Your PUD
News Release
Orchardists urged to test wind machines before frost hits
Chelan County PUD
News Release
4/15/2005
Frost season has begun and wind machines used to protect fruit trees from cold temperatures can have a significant impact on Chelan County PUD’s electric distribution system.
Orchardists are urged to test electric-powered machines to identify problems and provide time for repairs before the machines are needed – usually during the middle of the night when temperatures drop. Testing can reveal potential operating problems before temperatures reach a critical low.
If a problem with the power supply is discovered during a test, wind machine operators are encouraged to call the PUD for help in determining the source.
For testing, PUD engineers recommend the following procedure so that customers do not exceed the monthly minimum charge of $25.65: To test a 100-horsepower frost protection machine run it no more than one minute at a time. The one-minute test can be repeated every 15 minutes without significantly impacting your monthly bill.
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If you have questions about electric rates for frost protection, contact Rick Cannon, customer service representative, at 661-4233. If you have questions about your wind machine power supply, call the PUD’s Service Department at 661-4325.
Kimberlee Craig
Public Information Officer
661.4320, office
679.6958, cell
kimc@chelanpud.org