Issue #247, August 2025

3 Ways to Keep Your Bill Down this Summer

You can help stay cooler and keep your energy costs lower this summer with these simple tips:

• Keep windows, doors, blinds, and curtains closed on hot days, then open them in the evenings or early mornings when it's cooler.
• Use your kitchen and bathroom fans while cooking and bathing.
• Cook with an outdoor grill or microwave to avoid adding heat to your kitchen.

Find additional suggestions.

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 monthly electric bill.

Kids' Coloring Contest Starts Now

Our annual Coloring Contest is underway for children ages 5-12 who live in our service territory.

To enter, have your child color this picture. Then, complete the information on the back and return it to the PUD by August 31.

Enter Our Calendar Photo Contest

Send us your pictures for this year's Calendar Photo Contest. The deadline to enter is August 31.

Photos should be horizontal and depict the scenic beauty of Columbia County. Vertical photos will not be accepted.

You can upload your photos online or email them to us.

Let Us Know Before Adding Electric Load

If you plan on adding electric load to your home or business, please contact us first.

Adding electric load – like a new shop, EV charger, or heat pump – risks overloading our equipment. If you add load without notifying us and damage equipment, you are responsible for repair time and costs.

Please email us or call us at (503) 397-0760.

Cool Down with a Heat Pump

Heat pumps can help keep your home comfortable all year long. They work like air conditioners in the summertime to provide cooling for your home. In the winter, they heat your home more efficiently than a standard electric furnace.

We have rebates available for ductless heat pumps and central system heat pumps.

Keep Drones Away from Power Lines

Please be careful and attentive when flying drones. It is not safe to fly them near power lines or other electrical equipment.

If you are operating a drone and it comes into contact with our electrical equipment, please call us immediately at (503) 397-1844. Do not try removing the drone yourself.

Meter Replacement Project Continues

We are continuing to replace electric meters throughout our service territory.

This is the fourth year of this five-year project.

If your meter has not yet been replaced, we will need to briefly shut off your power when we install your new meter.