Issue #241, February 2025

Electric Rates Will Change on April 1

Our rates are changing on April 1 due to expected substantial cost increases from Bonneville Power Administration, our wholesale power provider.

We are implementing a 7.5% system-wide increase on April 1. This will affect each rate class differently.

Our average residential customer is looking at a roughly $9 per month increase. That amount will vary customer to customer based on usage.

Read more about why electric rates are changing.

Apply for Our 2025 Utility Engineering Internship

Local students are invited to apply for our 2025 Utility Engineering Internship.

This is a full-time, paid internship that offers engineering students a chance to learn about utility careers through direct work experience.

Applications are due by 5:30 p.m. on March 6, 2025.

Enter Our 2026 Calendar Photo Contest

It's never too early to submit your photos for our annual PUD Calendar Photo Contest.

Our calendar features horizontal photos depicting the scenic beauty of Columbia County. Vertical photos will not be accepted.

You can enter your photos online or by emailing them to us.

Cold Weather Can Cause Higher Bills

Electric bills are generally higher in the winter. This may be caused by a number of factors, but the main culprit is typically cold weather.

The colder it is outside, the more energy it takes to heat your home – even if you don't touch your thermostat. Your heating system must use more energy to maintain the same temperature inside when the weather outside is colder.

See other reasons why your bill may be higher this time of year.

Low-Cost Ways to Save on Your Power Bill

Here are a few ways you can help lower your electric use in the winter, when bills are normally higher than usual:

• Turn down your thermostat. You can save for every degree it is turned down.
• Use a smart or programmable thermostat to automatically reduce the temperature when you are asleep or away.
• Seal air leaks around doors and windows to keep chilly drafts from entering your home.

Find additional ways to save.

March is the Month to Enroll in Budget Pay

Would you like to remove surprises from your monthly electric bill?

Enroll in our Budget Pay program and you will pay the same amount every month for a year.

This program does not reduce your bill. Instead, it levels out the highs and lows that come from using more or less electricity during the different seasons throughout the year.

New Budget Pay plans are set up only in March. If you are currently enrolled in Budget Pay, you may see your bill amount change next month.