Freezing temperatures are forecasted to arrive this weekend and continue into next week. This may bring snow and/or ice to some areas within our District. It's the winter weather we typically see every year in our area, and we know how it can impact the utility's electric system and our customers' monthly bills.
THE IMPACT ON CUSTOMERS
During extreme cold, electric heating systems must work harder to maintain a comfortable temperature indoors. This means more electricity is used to achieve that temperature and will cause the next month's electric bill to spike, even if you have the same indoor temperature set on your thermostat year round.
To minimize winter's effect on your bill, take the following steps to reduce your energy usage while staying warm and comfortable in your home:
- Cover Drafty Windows - Use heavy-duty clear plastic sheets/film on the inside of your windows. Make sure the plastic is tightly sealed. Put up insulating drapes or shades on windows after weatherizing them.
- Find and Seal Leaks - Seal air leaks surrounding openings around pipes, recessed lights, and unfinished spaces behind closets and cupboards. Caulk or weatherstrip to seal leaks around doors and windows.
- Adjust the Temperature - When you're home and awake, set the thermostat to a lower temperature. Turn the thermostat down even further when you are going to bed or will be out of the home.
- Set Up Your Space - Avoid sitting near large windows. Instead, sit near interior walls where it's warmer. Close off unused rooms. Consider using a space heater to heat just the room you're in and turning down your main thermostat.
- Maintain Your Heating System - Replace your furnace filter monthly or as needed. Keep the fireplace damper closed unless a fire is burning. Clean the flue vent regularly.
THE IMPACT ON THE UTILITY
EPUD crews make every effort to provide steady, reliable electric service for our customers. We have made major system improvements and performed aggressive tree trimming in recent years which has minimized nature's impact on our electric system; however, not all outages can be avoided. We want you to know our crews are prepared and ready to take action if the coming storm causes damages that result in power outages.
If power goes out, EPUD crews are committed to working around the clock to restore your service as quickly as possible.
HOW TO REPORT A POWER OUTAGE
If your power goes out, EPUD provides 3 easy ways to report the outage:
- Log into SmartHub at epud.org.
- Log into the free SmartHub app on your mobile device.
- Call 541-746-1583. Use the automated system to eliminate long hold times.
OUTAGE PREPARATION
- NEVER go near downed power lines or any object that is touching a downed line. Doing so can put you at risk of a deadly electric shock. #StayAwayStayAlive
- Have layers of warm clothing ready to put on if power goes out and you lose access to your heating system. Gather extra blankets as an added way to stay warm.
- If you get your water from a well, fill empty containers with drinking water, in case of a lengthy outage.
- Have flashlights, radio, and batteries ready. Keep phones and mobile devices fully charged.
- During large or widespread outages, find outage updates at www.epud.org and Emerald's Facebook and X (formerly Twitter) pages, or call 541-746-1583.
During the next few days of winter weather, please take caution while outdoors or driving. We hope you and your family remain warm and comfortable as the storm passes through the Willamette Valley. From all of us at EPUD, please stay safe!