PSE transformers are transformed into works of art

Puget Sound Energy’s transformer box at South Whidbey High School has an artsy new look.

As part of PSE’s ‘ARTility’ project, artwork was installed at one of the transformers located on the school grounds.

“‘ARTility’ is a beautification project aimed at saving customers money by reducing or eliminating graffiti clean-up costs,” the press release states.

“This transformer has been tagged with graffiti before, and our hope is that we can prevent that type of activity in the future by displaying beautiful art from local artists on our equipment,” said Walt Blackford, PSE outreach manager on Whidbey Island.

This is the only project this year that will be initiated on school grounds in the local service area.

“We are pleased that PSE chose to place art on this transformer,” said South Whidbey School District Superintendent Jo Moccia.

“It looks wonderful, and will hopefully serve its purpose.”

PSE worked with a local artist from Whidbey Island, Tia Savedo, to install the piece.

The South Whidbey transformer installation is one of nine projects that will be completed by the end of the year in PSE’s service area. All the artwork will represent PSE’s commitment to renewable energy and reducing its carbon footprint 50 percent by 2040.

• The artwork is part of PSE’s ARTility project, which is aimed at reducing maintenance on PSE assets by covering them with art