Monthly Newsletter of Emerald People’s Utility District

EPUD Expands Energy Efficiency Programs

Contents

Summer is here! For many, the blue skies, warm weather, and fun summer activities have pushed the cold winter months far out of mind, but they'll be back before you know it. If last winter's electric bills made you consider upgrading your electric heating system to a new energy efficient system, we urge you to give us a call.

Our NEW, expanded programs can help you secure the right system for your home—one that will efficiently heat your home in the winter, and keep you cool and comfortable all summer long!

LIMITED TIME OFFERDON'T WAIT! Effective July 1 through December 31, 2018, qualified customers can take advantage of rebates AND zero-interest financing for increased loan amounts of up to $10,000! (Must have existing electric heat to qualify.)

In addition to ductless and ducted heat pump programs, EPUD's Energy Services team can help with weatherization, water heaters, windows, appliances, and more!

This team has been helping customers save energy and money for more than 30 years—they can help you, too. Schedule a FREE home energy check-up today and learn what we can do for you.

July 2018

FRONT: EPUD Expands Energy Efficiency ProgramsTiered Rates Update

BACK: Keep Cool and Save Energy!Electric Safety Tip#2WeeksReady: Prepare Now to Stay In Your Home

Tiered Rates UpdateAt the July 12 meeting, EPUD's board of directors voted to continue with its three-tiered rate system. The decision followed several months of discussion between Emerald’s board, staff and customers.

“This is a delicate balancing act. On one hand, we want to hold harmless the 77 percent of customers who have seen a rate decrease from tiered rates. On the other hand, we need to address the valid concerns of customers hard hit by the third tier rate,” said Kevin Parrish, EPUD board president.

Want to improve your home’s heating & cooling and reduce your heating bill by 25–50 percent?

We can help! 541-746-1583

INCREASED FUNDING!

Ductless Heat Pumps � 0% Loans up to $10k � Rebates up to $2,000

$1,000 for zonal upgrades $2,000 for furnace conversions

Ducted Heat Pumps � 0% Loans up to $10k � Rebates up to $2,000

$500 for heat pump upgrades $2,000 for furnace conversions

Call today! 541-746-1583

For more information about our energy-saving programs and services, visit www.epud.org, Energy Savings

If you were affected by third tier rates last winter, we want to talk to you about finding ways to lower your bill.

Please contact our Energy Services department at 541-746-1583 or EnergyServices@epud.org.

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 at least two weeks following a disaster. This month, learn what you can do to make your home more resilient to disasters and the resulting hazards.

� Move heavy furniture such as bookcases away from beds, sofas, or other places where people sit, sleep, or spend a lot of time. Secure heavy furniture and book-shelves to the wall. Strap your water heater to the wall.

� If the foundation of your house is built in the "pier and post" style, consider replacing it with a continuous perimeter foundation. Adding bolts to houses unsecured to the foundation is one of the most important steps toward earthquake safety. This can be done by a contractor or by someone skilled at home maintenance with proper earthquake retrofit training.

After disasters, most of the time people are better off remaining in their homes and communities as long as it is safe to do so. For the complete Shelter Preparedness document, visit www.oregon.gov/OE/Documents/2_Weeks_Ready-Shelter.pdf. Get emergency preparedness information & resources at www.oregon.gov/OEM/hazardsprep/Pages/2-Weeks-Ready.aspx.

Keep Cool and Save Energy!Yes, it’s possible to stay cool through the hot summer months without feeling the heat on your electric bill. We’ve compiled some valuable tips to help you beat the heat while keeping your bill manageable. Give these a try:

SET YOUR AIR CONDITIONER TO 78 DEGREESMost industry experts recommend a setting of 78 degrees during the summer to avoid an uncomfortable rise on your electric bill. If you’re uneasy about this temperature, don’t make the change all at once. Raise your thermostat slowly, one degree at a time, once a week. By the time you reach 78, you’re likely to be adapted to the warmer setting and completely comfortable.

GET GRILLING!There’s no reason to create heat in the kitchen when it’s time for dinner. Try grilling outside in the cooler evening hours, or give the microwave a try. Avoid using the stove or oven whenever possible.

THROW SOME SHADECool your house by not letting the heat in! Shades and blinds serve that purpose well, providing an excellent barrier from the outside heat—and they don’t require any electricity

usage! Close shades during the day and consider exterior window awnings to add more shade.

TURN LIGHTS OFFKeep lights off when possible, and replace incandescent bulbs with LEDs. They use less energy and they produce far less heat!

MAKE TIME FOR A TUNE-UP Have your air conditioning equipment professionally tuned up every year. Clean or replace filters monthly, and make sure vents are open and unobstructed.

WEATHERIZE! Weatherization isn’t just for winter. Solid insulation, window caulking, and sealed ductwork will help keep cool air in and warm air out.

DIRECTIONAL FANNINGRun your ceiling fan’s blades counter-clockwise to blow air downward and create a cooling breeze. This allows you to set the thermostat at a higher setting and still feel cool.

Remember, the fan’s wind chill effect helps YOU to cool down, but it does not cool the room. Turn the fan off when the room is unoccupied.

#2WeeksReady: Prepare Now to Stay In Your Home

Electric Safety TipDID YOU KNOW? Signs, balloons, and other materials stapled or nailed to utility poles can be dangerous or life threatening to the utility workers who maintain them.

The safety boots used to climb poles can be snagged by staples or nails embedded in poles. These objects can also tear line workers’ protective clothing, which is the first line of protection from an electric shock.

Attaching items to power poles can also degrade the quality, effectiveness and stability of the wood.

NEVER attach signs or any other item to utility poles.