accident Waiver and Release from Liability form upon arrival.
• Since this is a not for profit organization, a $10 donation is recommended for each individual.

Agenda:

• 2:00 pm – Welcome and Introductions
• 2:30 pm – Tour

Location:
6605 13th Ave S
Seattle, Washington
98108