July 2008 Power Lines Newsletter

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In This Issue

• Tips for Beating the Summer Heat
• Look for the ENERGY STAR
• 2007 Annual Report Now Available
• Tree Trimming Near Overhead Power Lines and Service Lines
• It's Home Improvement Time Again
• Simplify Life with Always Current
  

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.
• Ensure attic vents are clear and attic fans are functioning properly.
• Install awnings or plant deciduous trees or vines to shade south and east windows.
• Keep your house closed during the day 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, install 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.

Look for the ENERGY STAR

When you’re looking for new household products such as appliances or electronics, choose ones that have earned the ENERGY STAR.  They meet strict energy efficiency guidelines set by the EPA and US Department of Energy and use less energy without sacrificing style, features or comfort.

2007 Annual Report Now Available

The PUD’s 2007 Annual Report is available on our website.  If you would like a printed copy, please call (503)  397-1844.

Tree Trimming Near Overhead Power Lines and Service Lines

Tree trimming is an important part of the PUD’s operations and maintenance program. Trimming trees that are growing too closely to overhead power lines helps us maintain a safe, reliable electricity supply.

Our tree trimming crews work year-round to maintain clearance between overhead power lines and nearby trees and shrubs. If you see trees growing into overhead power lines, please let us know.

Trees and 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.  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.

Let us do the work!

Never trim trees that are growing too closely to overhead power lines - doing so could put you at risk of deadly electrical shock. If you think it may be time for a trim, please call our Operations Department at (503) 397-1844 and provide your name, service address, phone number and a description of the problem.  We will inspect the area and determine whether tree trimming is needed.  You may also make your request online. 

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 low-interest loan from St. Helens Community Federal Credit Union.

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