Issue #168, January 2019
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Board Adopts 2019 Operating Budget

The PUD Board of Directors unanimously approved a $40.37 million Operating and Capital Budget for 2019. The 2019 Budget highlights the PUD's ongoing commitment to investing in its infrastructure.

"In 2019, we will continue our efforts to be fiscally responsible and to improve safety, security, and reliability of service to our customers," said PUD General Manager John Nguyen.

View more details about the PUD's 2019 Budget.

5 Tips to Keep Your Winter Heating Bills Down
  1. You can save 2% on your heating bill for every degree your thermostat is turned down.
  2. If you spend most of your time in one room, use a portable heater for that space and lower your central thermostat.
  3. Seal air leaks around doors and windows to keep chilly drafts from entering your home.
  4. Open curtains during the day and close them at night.
  5. Close the damper on your fireplace when it's not in use - just be sure to wait a few hours after the fire dies.

Cut Your Water Heating Costs

Lower your water heating costs by up to 60% by upgrading to an energy-efficient heat pump water heater.
We offer rebates of $150 to $300 for the installation of qualifying heat pump water heaters.

Apply for Funds for Your Nonprofit Group

Are you looking for ways to raise money for a local nonprofit organization? We launched two programs in 2018 designed to help such groups.
Our Economic Development Grant Program is available to nonprofit organizations for projects that meet certain considerations and requirements. It is designed to promote long-term economic development and growth of business and industry in our service area for the benefit of the local community.
Our Vehicle Wash Program is for local nonprofit groups seeking to raise money. In exchange for washing approximately 10 PUD vehicles, the group will receive $300. 

Our Pay Station Locations Have Changed

Effective January 1, Inroads Credit Union (formerly St. Helens Community Credit Union) will no longer provide pay station services for PUD customers.
Bank of the West in St. Helens will continue to provide pay station services. In addition, we have installed drop boxes at Rainier City Hall, St. Helens City Hall, and Scappoose City Hall.
Please note, these are drop boxes, so you will need to pay by check. Do not make cash payments through our drop boxes.

Annual Audit is Underway

Each year an independent auditor reviews our accounting records. For the past several years, we have received an unmodified opinion - the best possible result.
This ensures we are conducting business in compliance with generally accepted accounting principles and that controls are in place to safeguard the PUD's assets. As part of this audit, customer records and billing activity are reviewed.
If you have questions about how your bill is calculated, individual line items on your bill, your billing history, or your energy usage, please contact our Customer Accounts and Billing Department at (503) 397-0590 or by email.
If you feel that your bill was calculated incorrectly or that your account balance is not correct, please write to our auditors and describe the error. Please include a copy of your billing statement, if available.
Send your letter to:
Kenneth Kuhns & Co.
570 Liberty St. SE, Suite 210
Salem, OR 97301

PUD Employees Raise $8,500 for United Way

The PUD's employees once again showed their generous spirit this holiday season, donating $8,513 to United Way of Columbia County.
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