Issue #244, May 2025

Mulching, Tree Trimming Helps Wildfire Mitigation

We are continuing to ensure we are doing everything we can to combat the threat of wildfires in Columbia County.

We are working systematically throughout our service territory to mulch underneath and around power lines. This helps remove potential fuel sources for fires.

Another major component of our vegetation management strategy is tree trimming. If you have any trees encroaching on the power lines on your property, please let us know.

Commercial Lighting Rebates Going Away

After September 2025, we will no longer offer incentives to retrofit fluorescent tube lighting.

The state of Oregon has banned the sale of linear fluorescent lamp tubes.

If your business is looking to improve lighting quality while saving money at the same time, the time to act is now.

Heat Pumps Can Also Keep You Cool

You can keep your home comfortable all year long with a heat pump. These devices can provide air conditioning in the summer in addition to working like a furnace in the winter.

We offer rebates for the installation of ducted central system heat pumps and for ductless systems. To qualify, you must heat your home with electricity.

Electrical Safety Tips for Working Outdoors

May is National Electrical Safety Month. Here are a few tips to help you stay safe while working outdoors:

• Look up and around before starting a project and always be aware of the location of power lines.
• Keep yourself and your equipment at least 10 feet away from power lines.
• Never trim trees near power lines. If you see a tree growing near lines, please call us at (503) 397-1844.
• Never climb a utility pole or attach anything to a utility pole.
• If your project includes digging, call 8-1-1 at least two business days before you dig.
• Avoid using electric yard tools in the rain or when the ground is wet.
• Protect outdoor electrical outlets with weatherproof covers and ground-fault circuit interrupters.

Help Keep Kids Safe Around Electricity

Here are a few tips that can help keep kids safe around electricity and electrical equipment:

• Stay away from substations, utility poles, transformer boxes, and other electrical equipment.
• Always stay away from downed power lines.
• Never climb trees that are near power lines.
• Do not touch electric appliances or outlets when you are wet or touching water.
• Don't fly kites, drones, or other objects near power lines.

Enter Our Calendar Photo Contest

Send us your pictures that show off the scenic beauty of Columbia County and they could end up in next year's PUD Calendar. You can submit pictures for the calendar contest all year long.

Please send us your horizontal photos that show off the natural beauty of our county. Vertical photos will not be accepted.

Office to Close for Training

Our office will be closed from 7:30 a.m. until noon on Wednesday, May 28.

We are closing the office for an all employee training. We apologize for any inconvenience.

If you need to make a payment during this time, you can do so on our website or by phone.