Issue #259, August 2026

Dry Conditions May Affect Operations

We are experiencing a dry summer, which can make for a challenging wildfire season.

This time of year, we pay close attention to warnings from the National Weather Service. During periods of high temperatures, low humidity, strong winds, and dry vegetation, the Weather Service may issue a Red Flag Warning.

This serves as a cue for us to increase the sensitivity of our electric distribution system. See how these changes can affect you and our community.

Conservation Upgrade Program Available for Income-Qualified Customers

Income-qualified CRPUD customers can receive energy conservation upgrade incentives for measures such as insulation, windows, heat pumps, and heat pump water heaters.

This program makes these improvements available at little or no cost to the customer. Visit our website to learn more about these projects and determine if you are eligible.

Deadline to Enter Calendar Photo Contest is August 31

Do you have great pictures of Columbia County? Send them to us!

We are accepting entries for our 2027 Calendar Photo Contest until August 31. Photos should be taken in Columbia County.

You can enter up to 10 photos. Please submit high-resolution photos taken in landscape format. We will not accept vertical photos.

Upload yours on our website.

Keep Yourself Cool with a Heat Pump

Heat pumps provide cooling during the hot summer months, and keep your home comfortable all year long.

We offer rebates for the installation of ducted central system heat pumps as well as ductless heat pumps.

Rebate amounts are up to $1,560 for qualified central system heat pumps and $920 for qualifying ductless systems.

Request a Free Home Energy Evaluation

If you heat your home with electricity, you may be missing out on simple ways to save energy and money.

That's why we offer free home energy evaluations to help you lower your electric bill.

These are typically done over the phone and take about 30 minutes. They are most beneficial for people living in older homes.

Kids' Coloring Contest Going Now

Our annual Coloring Contest is underway.

To enter, have your child color this picture and return it to the PUD by August 31.

You can mail them to our office at:

Columbia River PUD

64001 Columbia River Hwy

Deer Island, OR 97054

Summer Cooling Tips

You can help stay cooler and keep your energy costs lower this summer by using these tips from our Energy Experts:

• Keep windows, doors, blinds, and curtains closed on hot days.
• Use fans instead of air conditioning to make yourself feel cooler.
• Hang your laundry to dry instead of using a dryer.
• Use an outdoor grill or your microwave to cook without heating up your kitchen.

Please Let Us Know Before Adding Load

If you plan on adding electric load to your home or business, please contact us first. This may include building a shop or greenhouse, adding a heat pump or EV charger, or adding other equipment.

Adding electric load risks overloading our equipment. This can damage our equipment and possibly cause outages or other problems. If you add load without notifying us first, you are responsible for repair time and costs.

You can email or call our Engineering Department at (503) 397-0760 to let us know.