August 2014 Share Package Utility Contacts

Lori Froehlich, Klickitat County PUD, (509) 773-7632, lfroehlich@klickpud.com

Dave D’Avanzo, Lane Electric Co-op, (541) 284-0452, dave.davanzo@laneelectric.com

Theresa Phillips, Lassen Municipal Utility District, (530) 257-6944, tphillips@lmud.org

Christina Sawyer, Mt. Wheeler Power, (775) 289-8981, ext. 105, christinas@mwpower.org

Mark Sellers, Peace River Electric Co-op, (863) 767-4644, mark.sellers@preco.coop

Steve Meyers, Umatilla Electric Co-op, (541) 567-6414, steve.meyers@umatillaelectric.com

A Possible Secondary UseResearch assesses the feasibility of hydrokinetic energy on canal system

By Pam Blair

Ever wonder if the vast array of canals stretching across the nation could be harnessed as the next great renewable energy resource?

With the blessing of the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation and oversight by the Department of Energy, a Canadian company is in the second phase of testing to determine if canals can provide a source of not only water, but also electricity.

“It’s a brand-new technology trying to find its place in the hydro world,” says Erin Foraker, renew-able energy research coordinator for the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation. “We’re trying to learn about the impacts those devices would have on our canals and infrastructure. We don’t want to do anything that places our infrastructure in harm’s way.”

In August 2013, Instream Energy Systems placed a single 25-kilowatt rotor and generation system in the Roza Canal near Yakima, Washington. Depending on flow conditions, the turbine produces 10 to 12 kilo-watt-hours of electricity—enough to power eight to 10 homes a year. Currently, the power is used on site to run computers and data processing equipment.

The research program calls for installation of two or three more devices during the next two years.

For Instream Energy, the goal is threefold: to demonstrate that canals have a secondary use, which

is power production; confirm the technology is not detrimental to existing canal operations or the sur-rounding environment; and to extrapolate energy potential calculations that will help shape the next generation of equipment.

The 25-kilowatt turbine being tested on the Roza Canal near Yakima, Washington, is attached to a structure that spans the canal. It is secured with concrete foundations on both sides. To move the turbine in and out of the water, the structure is rotated.Photos courtesy of Instream Energy Systems

Power LinesEnergy News For Consumers

Windmills In the WaterCo-developed with BAE Systems—formerly British Aerospace—Instream Energy Systems’ scalable vertical-axis hydrokinetic turbines produce electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of moving water without the need for dams, diversions or reservoirs. The world’s free-flowing rivers, constructed waterways, tides, waves and ocean currents represent a highly concentrated, largely untapped clean energy resource.

28 AU G U S T 2014

“We are working on optimizing power produc-tion,” says Shannon Halliday, business development director for Instream Energy. “We want to make overall improvements to the equipment. We are looking to secure a commercial project by 2015.”

For the Bureau of Reclamation, the goal is to track flow, assess impacts and develop a plan.

“Research is imperative to determining policy,” Foraker says. “We are trying to capture different flow regimes and build a model that will allow us to take what we learn and apply it to other canals.”

Hallidays says the equipment has little effect on the canal, since nothing touches the canal structure.

While that is true of the Instream equipment, manufacturers of six different hydrokinetic systems are competing commercially, Foraker says, noting the landscape “is like solar and wind were 25 years ago.”

Phase one results at Roza are promising, with no negative impact on canal performance, “but the tell-tale is when you install two or three more turbines, and even that is still a small number,” Foraker says.

The Roza Canal was selected as a test site specifi-cally because of its water speed, Halliday says.

“Lots of canals don’t flow above 1.5 meters per second, which is a minimum,” Halliday explains. “Between 5 and 10 is great. Roza is a little faster than most, at 7 or 8 meters per second. There is an exponential increase in the amount of power you can generate the faster the water flows.”

Foraker notes that fewer than 10 percent of the Bureau of Reclamation’s canals have the flow neces-sary for hydrokinetic equipment now being marketed.

In addition to water velocity, critical components include depth of the water, seasonal flow, proximity to a grid connection for commercial power produc-tion and the existing price of power in the locale.

“There is no point unless we can hit the cost of other renewables,” Halliday says, conceding that hydrokinetics are more costly than other renewables at this early stage of development. “Europe is attrac-tive because the price of power is so much higher, and renewables are government supported.”

Instream is installing its technology in an open river environment in Bordeaux, France. A public-private partnership is paying for all permitting and putting in a floating platform.

“We just bring in our equipment,” Halliday says, noting Instream will be paid the U.S. equivalent of 21 cents per kilowatt-hour for power produced.

