Your PUD PUD News Line

12/17/2008

Stay warm; use energy wisely as temps drop

With low temperatures forecast for the teens and below, questions about energy use are rising. Chelan County PUD energy experts are posting answers to frequently asked questions on the Conservation section of the PUD's Web site.

Customers can send their questions to PUD Conservation staff by e-mail, conservation@chelanpud.org or give them a call at 661-8008.

Electric energy use by Chelan PUD customers hit a new peak of 441 megawatts for the hour ending at 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Dec. 16 with a temperature of 2 degrees (F) at Pangborn Memorial Airport. The previous record of 440 megawatts at 7 degrees (F) was reached on Jan. 23, 2008.

Winter storms can cause power outages. PUD customers are urged to be prepared by keeping flashlights handy, having a cell phone or one corded phone as cordless phones don’t work without electricity, and knowing how to manually open electric garage doors.

If there is a power outage, information is available by calling 1-877-PUD-8123 (1-877-783-8123).

PUD commissioners approve 2009 budget

PUD commissioners Monday approved a $329 million operations and capital budget for 2009 after receiving assurance that managers will keep a close eye on spending throughout the year. General Manager Rich Riazzi noted many changes due to the rapidly changing financial situation since budget work started in August.

Give a Helping Hand this season

You can help chase away winter's chill with PUD programs like Helping Hand and energy gift certificates.

Go Lightly

The latest edition of Lightly, the PUD's conservation e-newsletter, is your source for answers to energy questions, news about innovative people, products and programs, and tips on how to save energy and save money.

If you'd like to be notified by e-mail when new issues of Lightly are published, send us your name, e-mail address and mailing address (for customer verification).

Stick with conservation ... hockey, anyone?

Pick up a coupon for a free CFL (if you live in Chelan County) and enjoy a night of Wenatchee Wild hockey at 7 p.m. on Jan. 28 at the Town Toyota Center in Wenatchee. Chelan County PUD is game sponsor. Lines on the ice will be painted green to remind fans to "go green" and save energy. One way to do that is by installing compact fluorescent light bulbs, which use 75 percent less energy than standard incandescent bulbs. Game and ticket information is available here. We hope to see you at the game!