Issue #191, December 2020

Sheppeard and Tayler to Join PUD Board
Garratt Tayler & Neal Sheppeard

The PUD Board of Directors has two new members. Neal Sheppeard was appointed to the Board in October to replace Harry Price, and Garratt Tayler was elected in November.

Sheppeard's appointment was effective immediately. Tayler's term will begin in January.

Sheppeard will represent customers in Columbia City, Deer Island, Prescott, and Rainier. He recently retired as the Public Works Director of Operations for the City of St. Helens. 

Tayler will represent customers in Deer Island, St. Helens, and Yankton. He is a retired St. Helens High School teacher who began his career in education after retiring from a career as an attorney.

Sheppeard takes over for Harry Price, who resigned after moving out of the area. Tayler will take over for Rob Mathers, who did not seek re-election.

PUD Becomes Debt-Free

For the first time in our 36-year history, Columbia River PUD is debt-free. On December 1, we made our final bond payment to US Bank in the amount of $853,356.67.

"Since 1984, the people of this district have been investing in our electric distribution system. Paying off that long-standing debt is a big achievement. We are excited for all of our customers to finally reach this break-even point," said PUD General Manager Michael Sykes.

Learn about the PUD's debt history and how eliminating debt benefits you.

Be Ready for Storms and Power Outages

Winter storms sometimes lead to power outages.

If you lose power, please report your outage by calling us at (503) 397-1844.

Here are some tips for how to stay safe and comfortable during an outage. 

LEDs Provide Great Light at a Low Cost

Switching from incandescent light bulbs to LEDs is a simple way to lower your electric bill.

LED bulbs use about two-thirds less energy than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. LEDs also last much longer than incandescents.

This is true not only for lights in your house, but for holiday lights as well.

Upgrade Your Insulation and Windows

Your home may be wasting energy in ways you haven't noticed. You can eliminate that waste by upgrading your insulation and windows.

We offer rebates for upgrading your insulation and windows. 

Cut Heating Costs with a Ductless Heat Pump

If you heat your home with electric baseboard and wall heaters, you can lower your heating costs by switching to a ductless heat pump.

Ductless systems heat your home efficiently, and can cool your home in the summer.

We offer rebates for qualifying installations of ductless systems.

PUD Pays Property Taxes
The PUD paid $559,952 in property taxes to Columbia and Multnomah Counties for the 2020-21 tax year. That amount is based on a total assessed property value of $44.9 million.
Our 2020-21 property taxes will be divided as follows:
  • Schools - $277,672
  • Fire Districts - $117,389
  • County - $58,588
  • Cities - $30,342
  • 9-1-1 Comm - $22,784
  • Other - $53,177
Columbia County received $552,791; the remaining $7,161 was paid to Multnomah County.
The majority of our service territory is in Columbia County. We serve about 350 customers in northern Multnomah County, near Scappoose.
We are among the largest property tax payers in Columbia County.

Happy Holidays!

The Columbia River PUD Board of Directors and staff would like to wish you a merry Christmas and happy New Year!

Our office will be closed on December 24 and December 31 to observe Christmas and New Year's Day.

Crews will be on standby. If your power goes out, please call our 24-hour outage and emergency line at (503) 397-1844.