Issue #215, December 2022
Be Ready for Winter Storms and Outages
Winter storms sometimes lead to power outages. Here are some suggestions to help you stay safe and comfortable if your power goes out.

  • Call (503) 397-1844 to report your outage.
  • Turn on a front porch light switch to help let our crews know when power is restored.
  • If you have a generator, operate it safely.

Always Stay Away from Downed Power Lines
Always stay away from downed power lines. If you see a fallen line, please call us immediately at (503) 397-1844, or call 9-1-1 if it is a medical or life-threatening emergency.

  • Never touch a downed power line.
  • If a power line is touching someone, stay away and call 9-1-1.
  • Stay at least 200 feet away from any downed line.
  • Do not touch fences, trees, or limbs that are touching a power line.
  • Do not drive over a downed power line or under a line that is sagging down over the roadway.
Happy Holidays from Your Local PUD
The staff and Board Members at Columbia River PUD wish you a merry Christmas and a happy New Year!

The PUD office will be closed on Monday, December 26, in observance of Christmas and on Monday, January 2, in observance of New Year's Day.

We will have crews on standby during these holidays. If you lose power, please call us at (503) 397-1844.
Give the Gift of Light and Warmth this Year
When you donate to our GLOW Fund, you help keep families in need comfortable during the cold weather.

Our GLOW Fund offers emergency bill-payment assistance year-round.

You can help by choosing to round up to the nearest dollar on your monthly bill. It's a small amount that makes a huge difference in the lives it touches.
Heat Pump Water Heaters Can Lower Your Bill
Electric water heaters account for roughly 20% of the energy used by an average home. That's more than a refrigerator, dishwasher, and washer and dryer combined.

Heat pump water heaters are at least twice as efficient as a standard water heater. They move heat rather than create it, saving you money on your electric bill.

Rebates and tax credits are available.
PUD Pays Property Taxes
Columbia River PUD paid $662,107 in property taxes to Columbia and Multnomah Counties for the 2022-23 tax year. That is based on a total assessed property value of $50.3 million.

Those taxes will be divided as follows:

  • Schools - $332,941
  • Fire Districts - $139,413
  • County - $68,973
  • Cities - $33,498
  • 9-1-1 Comm - $25,971
  • Other - $61,311
LEDs Provide Great Light at Low Cost
If you haven't done so yet, consider switching your incandescent light bulbs to LEDs. This is a simple way to lower your electric bill.

LED lights use about two-thirds less energy than old-fashioned incandescent bulbs. They also last much longer than incandescent bulbs, which increases your savings.