Issue #178, November 2019
My Bill      Customer Service      Ways to Save      Clean Energy      Stay Safe      My PUD


Warming Tree will Return this Month

This holiday season, we will once again be collecting warm hats, gloves, scarves, and blankets to donate to members of the community. 

"It was such a great success last year. We are hoping to collect even more items this year," said Customer Accounts and Billing Supervisor Kristen Dean.

We collected 373 items with our first Warming Tree last year. This year, we will donate all items to SAFE of Columbia County. 

We are accepting new, handmade, or gently used items until December 18. PUD employees, Board Members, and customers are invited to donate items.

Stay Away from Downed Power Lines

If you see a fallen power line, please call us immediately at (503) 397-1844. If it is a medical or life-threatening emergency, please call 9-1-1.

Always stay away from any downed power lines. Always assume all downed power lines are energized.

Here are some more tips to keep you safe in the event that you come across a downed power line.

5 Tips for Holiday Lighting
  1. Switch from incandescent holiday light bulbs to LEDs.
  2. Use a timer for your lights.
  3. Don't plug too many strands of lights into one outlet.
  4. Don't run strings of lights or extensions cords through puddles or snow. 
  5. Discard old lights or decorations that are damaged.
Here are a few more tips that can help you stay safe and keep your electric bills down. 

Give the Gift of Light and Warmth this Year

Are you looking for a new gift idea this holiday season? You can give the gift of light and warmth with our Gift Payment Program.

Making a gift payment is simple. You can do so online or by calling our Customer Accounts Department at (503) 397-0590.

Plan Ahead for Customers with Special Needs

If someone in your home has a disability, uses life support equipment, or has other special needs, it is critical that you plan ahead to prepare for storms, outages, or other emergencies.

It is helpful to create a Personal Support Network and an Emergency Plan. 

Consider connecting a standby generator or a battery backup system to your home's electrical system. 

Keep Yourself Safe from Utility Scam Attempts

Posing as a utility employee is a common scam. Scammers will try this in person, over the phone, via text, or by email.

Typically, they will threaten to shut off your power if they don't receive payment immediately.

We want you to avoid becoming a victim. Keeping these tips in mind can help.
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