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Update:  Power of Community
Electrical Safety
Employee Identification
 
News & Information About Your Consumer-Owned Utility.

May 2002

ENERGY STAR Winners

These four customers' names were randomly drawn from over 1600 participants in our Residential Conservation Incentive Program. Contact our Members Services Department for a sign up form.

Margaret and Ed (not pictured):   
30% savings - $1,000 Winner
"Reducing the water heater temperature had to help."

  • Turn off all lights when room is vacant.
  • Use energy saving cycle on dishwasher.
  • Only wash full loads in the dishwasher.

 

 

Eugene and Claire:  17% savings - $500 Winner
"We wear sweaters that Claire knits."

  • Purchased ENERGY STAR torchiere lamp.
  • Air dry dishes in dishwasher.
  • Reduced thermostat settings.

 

 






Kenneth:  11% savings - $500 winner
 "Wash full loads using cold water."

  • No outside lighting.
  • Air dry dishes.
  • Installed CF bulbs in high use areas.

Rebecca, Lynnette and Rachel: 
37% savings - $1,000 winner
"We unplugged a spare refrigerator."

  • Use candles at night for light.
  • New computer has a sleep mode.
  • Purchased a new efficient water heater.

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The following article was provided by Sandra Flicker, Executive Director of the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association.
     The Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association (ORECA) was recently recognized at the annual meeting of the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association (NRECA), for outstanding efforts to develop an effective grassroots program called Power of Community. Following is information on the development and success of Power of Community.
    ORECA is leading Oregon co-op efforts to protect the interests of co-op members by using the strongest political tool available to electric co-ops. Grass-roots advocacy is the primary political engine of electric cooperatives, the motor that provides torque to advance the member-owners' objectives.
    ORECA developed an Oregon grassroots coalition called "Power of Community," now with more than 3,600 members. Power of Community is using fundamental cooperative principles of democratic member control, education and information, and cooperation among cooperatives to make a difference in protecting the interests of consumers throughout the state.
     With Oregon at the brink of opening its electric power market to full competition, ORECA and Power of Community have been instrumental in protecting utility members. Among issues the group is monitoring are local control, allocation of Federal Columbia River Power System resources through the Bonneville Power Administration, and potential cost increases for Northwest consumers under FERC's proposed "seamless electricity market" with Regional Transmission Organizations.
     Letters, phone calls and e-mails from Power of Community members to Oregon Legislators helped maintain local control for electric cooperatives when the Oregon Legislature passed the electricity deregulation bill in 1999. Again in 2001, communications from Power of Community members helped convince the Legislature to delay deregulation in Oregon because of inadequate power supply levels to create a truly competitive market and avoid the blackouts and price surges seen in California. More recent communications with Oregon's congressional delegation are helping to preserve low-cost power for co-op consumers.
     Thank you to all who have signed on as Power of Community members and who have answered our request for political action. You have made a difference. If you have not joined, please consider doing so now. Complete the information below, tear off and mail to ORECA, or sign up online at www.oreca.org .

YES, I will help with the grassroots effort to support electric co-ops. If asked by my co-op or the Oregon Rural Electric Cooperative Association, I will write or call my Legislator(s) asking them to support electric co-op issues.

Name_______________________________________ Phone_____________________ 

Address________________________________________________________________ 

City, State, Zip  _______________________________ Fax _______________________ 

E-mail_________________________________________________________________ 

I am a member of Salem Electric Cooperative. Return to: ORECA, 707 13th Street SE, Suite 200, Salem, OR 97301

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Electrical Safety

May is electrical safety month and here are some valuable tips for household safety.

Outlets and Plugs
Check for outlets that have loose-fitting plugs, they can overheat and lead to fire. Never remove the ground pin (the third prong) to make a three-prong plug fit a two-conductor outlet; this could lead to an electrical shock. NEVER FORCE A PLUG INTO AN OUTLET IF IT DOESN'T FIT. Avoid overloading outlets with too many appliances. Replace any missing or broken wall plates. Make sure there are safety covers on all unused outlets that are accessible to children.

Cords
Make sure cords are in good condition - not frayed or cracked. Cords should never be nailed or stapled to the wall, or any object. Do not place cords in high traffic areas or under carpets, rugs or beneath furniture. Check to see that the cords are not overloaded. Extension cords should only be used on a temporary basis; they are not intended as permanent household wiring. Make sure extra outlets on extension cords have safety covers to help prevent young children from shock hazards.

Light Bulbs
Check the wattage of all bulbs in light fixtures to make sure they are the correct wattage for the size of the fixture. Replace bulbs that have higher wattage than recommended; if you don't know the correct wattage, check with the manufacturer. Make sure bulbs are screwed in securely - loose bulbs may overheat. Consider compact fluorescent bulbs as replacements, (available at Salem Electric). Wattage limitations will not be a problem and you will save energy.

Circuit Breakers/Fuses
Circuit breakers and fuses should be the correct current rating for their circuit. If you do not know the correct rating, have an electrician identify and label the size to be used. Always replace a fuse with a fuse with the same rating. Appliances If an appliance repeatedly blows a fuse, trips a circuit breaker, or if it has given you a shock, unplug it and have it repaired or replaced.

Entertainment/ Computer Equipment
Check to see that the equipment is in good condition and working properly. Look for cracks or damage in wiring, plugs, and connectors. Use a surge protector bearing the seal of a nationally recognized certification agency. Contact our office and ask for a "Power Guide" for more information on surge protectors.

Halogen Floor Lamps
Halogen torchiere lamps operate at much higher temperatures than a standard incandescent light bulb. Never place a halogen floor lamp where it could come in contact with any combustible materials. Be sure to turn the lamp off whenever you leave the room for an extended period of time and never use torchiere lamps in children's bedrooms or playrooms. Metal guards are available at many home improvement stores for halogen torchiere lamps. Better yet, replace your halogen floor lamp with an ENERGY STAR rated torchiere lamp. These are much safer and only use one-quarter of the energy to produce similar lighting levels.

Water and Electricity Don't Mix
Don't leave plugged-in appliances where they might come into contact with water. If a plugged-in appliance falls into water, NEVER reach in to pull it out - even if it's turned off. First turn off the power source at the service panel and then unplug the appliance. If you have an appliance that has gotten wet, don't use it until it has been checked by a qualified repair person.

 

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EMPLOYEE IDENTIFICATION


Our employees carry company photo identification. Do not hesitate to ask to see identification before admitting anyone to your premises. If you have any questions call our office at 503 362-3601.

 

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