Issue #226, November 2023

Donations for Warming Tree Accepted Now

We are continuing our holiday tradition of collecting warm hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets to donate to members of our community once again this year.

This is the sixth year we will have our Warming Tree. Last year, we collected more than 1,000 items. We donated these items to Community Action Team and the Amani Center to distribute among members of our community.

We invite PUD employees, Board Members, and customers to donate new, handmade, or gently used warming items. Please drop them off by December 7.

Give the Gift of Light and Warmth this Year

Are you looking for an original gift idea this holiday season?

You can give the gift of light and warmth with our Gift Payment Program.

Making a gift payment is simple. You can make a gift payment on any customer's account by going online or by calling our Customer Accounts Department at (503) 397-0590.

We will mail a gift certificate to the recipient or to you so you can present it to the recipient.

Test Your GenerLink Before Storms Arrive

If you have a standby generator and a GenerLink transfer switch at your home, you should test them now before winter storms hit. These steps can help you test your generator and GenerLink:

1. Warm up your generator.
2. Turn it off.
3. Turn off the breakers in your home.
4. Connect your generator to the GenerLink.
5. Start your generator.
6. Turn on the breakers in your house that you want to use.

5 Ways to Reduce Heating Costs this Winter

1. Lower your thermostat and dress a little warmer.
2. If you have zonal heat, only heat the rooms you actively use.
3. Clean or replace your furnace filters regularly.
4. Don't block heaters.
5. Use space heaters wisely.

We have more tips available on our website.

Keep Yourself Safe from Scam Attempts

Posing as a utility employee is a common scam technique.

Scammers may try this in person, over the phone, via text, or by email. Typically, they will threaten to shut off your power if they don't receive immediate payment.

Here are some tips to help you avoid becoming a victim.

Holiday Lighting Tips

1. Switch to LED holiday lights.
2. Use a timer to turn your lights on and off.
3. Don't plug too many strands into one outlet.
4. Don't run strings of lights through snow or water.
5. Use clips or staples instead of nails and screws to hang your lights.

See more suggestions on our website.

Office Closure Notice

Our office will be closed from 8:30 a.m. until 12:30 p.m. on Thursday, December 14, for an all employee training.