Power Lines E-Newsletter
Issue #150, July 2017
See Us at Rainier Days & the Fair

We'll be at Rainier Days in the Park July 7-8. We're handing out free LED bulbs to customers until 7 p.m. on Friday & Saturday. On Saturday, we'll also be showing off our Hydropower Flows Here float in the parade. It starts at 10 a.m. and we have lots of candy to share along the parade route.

We'll be at the Columbia County Fair & Rodeo July 19-22. Drop by our booth to say hello, pick up a free LED bulb, and charge your cell phone.

Stay Cool and Save Money This Summer

You can cut your heating and cooling costs while staying comfortable year-round. Heat pumps can reduce your heating and cooling energy use by 30-50%. We offer rebates for air source heat pumps and ductless heat pumps.


PUD Earns Highest-Ever Overall Score in Customer Survey

Thanks to everyone who participated in our recent customer satisfaction survey. We're glad that you value and approve of our work.

 

In the survey, we earned an overall performance score of 9.23 on a scale of 1-10. Of the 1,025 participants, 61% gave us a perfect 10. This is the best score we've ever received on a customer satisfaction survey. The previous best mark was 9.11 in 2006.

 

Customers also gave us our best ever rating for outage response. The average score was 8.99, with 57% of customers rating us a 10 out of 10. The previous best score for outage response was 8.80 in 2006.

 

"The overall results are just excellent, as far as I can see," said Board Member Rob Mathers.

 

Acti-Dyne Research of Scappoose conducted the survey. Find Acti-Dyne's full presentation of survey results here.

Conserve Hot Water Using These Tips

We want to help you keep your bill low. Reducing your hot water usage can help. 

 

Water heating can account for up to 20% of your electric bill. A few simple changes can cut your hot water use and lower your monthly bill:

  • Take more showers than baths.
  • Wash laundry with cold water.
  • Use the dishwasher.
  • Install a faucet aerator and low-flow showerhead.

Extra Savings Available Now on Heat Pump Water Heaters

A heat pump water heater can cut your monthly water heating energy costs up to 60%. We offer rebates up to $500 for qualifying tanks. And, now through December 31, manufacturer specials can save you an additional $300. Contact our Energy Experts at (503) 366-5470 for details, or visit www.crpud.net/hpwh. 
Hydropower Provides Electricity that is Safe, Reliable, and Affordable

In addition to giving us plenty of ways to cool off in the summer, the rivers in our region are our primary source of clean, reliable, and affordable energy. Hydroelectric dams produce 85% of the electricity we deliver to our customers.

Hydropower is renewable. Rain and snow replenish the supply every year. It's the nation's most abundant source of renewable energy.

Hydropower is reliable. Hydroelectric dams constantly generate electricity. Hydroelectric generators can respond to increased power demands at any time.

Hydropower is clean. Hydropower produces no emissions.

Hydropower is affordable. The "fuel" - water - is free. This keeps operating costs low and protects against fluctuations in fuel prices. The average CRPUD bill is 38% lower than the national average.

Read more about hydropower's benefits at www.crpud.net/hydro.

Cut Down on Waste with Paperless Billing

Enrolling in our Paperless Billing program can reduce the amount of mail coming to your house.

Paperless Billing lets you view energy usage details online. Simon and Stephanie in Scappoose use this program and have seen a decrease in the amount of paperwork they receive.

"It's nice because I just don't have paper come to my house. The less trees we can cut down, the better," Simon said.

Learn more at www.crpud.net/paperless. 

Please Use Caution in Work Zones 

Please drive slowly in work zones. Help us all go home safely at the end of the day. When you see flaggers, please be cautious and alert.