Manager’s Report — May 2020
Stay Safe
“Stay safe” is one of the core values in the utility and energy sector. It is integral to our work and a tenet stitched into the fabric of what we do. Today, that message means so much more than it may have for any of us in recent memory.
More than 90% of Americans are under statewide stay-at-home orders, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advised all Americans to stay home as much as possible to reduce your risk of being exposed.
Here in Oregon, we “Stay home, stay safe.” As we all adhere to and process the day-to-day effects of this new reality, it is increasingly important that people have seamless access to electricity—the essence of almost all modern activities.
Here at Northern Wasco County PUD, we are monitoring this situation closely. We are powering the lights, phones, televisions, computers, refrigerators, heating and cooling systems that we all depend on to get our information, communicate with loved ones and live our lives. We also are powering essential businesses such as the hospital, grocery stores, communications centers and other critical infrastructure. We are embedded in the regional unified incident command system to ensure we can support the communities we serve in the best possible manner. We are here to help.
Thankfully, we already had taken steps to modernize our critical infrastructure to ensure the safe provision of electric service. Maintaining the operational integrity of our systems is vital to safeguard the public’s health, safety and welfare during this time.
Your board of directors has postponed the previously approved 3.8% rate increase for one year. The board has supported the suspension of service disconnects for nonpayment and the non-assessment of late charges for the duration of this emergency. NWCPUD is committed to working with everyone to ensure the safe and reliable provision of electric service. We want you to stay home and stay safe with electric service.
None of this work happens without the excellent staff and contractor community that support the PUD. I am thankful for the dedicated professionals we have here. They are the motivation and energy that keeps the PUD working behind the scenes. Thank them yourself when you get the chance—from a safe distance.
Thank you for your patience and understanding as we all persevere through the COVID-19 pandemic together.
As always, stay safe!
Roger Kline
General Manager
