Power Lines E-Newsletter
Issue #154, November 2017

5 Tips for Holiday Lighting

Follow these tips to stay safe and lower your electric bill this holiday season. 

  • Switch to LEDs.
  • Turn off your lights when you're gone.
  • Don't plug too many strands of lights into one outlet.
  • Don't run strings of lights through snow or water.
  • Discard old lights that are damaged.

Click here for more tips.

Beware of Scam Artists

Scammers have mimicked our phone system in an attempt to trick local businesses and residents into giving them money. 
Scammers were telling our customers to call an 866 number with payment or their power would be shut off. Those who called the number heard the PUD's phone recording, but were then connected to the scammer's call center. We do not have a toll-free number.

No Power? Know What to Do

If you lose power, call us at (503) 397-1844 with your name, address, and phone number. 
Leave a front porch light switch on to let our crews know when power is restored.
During outages, we post periodic updates on our Facebook page. You can find more information on our website.


Tax Credits Ending
A burlap bag with a dollar sign on it.
The Oregon Department of Energy's Residential Energy Tax Credit Program ends Dec. 31, 2017. 
If you are considering installing a ductless heat pump, heat pump water heater, solar photovoltaic system, or other qualified residential energy efficiency equipment, you must meet these deadlines to receive a tax credit: 
  • Equipment purchased by Dec. 31, 2017
  • Equipment installed and operational by April 1, 2018
  • Final application submitted to ODOE by June 1, 2018

These deadlines are only for ODOE tax credits. Columbia River PUD efficiency rebates will continue. For more information, contact our Energy Experts at (503) 366-5470 or [email protected].

Give the Gift of Light

Looking for a unique gift idea this holiday season? Share the gift of warmth and light.
With our Care Program, you can make a payment on another PUD customer's account. Gift payments may be made anonymously if you wish.
You may buy your gift online or by calling (503) 397-0590.

How We Restore Power 

During power outages, we prioritize repairs to protect public safety and restoring power to the largest number of customers as quickly and safely as possible. These are the steps we take:
  • Protect public safety.
  • Repair transmission lines.
  • Repair substations.
  • Repair distribution lines.
  • Repair service lines.

Click the image at right for an infographic explaining the process. Read more details here.

Stay Away From Downed Power Lines

If you see a downed power line, call us immediately at (503) 397-1844. If it is a medical or life-threatening emergency, call 9-1-1.
Never touch a downed power line. Never touch anything that is touching a downed power line. 
Always assume all downed lines are energized. Stay at least 200 feet away.
If a power line is touching someone, stay away from them and call 9-1-1.

Plan Ahead for People on Life Support

If someone in your home is on life support, has a disability, or has other special needs, it is important that you plan ahead to prepare for storms, outages, and other emergencies. 
Contact us at (503) 397-1844 or [email protected] to learn more.