November 2007 Power Lines Newsletter
Download a PDF of this newsletter
In this issue:
- Green dams, blue skies
- No power?
- Life support notice
- Buy wind power
- Weatherize and save
- Holiday safety tips
- Create a home emergency kit
Green dams, blue skies
You can’t pick up the newspaper or turn on the TV these days without hearing about how burning fossil fuels to generate electricity impacts our climate.
As a PUD customer, the majority of the electricity you buy doesn’t come from fossil fuels. We’re fortunate to have a local, renewable and non-polluting resource to rely on - hydropower.
In 2006, 85% of the electricity the PUD purchased was generated by hydroelectric dams. Another 10% came from nuclear power and 0.5% came from wind energy. Only 4.5% was generated by coal and natural gas-fired plants - the types of power plants that add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.
While you can feel good about the fact that the electricity you use comes from renewable resources, there is much more you can do to help fight global warming. Using less electricity and supporting the development of more renewable energy resources are two great alternatives.
We can help. Our Energy Experts have many programs and services to help you use energy wisely. Find out more by visiting www.crpud.net or calling (503) 366-5470.
Through our Choice Energy Program, you can buy all or some of the energy you use from wind farms in Eastern Oregon. Use the form below to sign up for wind power.
No power?
- Check your breakers or fuse panel for tripped breakers or blown fuses.
- Call our Outage Hotline to report the outage: (503) 397-1844
- Turn off all electric heaters, water heaters and cooking equipment at the breaker or fuse panel. When power is restored you can turn these back one one at a time, in 15-minute intervals.
- Unplug sensitive electronic equipment such as computers, TVs and stereos to prevent damage from voltage surges or spikes when power is restored.
If someone in your home is on life support...
If you or someone in your home is on life support, you should have a backup plan in the event of an outage or other emergency.
During an outage, it is important that you call our office at (503) 397-1844 to let us know that your power is off. We will provide you with as much information as we have about the outage so that you can decide whether to stay home or to relocate the patient.
You may also call us back for updates during the outage.
Buy wind power!
Through the PUD’s Choice Energy program, you can sign up for 100 kilowatt-hour “blocks” of wind power for $2 each per month, or buy all wind power for an additional 1.5¢ per kilowatt-hour per month.
Choice Energy wind power comes from three wind farms in Eastern Oregon. When
you sign up for Choice Energy, you encourage development of additional wind power
farms and other renewable energy resources.
To sign up, call Customer Accounts at (503) 397-0590, fill out the form on the back
of this coupon, email custsvc@crpud.org, or visit www.crpud.net.
Weatherize your home to save energy, live comfortably
Winter weather brings out the worst in a home’s energy habits. In a poorly weatherized home, cold and windy days can cause uncomfortable drafts and higher
energy bills. Weatherizing your home can help. \
Projects like adding insulation, upgrading windows and sealing duct work can increase your comfort, lower energy bills and improve the value of your home.
To find out what improvements you can make, you need a home energy evaluation. Here’s who to call:
Electric Heat: Our Energy Experts offer free in-home and online energy use evaluations. Call (503) 366-5470 or visit www.crpud.net.
Gas Heat: The Energy Trust of Oregon offers free in-home and online energy use evaluations. Call (866) 368-7878 or visit www.energytrust.org.
Other Heating Fuels: Contact the Oregon Department of Energy about the SHOW
program. Call (800) 221-8035 or visit www.oregon.gov/energy.
Hoilday safety tips
- Don't use electrical decorations with cracked or frayed sockets, bare wires or loose connections.
- Don't staple or nail through light strings or extension cords.
- Don't overload extension cords or allow them to run through water or snow on the ground.
- Before using an electrical product outdoors, make sure it is UL approved and marked for outdoor use.
- Don't use electrical ornaments or light strings on artificial trees with metallic leaves or branch coverings.
- Turn off all light strings and electrical decorations before leaving home or going to bed.
Create a home emergency kit
Emergencies happen when you least expect them. Whether you are faced with a storm, natural disaster or an extended power outage, you can keep your family safe and comfortable by preparing a home emergency kit containing these essential items. Don’t forget to prepare a smaller kit for each car that you drive.
- Water - Three gallons per person
- Radio, flashlight & extra batteries
- First aid kit
- Map of local area
- Food - A 3-day supply of nonperishable, high-calorie food that family members enjoy, and a can opener
- Crescent wrench - For utility shut-offs
- Money - Extra cash and coins
- Extra blankets and clothing
- Pet supplies - Food and water for pets
- An emergency contact list
- Duct tape and plastic sheeting
- Other important items - A three-day supply of prescription medication, extra eyeglasses, copies of important documents (marriage & birth certificates, insurance policies, passports) and toys or books.