Power Lines Newsletter - July 2007
In this issue
- Tips for beating the summer heat
- Electric rates staying low
- Scholarship winners announced
- Choice Energy business partners
- Tree trimming near service lines
- It's home improvement time again
- Automatic Payment with Always Current
- 2006 Annual Report available
Tips for beating the summer heat
Looking for relief from the summer heat? 
These tips will help you keep cool and comfortable while keeping energy costs to a minimum:
General Tips:
- Close drapes during the hottest times of the day to block heat out.
- Make sure your attic vents are clear and attic fans are functioning properly.
- Install awnings or plant shade trees or vines to shade south and east windows.
- Keep your house closed during daytime hours and ventilate it well at night.
Central Air Conditioning:
- If you’re building a new home or considering changes to your central heating and cooling system, consider installing a heat pump. Heat pumps are the most cost-effective way you can heat and cool your home.
- Have a qualified contractor inspect and service your system to ensure it is operating efficiently.
- Check your filters monthly & clean or replace them as needed.
- Keep vents open & unobstructed.
- Have your duct system tested for leaks and repaired if necessary.
Window Air Conditioning:
- Buy a properly sized unit. Too small won’t cool effectively; too large will use too much energy.
- Buy an ENERGY STAR qualified model.
- Use a fan with your air conditioner to help spread the cool air throughout the house.
For more information:
For more energy saving tips, call our Energy Experts at (503) 366-5470 or visit www.crpud.net.
Electric rates staying low
Recent news stories have said that electric rates in Oregon are increasing.
Your rates are not increasing.
Our last rate change was a 4.65% decrease that took effect last October. One of the reasons that our rates are low and stable is that 80% of the power we sell comes from the Columbia River Federal Hydropower System. Hydropower is a low cost, renewable resource.
We expect rates to stay the same through September 2009.
Scholarship winners announced
Each year the PUD awards Community Service Scholarships to graduating seniors from local high schools. This year’s recipients were:
St. Helens:
Shawna Ashlock - $1,500
Breaunna Duwadi - $750
Scappoose:
Justin Wilson - $1,500
Shyla Iverson - $750
Rainier:
Eric Wellington - $1,500
Nicole Bailey -$750
South Columbia Learning Center:
Amanda Garcia - $1,500
These local businesses made a great Choice!
Supporting renewable energy is an investment in our future. By purchasing Choice Energy wind power, these local businesses are distinguishing themselves as environmental leaders, reducing pollution and supporting economic development in Oregon.
When you visit these businesses, please thank them for choosing Choice Energy!
Choice Energy Business Partners:
- Burgerville
- Columbia Veterinary Clinic
- RainShadow Laboratories
- St. Helens Bowenwork Clinic
- St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union
- Scappoose Bay Kayaking
- Scappoose Bay Watershed Council
- Sommers Financial Management
Let us trim trees growing near overhead service lines
If your home is connected to the PUD’s electricity distribution system by an overhead wire (called a service line), please check periodically to ensure that trees are not growing into the path of the wire.
When trees become a problem
Tree limbs that occasionally brush a service line won’t damage it. But a tree limb or trunk that is pushing a service line out of its normal path should be trimmed or removed. This kind of interference can damage the electrical equipment in your home, or cause an outage for you and your neighbors.
When it’s time for a trim
If you see trees growing into your service line, please let us know. We will inspect your service and trim or remove trees that are growing too close.
Let us do the work!
Never trim trees that are growing near your service line; doing so puts you at risk for deadly electrical shock. To request trimming, call (503) 397-1844 and provide your name, service address, phone number and a description of the work that needs to be completed. You may also make your request through our website. Visit www.crpud.net and click on “For Your Home”.
It's home improvement time again!
Summer is a popular time of year for home improvement projects. It’s also a great time to upgrade your heating and cooling system and to weatherize your home. If you’re thinking about tackling one of these projects, you should consider doing both!
We have rebates for heat pump systems, insulation upgrades, window replacement, duct sealing and more. You may even be able to finance your improvements with a 6% fixed rate loan that’s available to qualified customers through St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union or Wauna Federal Credit Union.
Contact our Energy Experts at experts@crpud.org or (503) 366-5470 or visit www.crpud.net to learn more.
Automatic payment with Always Current
The Always Current Payment Plan makes bill paying a snap. Your bill is delivered by email and your payment is automatically deducted from your bank account.
To sign up, visit www.crpud.net
or call (503) 397-0590 to request an enrollment form.
2006 Annual Report now available
The PUD’s 2006 Annual Report is available on our website. If you would like a printed copy, please call (503) 397-1844.