May 2007 Power Lines Newsletter

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In this issue:

Metal theft is dangerous and costly

Metal theft is on the rise in the United States, due in large part to the high price of copper and other metals on the salvage market.  Utilities in Oregon and Washington are seeing an increase in the number of burglaries at substations and other facilities.  This is a dangerous trend that increases costs for all PUD customers.

Safety is our first concern

When thieves steal copper wire from our substations or distribution system they put themselves at great risk, often for little benefit.  Last October, a Washington man was electrocuted and killed while trying to steal $20 worth of copper. 
Not only do thieves put themselves at risk, they also endanger our employees and the general public.  In many cases, thieves are stealing grounding wire from our substations and power poles that is designed to protect workers and to prevent equipment failures.

Theft increases costs

Metal theft also costs you money.  Thieves caused an estimated $25,000 in damage to a substation near Clatskanie recently while stealing less than $200 worth of copper and brass.  BPA experienced nearly 50 burglaries last year with repairs costing $150,000.  Ultimately, customers like you pay for these repairs.

Report suspicious activity

We need your help to stop metal theft.  If you see suspicious activity around our substations, power poles or other electrical equipment, please call 9-1-1 immediately and report it.  You can also call us at (503) 397-1844 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report suspicious activity or damage to PUD substations or equipment.

Work safely around electricity

  • Never touch tools or appliances while you are wet or standing in water.
  • Put power tools down if you’re upset, angry or in a hurry. Wait until you can focus on the job.
  • Never use power tools near live electrical wires.
  • Don’t climb trees near power lines.
  • Keep ladders at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
  • Never remove guards from power tools or lawn products. They are there to protect you.
  • Outdoor receptacles should be protected with ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCI).
  • Use tools and extension cords  marked for outdoor use.
  • Don’t wear loose clothing or jewelry when using power tools.
  • Read and follow the manufacturers’ instructions for all power tools.

Please leave utility poles alonePhoto of linemen on a pole

While we know that it can be tempting to hang signs, bird houses, basketball hoops and other items on utility poles, there are good reasons why you shouldn’t:

  • The National Electric Safety Code prohibits utility pole attachments.  We risk fines from the Oregon Public Utility Commission when items are attached to our poles.
  • Attachments endanger our employees who climb the pole to perform maintenance or repair work.  A tiny puncture in a worker’s rubber gloves can expose him to severe electric shock, causing serious injury or death.
  • Attachments damage utility poles.  When the sealed outer layers of a pole are pierced, moisture and insects creep in and cause damage that shortens the life of the pole, resulting in higher maintenance costs for all PUD customers.

Thank you for helping us to maintain safe facilities for our employees and our customers. 

$250 rebate on Marathon® water heaters

In the market for a new water heater?  Buy a Marathon®. Marathon water heaters carry a lifetime warranty against tank leakage and are the most energy-efficient water heaters on the market.

We offer a $250 rebate on Marathon electric water heaters and 0%, 12 month financing with approved credit.

Marathon water heaters come in several sizes and are available from several local dealers.  

To learn more, contact our Energy Experts at experts@crpud.org or (503) 366-5470 or visit www.crpud.net.

Pre-approval required for weatherization projects

Weatherizing your home? Your first step should be to contact our Energy Experts to set up a free home energy evaluation.

Beginning May 1, rebates will only be paid for pre-approved weatherization projects.   This includes weatherproofing, window replacement, insulation upgrades & other measures.

For more information, contact: Columbia River PUD
Energy Experts
(503) 366-5470
experts@crpud.org

Call before you dig

If you plan to dig anywhere on public or private property, don’t forget to call the Oregon Utility Notification Center first. They will visit your property and mark the location of any underground electric, gas, telephone, cable, water or sewer lines, so you can dig safely. 

You can reach them at www.callbeforeyoudig.org or 800-332-2344. It’s not just a good idea to call - it’s the law!

compact fluorescent light bulbBuy CFLs!

Next time you change a light, switch to an energy-efficient compact fluorescent light bulb.  CFLs use 1/3 the energy of traditional incandescent bulbs and can last 10 times longer.  You can buy CFLs anywhere light bulbs are sold.