Monthly Newsletter of Emerald People’s Utility District

By living in the Northwest, near the beautiful and powerful rivers of the region, we enjoy the benefit of hydropower. Hydropower is electricity that is made using the flow of water, and EPUD customers get approximately 80 percent of their power from this source.

Hydropower is renewable. Rain and snow replenish the supply. It is the nation’s most abundant source of renew-able energy.

Hydropower is clean. There are no gases or waste products that contribute to air pollution.

Hydropower is affordable. It costs less than most energy sources. States like Oregon, that get the majority of their electricity from hydropower, have energy bills that are lower than the rest of the country. Because the “fuel” —water— is free, it keeps operating costs low and protects against fluctuations in fuel prices. The dams have consistently provided some of the nation’s most affordable electricity.

Hydropower is secure. Water from our rivers is largely a domestic resource that is not subject to disruptions from for-eign suppliers, cost fluctuations in power markets, international political crises, or transporta- tion outages.

Source: Bonneville Power Administration www.bpa.gov; US Department of Energy www.energy.gov

Hydropower Flows HerePowering the Northwest with clean, affordable electricity

Electric Vehicles No longer a distant possibility, electric vehicles (EVs) have arrived—and the options and styles are rapidly multiplying. Some automakers even vow to produce only electric or hybrid vehicles within the next few years.

With many big, exciting changes coming our way from the automotive industry, we want to help support your vehicle needs by offering an incentive program that works for you.

Complete the online survey by June 1, 2018, and you’ll be entered to win A YEAR’S SUPPLY OF CAR WASHES valued at up to $120!

bit.ly/EPUDandEVsComplete survey by June 1, 2018, to be entered in prize drawing. Winner will be notified using contact information provided in survey. Must be a current EPUD customer-owner to win.

To get your input, we invite you to participate in a brief survey on electric vehicles.

Bonneville Lock and Dam at the Columbia River Gorge and Eagle Creek.

April 2018

ContentsFRONT:

Hydropower Flows HereElectric Vehicles: Take the Survey!

BACK: POWERING OUR LIVES: An Efficiently Heated Home for Rick and Precious2018 Electric System Charge Increase#2WeeksReady: Make an Emergency Plan

IMPORTANT NOTICEThe Electric System Charge on your monthly EPUD bill has changed. As of April 1, 2018, the monthly charge increases to $28 per meter. There will not be a general rate increase in 2018.

(Find additional information on the reverse side.)

Avoid spending a day in the dark—it’s as simple as calling 811. Call 811 before you dig to avoid injuries, repair costs, fines, and an inconvenient day in the dark.

Every digging job requires a call—even small projects like planting trees and shrubs.

Get underground utility lines marked for free. Call 811 before you dig.

SAFE DIGGING MONTH

Board of Directors

CONTACT US 33733 Seavey Loop Eugene OR 97405 (541) 746-1583www.epud.org

Visit www.epud.org/board-of-directors/ for Board contact information and to view the current meeting schedule.

©2018 Emerald People’s

Utility District Printed on recycled paper

Kevin Parrish, President Ron Davis, Vice PresidentBrandon Jordan, Treasurer Brian Parker Bent Mikkelsen

Scott A. Coe 541-746-1583 / sacoe@epud.org

General Manager

Oregon’s Office of Emergency Management (OEM) urges residents to be prepared for a minimum of two weeks following a disaster. This month, make a family plan and decide your best response in case of an emergency.

� Talk with your family about what to do if you’re not together during an emergency: how you’ll contact each other, where you’ll meet, and what you’ll do in different situations.

� Develop a plan together. Make sure everyone knows where emergency information and supplies are stored.

� Practice evacuations, following the routes outlined in your plan. Include pets in your evacuation plans.

Go to www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/make-a-plan for information on making a plan. Find emergency preparation information and resources at www.oregon.gov/OEM/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx.

Ask EPUD customer Rick Marriott what his favorite use of electricity is and he doesn’t hesitate for a moment— “Warmth!”

Last October, Rick had a ductless heat pump and floor insulation installed for free at his rented mobile home. Funded by EPUD’s energy efficiency programs and rebates, the upgraded heating system and improved insulation allowed Rick and his bird, Precious, to stay nice and warm this winter.

“I absolutely didn’t believe it at first,” said Rick, a 56-year-old disabled tree trimmer/logger.

“I thought there had to be a catch.” But with his heating costs cut nearly in half and his mobile home significantly warmer, he now knows “for a fact” that lower-income customers can benefit greatly from EPUD’s programs and rebates—and could even receive a free ductless heat pump like he did.

“I’ve been telling my neighbors,” he said.

For more information about EPUD’s energy efficiency programs, visit www.epud.org/conservation-energy-savings/ or contact one of our Energy Services Specialists at 541-746-1583.

An Efficiently Heated Home for Rick & Precious

POWERING OUR LIVES

Rick and Precious enjoy the comfort of a heated home. The new ductless heat pump can be seen in the background. Precious is a grand eclectus parrot, a breed that originates from the Cayman Islands.

Tell us how electricity powers your life! You could be featured on EPUD’s social media pages or in an upcoming edition of PowerLines. Visit www.epud.org, email TeamEmerald@epud.org, or call 541-746-1583 for details.

2018 Electric System Charge IncreaseIn October, EPUD’s board of directors approved an increase to the residential electric system charge. Effective April 1, 2018, the adjustment brings the monthly charge to $28 per meter, a difference of $1.25.

There will not be a general rate increase to residential customers in 2018.

The electric system charge helps recover the utility’s fixed costs (costs that remain constant regardless of how much electricity is used by a customer), such as meter reading, billing, repayment of long-term debt, and general administration.

Irrigation and lighting customers will see a general 5 percent rate increase to bring their rates more in line with the actual cost of service.

Tiered RatesThe Citizen Advisory Committee on Finance and Rates is expected to meet with the board of directors in April to give a recommendation on the tiered rate structure.

#2WeeksReady: Make an Emergency Plan