Power Lines Newsletter - January 2007

Download as a PDF file

In this issue:

Strong windstorm batters Pacific Northwest

PUD one of first to restore power to all customers after storm; crews assist neighbor utilities

The windstorm that swept through the Pacific Northwest on December 14th was one for the record books. Wind gusts reaching 90-100 mph were recorded throughout western Oregon and Washington, leaving 1.5 million people with no electricity. About 7,200 Columbia River PUD customers lost power during the storm.

BPA transmission lines affected

The PUD’s first storm-related outage occurred at 3:50 Thursday afternoon when a tree fell across a transmission line owned by Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), causing an outage for all 2,500 customers served by Tarbell Substation.

At 7:30 p.m. Thursday an outage on another BPA transmission line cut power to all 870 PUD customers served by Goble Substation.

PUD distribution system damaged


Fallen trees on Parkdale Road

Throughout the PUD’s distribution system more than 65 separate trouble spots were reported, and the crew responded to many more that were not called in by customers. The most significant damage to our distribution system occurred on Parkdale Road, Neer City Road, Siercks Road, Hankey Road and Sykes Road, where falling trees tore down many poles and spans of wire.

Crews worked long hours to restore power

The PUD’s three line crews swung into action Thursday and worked 36 hours straight, restoring power to 6,700 customers before taking an eight-hour rest break on Friday night. They returned Saturday morning to put in another 22 hour day, restoring power to the last 500 customers by early Sunday morning.

Crews helped neighbor utilities

After our customers were all back in service, our line crews went to assist our neighboring utilities in Clatskanie and Vernonia.

Customers said thank you

Many other PUD employees manned the phones at the office through the storm cleanup effort. They recorded many calls from customers who said they appreciated the long hours the line crews put in to get the lights back on.

Home Emergency Kits helpful

The windstorm was a good reminder for all of us to prepare a 72-hour home emergency kit. Read more about what to put in your kit.

Back to top

Community service scholarship applications now available

Columbia River People’s Utility District (PUD) is offering four $1,500 college scholarships to graduating seniors from local high schools.

Criteria:

The PUD’s Board of Directors awards scholarships to recognize students for outstanding community service throughout their high school careers. Scholarship applicants will be asked to explain how they have made a difference in the community and to list their community involvement activities. All seniors living within our service area who have a minimum accumulated 2.5 GPA may apply.

How to apply:

Applications are available in the counseling offices of Scappoose, St. Helens and Rainier High Schools, at South Columbia Learning Center, at the PUD office in Deer Island and online at www.crpud.net.

Complete the application and mail it with the attachments to:
PUD Scholarship Team
P.O. Box 1193
St. Helens, OR 97051

Applications must be received by 5:00 p.m. on March 15, 2007. Finalists will be interviewed in May and the winners will be announced at each school’s annual awards ceremony.

Back to top

Appliance rebate program changing January 1st

Rebates for ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers, refrigerators, freezers and dishwashers

The PUD’s appliance rebate program will have new rebate amounts and new qualification standards beginning on January 1st due to changes mandated by Bonneville Power Administration, who provides funding for the program.

Look for the ENERGY STAR

Under the new guidelines, all ENERGY STAR qualified clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators that are placed in service in a home or business served by the PUD qualify for a rebate. Rebate amounts are as follows:

  • Clothes washer - electric hot water heater - $75
  • Clothes washer - gas, propane or oil hot water heater - $25
  • Dishwasher - $25
  • Refrigerator - $25
  • Freezer - $25

Tax credits also available

The state of Oregon also offers tax credits on energy-efficient appliances ranging from $50 to $180. Their qualification standards differ slightly from ours - for more information visit http://oregon.gov/energy/cons/res/tax/appliances.shtml.

Old guidelines honored until March 1st

Customers wishing to turn in rebate applications under the old standards must submit them by March 1st.

Back to top

PUD's annual audit now underway

Each year, an independent auditing firm reviews the PUD’s accounting records to ensure that we are conducting business in compliance with generally accepted accounting practices and that controls are in place to safeguard the PUD’s assets.

As part of the audit, a review of customer records and billing activity is performed. If you have questions about your bill, please contact Customer Accounts at (503) 397-0590 or custsvc@crpud.org. If you feel you have been billed incorrectly please notify our auditors, in writing, and describe your billing error. Please include a copy of your billing statement, if available. Send your letter to:

Kenneth Kuhns and Co.
570 Liberty Street SE
Salem, OR 97301