Related News
Related News
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Upgrades to Eugene's downtown electric network continue
You may have noticed construction this week on the corner of 7th and Pearl Street. That’s because crews replaced a corroded, aging vault with an innovative, new Voltek vault. The Voltek design allows for the new infrastructure to be built inside of the existing aging vault. We’re able to install the new vault while the cables are still energized, minimizing disruption to customers and traffic while cutting construction time in half.
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The Big Freeze 2024: After Action Report
Winter 2024 was one for the records books, and we'll look back on it for years to come and say, "That was a doozy!" The back-to-back January Ice Storms caused widespread damage to EWEB’s service territory, affecting approximately 38,000 customers. Preliminary repair costs were over $8 million, and additional repairs to transmission lines are still required.
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New tanks come online as EWEB modernizes water system
New drinking water storage tanks are one of several investments to ensure that EWEB can meet critical community needs in the event of an earthquake.
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Celebrate Earth Month by taking charge of your home's energy use
This Earth Month, learn how you can reduce your energy usage to help protect our planet and reduce carbon emissions.
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Spring Cleaning? How about Spring Emergency Preparedness!
Spring is officially here and that means the plants are blooming, the sun is (sometimes) shining, and the grass is green! We've had our fair share of severe weather already, but spring weather is notoriously unpredictable. While you're in the midst of spring cleaning and garden care, consider completing these emergency preparedness tasks.
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EWEB General Manager Delivers 2024 State of the Utility
General Manager Frank Lawson delivered his address at the March 5 public Board of Commissioners meeting
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State of the McKenzie Watershed
EWEB’s Drinking Water Source Protection (DWSP) team says the McKenzie River continues to be an excellent source for drinking water.
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Nine days without power: My ice storm story as an EWEB customer and employee
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EWEB crews focusing on restoring electric service for Hayden Bridge Water Filtration Plant
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Leaburg Decommissioning Action Plan
Plan details next steps through regulatory processes to begin dismantling Leaburg Dam by 2032.
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What’s ahead in 2024: General manager’s message to EWEB customer-owners
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Start the New Year saving money with energy saving tips
We know that saving money is important to our customers. Using energy and water wisely is a great way to reduce your monthly utility bill, even as the costs of electricity and water rise. EWEB has several steps you can take to reduce your usage and even make your home feel more comfortable.
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Currin Substation: End of year update
EWEB Engineer Philip Peterson explains what's been happening in the final stretch to complete the substation rebuild.
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EWEB 2023 year in review
In 2023, EWEB invested in our community with grants, rebates and an array of other programs and measures aimed at fulfilling our core values of safety, reliability, affordability, environmental responsibility and community/culture.
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EWEB Recognized with Excellence in Communications Awards from American Public Power Association
We are proud to have been recognized with two Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards for 2023 from the American Public Power Association (APPA).
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Board of Commissioners Meeting Highlights - June, 2018
June 11, 2018
As a public utility, it's important for us to be open and transparent with you, our customer-owners. Here are some highlights from this month's meeting of your citizen-elected Board of Commissioners.
Limited income program goals
EWEB supports limited income customers through bill pay assistance, education and energy efficiency incentives. At the Board's direction, utility staff conducted an evaluation of current programs and, at the June meeting, asked Commissioners for guidance on potential future changes. Commissioners expressed vigorous support for efficiency and conservation programs that help limited income customers save energy, water and money. There was also support for continuation of crisis assistance funds and reducing overhead costs so that a greater portion of the utility's budget for limited income programs goes directly to customers in need. Staff will consider this guidance and return to the board for additional discussion about future program changes.
Disconnection for non-payment and security deposit requirements
EWEB currently offers the most lenient terms of any utility in Lane County, allowing customers to go 60 days without making a payment before initiating a disconnection order. Customers receive several bills (at least three) before EWEB initiates disconnection action for non-payment. In many cases, this well-intended policy creates a situation where customers get so far behind that it becomes very difficult to bring their accounts up-to-date and avoid security deposit requirements. To help limit the accrual of multi-month balances, EWEB is considering compressing the past-due bill collection timeline, and also looking into reducing the security deposit amount required for accounts that are deemed to present a financial risk to the utility. Commissioners expressed support for changing the disconnection timeline and security deposit threshold, and asked staff to bring recommendations to a future board meeting for continued discussion.
Carbon and climate related policies and priorities
Commissioners at the June meeting discussed several carbon and climate related topics:
Proposed updates to the Board's strategic direction policy addressing climate change - The revised policy states the Board's commitment to supporting a low carbon, renewable resource-based electric power portfolio, and directs the General Manager to continue efforts to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions both regionally and from EWEB's operations. Staff will ask for approval of the revised policy at the July board meeting.
Updates to EWEB's 3-year strategic plan - A strategic plan provides the context and understanding needed to manage policies, establish priorities, and make decisions. At the June board meeting, Commissioners approved changes to EWEB's strategic plan to capture the utility's role in reducing greenhouse gases contributing to climate change.
Energy Resource Portfolio - Since 2012, staff has provided the board with an annual update on EWEB's energy resource portfolio and recommendations to ensure our power supply is adequate to meet customer and community needs. At the June meeting, staff's presentation showed that EWEB's current portfolio remains adequate for meeting needs for at least the next five years. However, staff expects to complete a new resource plan in 2021 to support resource negotiations and decisions needed to replace expiring purchase power agreements over the next decade. Commissioners reiterated a strong commitment to a low carbon portfolio and making future resource decisions in the context of a changing climate.
Click here to view the full meeting agenda and supporting materials.