Posted: February 25, 2023 at 10:13 a.m.
Kyle Roadman, EPUD General Manager
Hello Emerald Customer-Owners,
First, an Update:
- A quick look at outage performance this season provides a lot of good news. Despite multiple wind and snow events, our system held up remarkably well. Storms that previously would have kept our customers out for days were instead either minimal or non-events.
- This is no accident. Our Board has approved millions of dollars in capital improvement work in recent years, and our staff has upgraded lines, put some underground, and re-rerouted services to avoid issues. We’ve also doubled down on our vegetation management program, with staff trimming or removing more trees than ever before.
- This is a full court press by Team EPUD and it’s exciting to see the results!
Now, the less fun news:
- As I mentioned previously, we recently won a case in Lane County Circuit Court over the City of Springfield’s Utility Board (SUB). This is the latest in a 20-year old drama in which SUB has attempted to illegally seize portions of EPUD’s service territory. Since this ruling, we have pleaded with both SUB and the City of Springfield to stop this wasteful litigation.
Why It Matters:
- 💰 Our customers have already spent hundreds of thousands of dollars on this wasteful litigation and I’m sure SUB customers have done the same.
- 👩⚖️ The Springfield Utility Board has a choice on whether to appeal the ruling and continue this misuse of public funds. They have yet to say what they plan to do.
- 🏛️ The City of Springfield has told us in private they do not support this litigation, but refuses to take a public position. We think their voice would matter.
Find Out More:
- See our statement on this matter in the video above, or by clicking here to see a full list of clips.
- You can help us stop this wasteful litigation by contacting SUB Board Members and City of Springfield officials. Contact information is available at: www.epud.org/sub
Media Coverage:
- Springfield Utility Board cannot claim competitor’s territory, new ruling says [KLCC]
- Court Rejects Eminent Domain as Way for Muni to Acquire EPUD Facilities [NewsData/Clearing Up]
- Emerald People’s Utility District wins fight to protect its territory and customers [Highway 58 Herald]
- Springfield Utility Board attempts hostile takeover of EPUD territory, again [Cottage Grove Sentinel OpEd]
- KNND Radio Interview on Lawsuit (Begins at 7:35) [KNND 1440 AM]
Please stay safe,