That opportunity does not surprise Foraker. “Other renewables developed quicker in Europe,”

she notes. “They have a higher tolerance for risk. The economics have yet to be proved, but hydroki-netics will find its niche in this energy world.” n

What started as an aggressive water conservation plan to address irrigation canal problems in Central Oregon has led to a small hydroelectric plant that will serve the power needs of an estimated 300 Central Electric Cooperative members seven months of the year.

Since 1998, Three Sisters Irrigation District has replaced 45 of its 60 miles of open canal with high-density polyethylene pipe. The work was needed to eliminate canal seepage that averaged more than 50 percent. Between 2010 and 2012, 4 miles was replaced with two 54-inch HDPE pipes, one of which provides the penstock for the hydroelectric plant.

With the U.S. Forest Service and the Upper Deschutes Watershed Council, TSID also restored 1,400 feet of Whychus Creek below the diversion dam to improve habitat and overall stream function. The stream bed was raised to the height of the dam, which improved fish passage. TSID also installed a state-of-the-art self-cleaning fish screen.

On-farm deliveries increased as much as 25 percent at the same time in-stream flow increased. Elimination of irrigation pumps at 19 farms along the route has the potential to conserve 500,000 kilowatt-hours of electricity a year, according to the irrigation district.

The final component of the project is the hydroelectric plant, which capitalizes on elevation changes of the water lines. A 700-kilowatt turbine generator is expected to produce a minimum of 3 million kWh a year. The power will be purchased by PacifiCorp, but transported across Bonneville Power Administration transmission lines and used by members of Central Electric Cooperative.

The powerhouse was scheduled to go online at the end of July.“This project has been a win-win-win,” says Pamela Thalacker, hydro

project coordinator for TSID. “We are putting water in-stream and not in ditches. Fish can make it to diversion now. And we are conserving and producing power. Anywhere there is flowing water, people should be looking at inconduit hydro.”

Three Sisters Irrigation District field crew members—from left, Barry Westland, Kevin Langlois and Michael Mills—work on construction of the powerhouse.Photo courtesy of Three Sisters Irrigation District

Tapping Into Irrigation Flow

AU G U S T 2014 29

AU G U S T 2014 25

Umatilla Electric

The Future is BRIGHT

>Natalie Scotto, A 2014 Hermiston graduate, is a freshman in Accounting at University of Nevada, Las Vegas.>Renee Baumann, A 2011 Weston-McEwen graduate, is a senior in Pre-Vet at Oregon Institute of Technology. >Juana Gaytan, A 2011 Riverside graduate, is a senior in General Science at Oregon State University.>Adriana Sanchez, A 2012 Irrigon graduate, is a junior in Accounting at Oregon State University. >Tamara Bow, A 2001 Umatilla graduate, is a junior in Nursing at Grand Canyon University. >Hanna Dobson, A 2014 Hermiston graduate, is a freshman at Blue Mountain Community College.>Sara Villegas, A 2014 Hermiston graduate, is a freshman at Paci� c University. >Adrianna Strong, A 2014 Irrigon graduate, is a freshman at Portland State University.>Anna Harris, A 2012 Pendleton graduate, is a junior in Pre-Med at Smith College. >Lily Ringe, A 2014 Hermiston graduate, is a freshman in Education at Eastern Oregon University.>Yosiel Ornelas, A 2014 Hermiston graduate, is a freshman in Business at Oregon State University. >Maggie Coleman, A 2013 Hermiston graduate, is a sophomore in Business at Portland State University.

Natalie Scotto Yosiel Ornelas Juana Gaytan

Tamara Bow

Adriana Sanchez

Maggie Coleman

Anna Harris Lily Ringe

Sara Villegas

Twelve college students in Umatilla and Morrow counties have been awarded scholarships of $2,500 each from Umatilla Electric Cooperative. All recipients have shown academic success, community engagement, and are goal oriented.

4 au g u s t 2014

Rick Crinklaw admits he was “an electric co-op brat.”

His playground as a boy was the equipment and supply yard of Douglas

Electric Cooperative in Roseburg where his father, Howard Crinklaw, Jr., was the general manager. Th en his workplace as a young adult, aft er graduating from the University of

Oregon, became the Lane Electric Cooperative facility in Eugene. He began as the co-op’s Manager of Member & Regional Aff airs and has been the general

manager for the past 20 years.Now aft er a lifetime in the electric

cooperative world, he’s retiring. His fi nal day will be Aug. 30.

“It’s hard to imagine,” he says of the end of his career in the industry. “I grew up with it. It’s been as much of a lifestyle as it has been a career.

