August 2007 Power Lines Newsletter

Download the newsletter as an Adobe PDF File

In this Issue:

• Heat Pumps Deliver Summer Cooling, Winter Savings
• PUD Board Supports Northwest Dams
• Simplify life with Always Current Automatic Bill Payment
• Last chance to enter the Calendar Photo Contest
• Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lighting
• We need access to your meter

Heat Pumps Deliver Summer Cooling, Winter Savings

Summertime is in full swing and many people are searching for the best way to keep comfortable through the long, hot days and nights.  If you’re thinking about adding an air conditioning system to your home or planning to buy or build a new home, you should consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump system. 

A heat pump is the most economical way to heat and cool your home. Installing a heat pump can reduce winter heating bills and keep you cool and comfortable through the hot summer months.

The savings add up

Just how much money will you save with a heat pump?  Quite a bit! The graph below shows the cost comparison for several popular heating systems, based on an output of one million BTUs of heat:

As the graph shows, heat pumps cost much less to operate than many other popular heating systems. (This comparison was calculated using current residential rates for the PUD and the gas company and average heating oil prices. )

Rebates, financing available

We offer rebates of up to $1,300 for the purchase of qualifying heat pump systems that are installed through our heat pump program.  Financing at a 6% fixed rate is available through local credit unions and state tax credits may apply for some models.

For more information:

To learn more about our energy efficient heat pump program contact our Energy Experts at (503) 366-5470 or experts@crpud.org or visit www.crpud.net.

PUD Board Supports Northwest Dams

Your Board of Directors has passed a resolution proclaiming its support for the clean, renewable hydropower system in the Northwest and opposing changes in dams or operations that are not science-based or cost-effective.

The resolution is part of a regional, year-long campaign called Green Dams, Blue Skies designed to communicate the benefits of having clean, reliable and low-cost hydropower here in the Northwest.

“Many of our customers don’t realize the essential economic contribution the hydropower system makes to the region’s economy,” said PUD Board President Loren Tarbell. 

“Even small changes to river operations can have a big impact on electricity generation, irrigation, transportation, fishing and fish and wildlife conservation.”

To learn more or to sign a pledge of support for Green Dams, Blue Skies, visit www.nwriverpartners.org.

Simplify life with Always Current Automatic Bill Payment

If you’re like most people, there are many things you’d rather do with your time than pay bills.  That’s why we created the Always Current automatic payment program. 

When you choose Always Current, you’ll receive your invoice by email each month, and your payment will be automatically deducted from your checking or savings account.  You can go online anytime to view your payment history and electricity usage.

It’s as simple as that.  No due dates to remember,  no bills to clutter up the house, and the peace of mind that comes with knowing that your account is always up-to-date.

To sign up, call Customer Accounts at (503) 397-0590, fill out the form on the back of this coupon, or visit www.crpud.net.

Last chance to enter the Calendar Photo Contest

Thinking about entering the PUD’s 2007 Calendar Photo Contest?  The August 31st deadline is quickly approaching - now is the time to submit your entries!

We are looking for scenic photos that feature the many opportunities for recreation and tourism that can be found around our beautiful county.

To be considered, photos must be taken in Columbia County and be appropriately sized for printing at 12 inches wide by 9 inches high. You can submit prints, slides, negatives or digital files.

Entry forms are available on our website, or you may pick one up at our office.  To learn more, contact Libby Calnon at (503) 366-3264 or lca@crpud.org.

Switch to Compact Fluorescent Lighting

If every American swapped just one light bulb for an ENERGY STAR labeled Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), it would collectively save more than $8 billion in energy costs and remove 2 million cars worth of greenhouse gas emissions from our atmosphere. 

Need another reason to switch?

CFLs save money -

The less energy it takes to light your house, the lower your electric  bill will be. That’s why it’s a good idea to replace the lights you use most often with CFLs.

CFLs last a long time -

CFLs can last up to 10 times as long as standard bulbs. That makes them an excellent choice for lighting in hard-to-reach areas.

CFLs produce good light -

CFL technology has improved dramatically in recent years. In a recent test by Popular Mechanics, CFL bulbs outperformed standard bulbs in tests for color, brightness and quality of light.

CFLs help fight global warming -

CFLs use 2/3 less energy than standard bulbs
to produce the same amount of light. When you use less energy, that means less energy must be generated by coal or natural gas-fired  power plants, which create
pollution that leads to global warming.

Learn more:

To learn more about CFLs, visit www.energystar.gov or contact our Energy Experts at (503) 366-5470 or experts@crpud.org.  They can help you choose the styles of CFLs that will work best for you.

We need access to your meter

Although we use an automated system to read your meter each month, from time to time we still need access to your electric meter. 

Please ensure that the path to your electric meter is free of hazards, holes or debris, and keep the area in front of your meter clear of debris, shrubs and other obstacles.

Thank you!