| In This Issue |
Public Power Week Events
Celebrating 25 Years of Service
Save Energy with Help From Our Experts
Marathon Water Heaters
Salmon Restoration Costs
Always Current
E-Bill &
Auto-Pay
GLOW Low-Income Assistance |
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| Issue: # 57 |
September 2009
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PUBLIC POWER WEEK EVENTS |
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 Get Ready for our Public Power Week Celebration, October 5-9, 2009
Each October, we join more than 2,000 community-owned utilities in the United States in celebrating Public Power Week. Here's what's on tap this year:
Free Community Dinner on Tuesday, October 7th. Seating is limited, and tickets are required. Stop by our office to get yours.
Coloring Contest for children in grades K-5. Entry forms will be available through local schools, or on our website.
Open House at our office, October 5-9. Stop by and say hellp! We'll have refreshments, prize drawings and free compact fluorescent light bulbs for everyone. |
| CELEBRATING 25 YEARS OF SERVICE |
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 August 31, 2009 was Columbia River PUD's 25th birthday.
Over the past 25 years we have provided safe, reliable electric service to our customers while keeping our promise of affordable rates. We're proud to bring you the benefits of community ownership:
Lower Rates - When we began providing electric service in 1984, our residential rates were 5% less than PGE's. Today they are 36.5% lower. In 2009, that savings will keep $7.9 million in our customers' pockets, helping our local economy.
Quality Products & Services - From convenient payment options to efficiency & renewable energy programs, we have the programs & services you want. After all, you deserve great service... it's the privilege of being the owner!
Reliable Power - We work every day to maintain the distribution system that delivers power to your home. If your power does go out, our linemen will restore it quickly and do the job well for you.
Community Commitment - We sponsor local events like the County Fair & the Sauerkraut Festival, volunteer for local charities & participate in local service clubs. It's all part of our commitment to making Columbia County a great place to live.
On behalf of everyone here at Columbia River PUD, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
General Manager Kevin P. Owens, P.E.
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| SAVE ENERGY NOW WITH HELP FROM OUR EXPERTS |
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Using less electricity reduces your energy bills and lessens your impact on the environment. We all know we should be doing it. The question is, how?
We can help!
Our Energy Experts are here to help you find ways to reduce your electric use.
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| $250 REBATE ON HIGH EFFICIENCY WATER HEATERS |
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 Marathon electric water heaters carry a lifetime warranty against tank leakage and are the most energy-efficient storage water heaters on the market.
We offer a $250 rebate on Marathon water heaters and 0% interest, 12-month financing with approved credit.
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| WE'RE ALL PAYING FOR SALMON RESTORATION |
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 About 16% of the PUD's $30 million annual operating budget supports regional efforts to restore threatened and endangered salmon and steelhead runs.
The PUD's wholesale power provider, Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), spent $327 million on fish and wildlife programs in 2008. This included capital improvements at the Columbia and Snake River dams, hatchery operations and improvements, and watershed enhancement projects to improve fish habitat.
In 2008, BPA's revenues were reduced by $546 million as a result of "spill", which is the process of sending water over the dams instead of through the hydropower turbines to aid fish migration.
The PUD is part of a coalition of farmers, electric utilities and regional businesses, called Northwest RiverPartners, which advocates for fish recovery efforts that are cost-effective and based on the best science. We're working to put responsible policies and programs in place that will improve salmon runs and increase economic opportunity within the region, while keeping electricity affordable.
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| HELP YOUR NEIGHBORS IN NEED - GIVE TO GLOW |
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GLOW provides emergency bill payment assistance to low-income PUD customers who are facing disconnection for non payment. 
GLOW is funded through voluntary customer contributions and employee fundraisers. Nearly 450 families have received GLOW assistance so far in 2009, and as the weather grows colder even more will need help.
Your tax-deductible gift to GLOW helps where help is needed most - every dollar goes to customers needing assistance. You can make a one-time contribution, or donate a little each month as part of your electric bill.
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