Issue #221, June 2023
5 Tips to Keep Your Power Bill Lower this Summer
  1. Keep windows, doors, blinds, and curtains closed on hot days to keep the sun's heat out of your home.
  2. Open windows and doors when it cools down to let breezes in.
  3. Use fans instead of air conditioners to help you feel cooler.
  4. Use your kitchen and bathroom fans while cooking and bathing to remove hot steam from the air.
  5. Run your dishwasher at night when temperatures are cooler.
Help Protect Your Home from Wildfire Threat
There are steps you can take to keep you and your family safer from the threat of wildfire. Here are a few ideas to help safeguard your home:

  • Create a 30-foot non-combustible buffer around your home.
  • Stack firewood away from your home.
  • Clean gutters before fire season and keep them free of debris.
  • Trim branches along your driveway and around your home.
PUD Pays Franchise Fees to Cities
Local cities recently received a little more than $750,000 in franchise fee payments from the PUD.

In exchange for providing electricity within city limits, we are required to pay a fee to the city for the ability to use public spaces, like roads and sidewalks. This is called a franchise fee.

Currently, customers within the city limits of Rainier, Columbia City, and St. Helens see a line item on their bill for 1% of total charges.

Beginning July 1, customers in the Scappoose city limits will begin seeing this line item as well. For the average residential customer, this should equate to an increase of about 95ยข per month.
Please Keep Yourself Safe from Scam Attempts
Please be alert to potential scams involving people posing as utility employees.

We regularly receive reports from customers who have received calls or text messages trying to coerce them into making payments.

Please see our suggestions on how you can prevent yourself from becoming a scam victim.
Receive a Rebate for Your EV Charger
If you own an electric vehicle (EV) or are considering purchasing one, please keep in mind that we offer a rebate for qualified EV chargers.

We offer a $250 rebate to customers who install a new Level 2 (240-volt) EV charger at their residence within our service territory.
GLOW Funds Are Available All Year Long
Families in need of bill payment assistance can request funds from our GLOW Program any time of year.

GLOW is a program offering emergency assistance to income-qualified families.

If you are in need of assistance, please call us at (503) 397-0590.