“I’m going to miss the people … the people at Lane Electric, the people in the industry and the co-op’s members,” he adds. “I’ve gotten to know hundreds of members, and that may be understating it. I’ve become friends with some of those members and those connections I’ll miss.”

But Rick explains he wants to leave the profession while he is still enjoying the work, the challenge of it and the satisfaction it gives him.

“Isn’t that the best time to depart?” he says. “When you still enjoy it and you have no regrets. I believe the cooperative is positioned well for success in the future so this is the best time to go.”

Lane Electric’s board of directors began to execute a plan in late 2013 to fi nd a new general manager. Th e position was advertised nationally and 35 to 40 applications were received. Th e list was narrowed to four fi nalists in early July. Th e board plans to have one of those candidates in the manager’s offi ce on Sept. 2 so there’ll be no gap in the co-op’s leadership.

On that same day, Rick says he’ll begin to enjoy the weather, no matter what it is, for the fi rst time in his 37 years with the co-op. When the winter months roll around, the snow, wind and ice always make for anxious days and nights for the co-op because those weather elements can quickly knock out power to members and create long work days for the crew and staff and hazardous work conditions for those working outdoors.

Rick will trade his worry in for swinging golf clubs on a variety

of courses, for a motorhome and travel with his wife, Carla, and for a fi shing rod to cast for trout and salmon.

Rick traveled a lot across the U.S. to represent Lane Electric at meetings and conferences, but there usually wasn’t time to truly visit an area. Now he and Carla plan to revisit some of those sites as tourists.

“Th at could be the Oregon coast to the autumn leaves changing colors in the northeast, and everything in between,” he says.

Rick admits spending his professional career in the electric cooperative industry really came as no surprise considering his grandfather Howard Crinklaw worked for co-ops and retired from Coos Curry Cooperative in Coquille and his father worked for Douglas Electric. Rick remembers tagging along with his father, but instead of staying put in the offi ce, he explored the co-op’s warehouse, equipment and trucks.

“It was my playground environment,” he says.In addition to the playground, he joined his dad at numerous

member gatherings and grew up seeing how the cooperative works with its members.

As a University of Oregon graduate, he focused on the electric industry. He interviewed with two utilities and was off ered employment by both. He chose Lane Electric.

Aft er years as the co-op’s manager, Rick credits Norm Oakley, his predecessor, for mentoring him in anticipation of applying for the manager’s position when Norm retired.

“Norm provided me with opportunities to be involved in internal projects that were outside of what I would normally do,” Rick says. “He wouldn’t tell me to do them, but he let me know they were available. If I wanted to move up, I needed that experience. Norm was very good at mentoring and developing management talent.”

When Norm announced his retirement plans, Rick applied for the job and was eventually selected by the co-op board for the job from the pool of applicants.

“From that day on, I’ve been very grateful for the opportunity,” Rick says.

Crinklaw is very proud of numerous co-op highlights over the past 20 years. Th ose include improvement in the safety program, upgrades and the integrity of the electrical

After 37 Years, Crinklaw Bids LEC FarewellAt the end of August, Rick will enter a new phase... retirement!

Rick Crinklaw admits he was “an electric co-op brat.”

His playground as a boy was the equipment and supply yard of Douglas

Electric Cooperative in Roseburg

Oregon, became the Lane Electric Cooperative facility in Eugene. He began as the co-op’s Manager of Member & Regional Aff airs and has been the general

manager for the past 20 years.Now aft er a lifetime in the electric

au g u s t 2014 5

transmission distribution system, the advancement in technology, the training of new staff and crew members to replace the retiring employees of the Baby-Boomer generation and the completion of the King Estate Winery solar project.

Rick admits there were also some dark times for the co-op, one being the production failures of nuclear plants in the late 1970s and early 1980s, and another being the energy crisis of 2000-2001. The co-op was able to survive those negative situations and continued to serve its 10,000 members.

“The co-op is in good condition because of Rick,” says Chuck Leighter, a 35-year member of Lane’s board of directors. “He knew our business, he had the experience needed to be a good general manager.”

“I give Rick nothing but high accolades,” says Gary Jensen, an 18-year Lane Electric member. “He’s had a very positive impact on

the services that have been provided to members.”“Rick left no stone unturned in making choices and making the

best recommendations for the cooperative,” says Judy Hampton, a 46-year co-op member.

“One of Rick’s attributes is that he’s taken the bumps out and made the operation run pretty smoothly,” says Bill Webber, a 15-year Lane member.

Rick says his goal when he became general manager was to leave the co-op in a better position than when he took over the leadership position. He says he believes he has accomplished that goal.

“It’s been very fulfilling, very rewarding,” he says of the job. “We take enormous pride here in what we provide down the line. All the people here at Lane Electric have demonstrated that commitment and we’re very proud of that.”

