Puget Sound Energy (PSE) is encouraging neighbors and business owners to become involved in a discussion about Energize Eastside, an important electric transmission project that was launched last month.

Throughout 2014, PSE is reaching out to Eastside neighbors to hear their thoughts about plans for the 18-mile project that will stretch between Redmond and Renton. With renewed growth, more jobs and housing, and heavy electricity demand on the Eastside, the upgrade is needed to maintain safe and dependable power in the decades to come.

PSE will host a series of public events including meetings by a Community Advisory Group (CAG), which will provide input to PSE as the utility makes the selection for the route for the project. The CAG is made up of homeowners and people from businesses, schools, social service organizations and other key positions in the region. A calendar at www.PSE.com/EnergizeEastside has the most up-to-date information.

• First community advisory group meeting: 5:30-8 p.m. on Jan. 22 at the Red Lion Hotel, 11211 Main St., Bellevue

The CAG will review each of the 16 segments on the Eastside, work with PSE to combine segments into potential route options, and then recommend one route to PSE.In addition to the CAG meetings, PSE will hold open houses around the Eastside, which are informal gatherings to allow residents to learn more about the project from experts in various fields, including engineering, urban planning and vegetation management.

•  First open house:  6-8 p.m. on Jan. 29 at the Old Redmond Schoolhouse Community Center, 1660 N.E. 80th St., Redmond