May 2008 Power Lines Newsletter
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In This Issue
- Metal Theft is Dangerous and Costly
- Drive-Up Payment Service Notice
- Work Safely Around Electricity
- Please Leave Utility Poles Alone
- Buy ENERGY STAR Appliances, Earn Rebates
- $250 Rebate on Marathon Water Heaters
Metal Theft is Dangerous and Costly
Utilities in Oregon are reporting an increase in metal theft at substations and along power lines. Stealing copper from the distribution system is a dangerous - sometimes deadly - practice that increases costs for all PUD customers.
Safety is our first concern
When thieves steal copper wire from our distribution system or substations, they put themselves at great risk, often for little benefit. They also endanger our line crews who work to maintain our distribution system. In many cases, thieves are stealing grounding wire that is designed to protect workers and to prevent equipment failures.
Theft increases costs
Metal theft costs you money. Replacing the stolen items and repairing the damage increases maintenance costs, which means higher electric rates for everyone.
Report suspicious activity
We need your help to stop metal theft. If you see suspicious activity around PUD 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.
Drive-Up Payment Service Notice
Drive-up payment service at the PUD office is unavailable this month. The drive-up payment drop box was damaged during a burglary that took place the weekend of April 12th - 13th. The damaged box has been removed and is being replaced.
Drive-up payment service will be available again beginning in June. For more information on the burglary, visit www.crpud.net or contact Customer Accounts at (503) 397-0590 or custsvc@crpud.org.
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 & 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 Alone
While 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:
- 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, increasing maintenance costs for all PUD customers.
- 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.
Thank you for helping us to maintain safe facilities for our employees and our customers.
Buy ENERGY STAR Appliances, Earn Rebates
We offer rebates for ENERGY STAR® qualified clothes washers, dishwashers and refrigerators. Rebate amounts are as follows:
- Clothes washer with electric hot water heater - $75
- Clothes washer with gas, propane or oil hot water heater - $25
- Dishwasher - $25
- Refrigerator - $25
- Freezer - $25
Contact our Energy Experts at experts@crpud.org or (503) 366-5470 for more information.
Tax credits also available
The state of Oregon offers $60 - $180 tax credits on energy-efficient appliances. Their qualification standards differ slightly from ours - for more information visit http://www.oregon.gov/energy.
$250 Rebate on Marathon Water Heaters
In the market for a new water heater? Buy a Marathon.
Marathon electric 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 water heaters and 0%, 12 month financing with approved credit.
Marathon water heaters are available from several local dealers. Click here to learn more, or contact our Energy Experts at experts@crpud.org or (503) 366-5470.
Marathon Advantages:
- Technologically advanced design is clearly differentiated from short lived steel water heaters.
- It’s the most durable water heater made, with a warranty to match
- Envirofoam™ insulation is completely free of CFC and HCFC ozone depleting gases. Marathon leads the way in environmental friendly manufacturing, design and operation.
- Tank comes complete with a factory installed vacuum relief valve, ¾" brass tee and ¾" brass nipple for easy, professional installations.
- Replaceable brass drain valve
- Seamless blow molded polybutylene tank with no anode rod required for a corrosion free life
- High temperature, commercial-grade diptubes for greater durability
- The filament wound fiberglass outer tank is designed to be more flexible and withstand more pressure than conventional tanks
- Our unique high temperature dip tube is offset from the concave bottom, creating a "whirlpool effect" which helps prevent sediment build-up
- Every tank includes 4' of pipe insulation for even greater savings.