September 2008 Power Lines Newsletter
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In this issue:
- Celebrating Affordable Rates and Reliable Service
- Public Power Week Events
- Give Light, Offer Warmth with the Neighbor's GLOW Fund
- Heat Pumps - The Best Choice for Heating & Cooling
- See the Light - Switch to ENERGY STAR Qualified CFLs
Celebrating Affordable Rates and Reliable Service
Columbia River PUD is one of more than 2,000 community-owned electric utilities in the United States. During Public Power Week, we celebrate the benefits of community ownership: safe, reliable electric service at affordable rates.
At Columbia River PUD, we have saved our customers over $28 million through lower rates since we began providing service in 1984. We’re proud of the service we provide you!
Public Power Week Events
Free Community Dinner
When: Tuesday, October 7 from 5:30 - 7:00 p.m.
Where: Columbia County Fairgrounds Pavilion
Seating is limited and tickets are required.
If you would like to attend, please pick up a ticket at the PUD by October 1.
Coloring Contest
What: Coloring Contest for grades 1-5
When: Now through September 25
Schools will hand out entry forms, or you can download them from our website:
www.crpud.net/community/coloringcontest
Open House at the PUD Office
When: October 6-10 from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Stop by during Public Power Week and say hello! We’ll have refreshments, prize drawings and free compact fluorescent light bulbs for everyone.
Give Light, Offer Warmth with the Neighbor's GLOW Fund
The long days of summer have come to an end, and chilly winter days are just around the corner. For some families, higher winter electric bills are a burden that can create a major financial crisis. There is help for these families through the Neighbor’s GLOW Fund.
Your tax-deductible gift to GLOW helps where help is needed most - every dollar goes to customers needing assistance to avoid disconnection of their electric service. You can make a one-time contribution, or donate a little each month as part of your electric bill. Make a GLOW donation.
Heat Pumps - The Best Choice for Heating & Cooling
If you’re thinking about adding air conditioning to your home or planning to build a new home, you should consider installing an energy-efficient heat pump system.
A heat pump is the most economical way to heat and cool your home. Installing a heat pump can reduce winter heating bills and keep you cool and comfortable through the hot summer months.
The Savings Add Up
Just how much money will you save with a heat pump? Quite a bit! The graph below shows the cost comparison for several popular heating systems, based on an output of one million British Thermal Units (BTUs) of heat.
As the graph shows, heat pumps cost much less to operate than other heating systems. This comparison was calculated using current PUD and gas company rates, and average heating oil prices.
Rebates, Financing Available
We offer rebates of up to $1,300 for the purchase of qualifying heat pump systems that are installed through our program. Financing is available through local credit unions and state tax credits may apply for some models.
If you are considering a heat pump, please call our Energy Experts at (503) 366-5470 or visit www.crpud.net for program specifications and a list of qualifying dealers.
See the Light - Switch to ENERGY STAR Qualified CFLs
If every American swapped just one light bulb for an ENERGY STAR labeled Compact Fluorescent Lamp (CFL), it would collectively save more than $8 billion in energy costs and remove 2 million cars worth of greenhouse gas emissions from our atmosphere. Need another reason to switch? Here are two great ones:
CFLs save money - CFLs use a lot less energy than regular bulbs. The less energy it takes to light your house, the lower your electric bill will be.
CFLs last a long time - CFLs can last up to 10 times as long as standard bulbs, so they’re an excellent choice for lighting in hard-to-reach areas.
To learn more about CFLs, contact our Energy Experts at (503) 366-5470 or visit www.crpud.net.
CFL Disposal Information
Because CFLs contain a small amount of mercury, they should not be thrown in the trash. Instead, you can take used CFLs to the Columbia County Transfer Station, located at 1601 Railroad Avenue in St. Helens. There is no fee to dispose of CFLs during Household Hazardous Waste Events, which are held on the last Saturday of the month from 8 a.m. - noon. There is a 35¢ per bulb charge on other days. All Home Depot stores also offer free CFL recycling.