A Season of Excellence & Gratitude
This season of thanksgiving brings with it a profound sense of gratitude as Northern Wasco County PUD celebrates 2 significant achievements that reflect our commitment to our employees and our community.
Recently, we were named 1 of the “100 Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon,” and our Energy Management Department renewed our prestigious Smart Energy Provider designation from the American Public Power Association.
Our ranking as number 21 among Oregon’s top large nonprofits speaks volumes about who we are as an employer. Organizations are evaluated on multiple factors, including work environment, management and communications, mission and goals, career development, and benefits. With a score of 570.29 out of 700, this recognition comes directly from our employees who appreciate our focus on creating not just a workplace but a culture where people thrive.
In today’s challenging employment landscape, where organizations across sectors struggle with staffing and retention, our success in creating an engaging workplace environment stands out. Our team members don’t just show up for a paycheck. They come to work each day committed to our mission of providing reliable, affordable electric service to our community in The Dalles and beyond.
Our renewed SEP designation builds upon our success from the 2022-2024 period and continues to set us apart in Oregon’s utility landscape. Notably, we stand alone as the only utility in Oregon to receive this award in its six-year history, a distinction we expect to maintain as we enter the new 3-year designation period lasting until 2027.
This national recognition represents a rigorous evaluation of our practices in 4 key areas: smart energy information, energy efficiency and distributed energy resources, environmental and sustainability initiatives, and customer education and experience.
To earn this designation, we demonstrated excellence in structuring smart energy programs into our operations, offering diverse energy-efficiency options, working to reduce environmental impacts and effectively communicating with our customers about these initiatives. Our success in meeting these high standards— not once but twice—demonstrates our unwavering commitment to innovation and sustainability in the utility sector.
As we enter this season of thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on what truly powers our success. In the spirit of gratitude that this time of year inspires, I want to express my heartfelt thanks to our entire team and our community partners who make these achievements possible.
To our employees, board members, and the community we serve: Thank you for making Northern Wasco County PUD not just a utility, but a shining example of what’s possible when we work together with purpose and dedication. As we gather with our families, know you’ve given us all something truly special to be thankful for a workplace and a utility that excels in how it treats its people and how it serves its community.
Manager Roger Kline