That realization is allowing Rick to easily slide into retirement.

The Many Faces Of Rick CrinklawThank you Rick for your many contributions. We wish you well in your retirement!

Early in his career, Crinklaw advised members howto use energy wisely and save money on their electric bills.

Crinklaw participated on numerous committees as general manager.

Crinklaw began his journey as Lane Electric’s general manager in 1995.

Crinklaw talks with members at one of the co-op’s district meetings.

Crinklaw worked closely with the directors in the board room.

Crinklaw is recognized by Ruralite for his contributions to the industry.

Crinklaw learned the energy efficiency business from the ground up.

Watts NewA Newsletter for Customers of Klickitat PUD

8 AU G U S T 2014

This is a frequent question heard at KPUD. Usually, blinking lights are the result of momentary outages that occur when some type of disturbance exists on the line. It could be a lightning strike, an automobile striking a power pole, or an animal or tree branch coming in contact with an energized power line.

Because today’s microprocessors are so intolerant, brief outages are more notice-able than they were in the past. Actually, when lights blink, it can indicate our equipment is operating properly. Blinking lights reflect the operation of equipment that protects the lines and keeps the power from going off for more than just a moment.

Klickitat PUD’s distribution system includes devices called reclosers, which operate much like a switch or a self-resetting circuit breaker. Whenever there is a short circuit on the line, the re-closer interrupts the flow of electricity. If the short circuit is temporary, which is often the case, the recloser permits power to continue flowing through the line with only a brief interruption of service—meaning your lights blink.

Without this device, every short

circuit—temporary or otherwise—would cause the power to be off until Klickitat PUD could send a lineman to restore service. Usually, reclosers will operate automatically three times before stop-ping the flow of electricity and causing a power outage. The recloser operation protects the lines from damage.

A word of caution: If you have lights blinking continually, it may indicate a problem, and you should contact our office. While we strive to deliver steady, consistent and high-quality power, some-times circumstances beyond our control cause power disturbances. To protect your valuable appliances and sensitive electronic equipment, we recommend protective power quality devices.

An estimated 80 percent of power quality problems originate inside the home. Culprits include motors starting up or shutting down, improper electrical wiring and grounding, and overloaded circuits.

If you experience continuous blinks or improper power quality, please check the electrical equipment and wiring in your house first. Then give us a call. We are happy to help you.

Why Do My Lights Blink?

Reclosers protect lines and consumers from short circuits and allow temporary faults to clear, which helps keep service energized to the customers without needless interruptions.Photo courtesy of NRECA

The Washington State Department of Ecology recently recognized the Klickitat, Dallesport, Lyle and Wishram wastewater treatment plants as recipients for the 2013 wastewater treatment plant outstanding performance awards.

Each plant was evaluated for compliance with its e� uent limits, monitoring and reporting requirements; spill prevention planning; pretreatment; and other regulatory activities to stay in full compliance with their discharge permits. These important obligations must be met to protect Washington’s water quality.

Out of about 300 wastewater plants in the state, Klickitat PUD’s systems are four of the 125 to achieve full compliance with their National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System permit. This is the sixth consecutive year of achievement for Klickitat, eighth consecutive year for Lyle, and � fth consecutive year for Wishram.

“It takes diligent operators and a strong management team, working e� ectively together, to achieve this high level of compliance,” wrote Water Quality Program Manager Heather Bartlett. “Ecology appreciates the extraordinary level of e� ort your plant operators demonstrated throughout 2013. Talented and pro� cient operators are critical to successful plant operations and protecting the health of Washington’s waters.”

The communities of Klickitat, Dallesport, Lyle and Wishram, and the dedicated KPUD operators, are congratulated for their e� orts, having worked hard to maintain compliance 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

KPUD Plants Continue Award-Winning Ways

Watts NewA Newsletter for Customers of Klickitat PUD

By Lori Froehlich

The utility industry loses linemen every year due to job-related injuries and accidents. Most linemen know a co-worker who has been injured or killed on the job. To prevent these trage-dies, utility companies focus their resources on safety programs and employee training.

Klickitat PUD is no exception. Fundamental policies and procedures, monthly meetings and annual refresher training sessions are vital to the safety of PUD employees.

One example of the focus on safety is the pole-top, bucket and vault rescue. Klickitat PUD conducts this training every July. The purpose is to practice the quick and safe removal of a victim from a power pole.

“Joe,” everyone’s favorite 180-pound dummy, is belted to a power pole to represent the victim: a fellow lineman who may need rescue due to heart attack, electrical shock, heat stroke, injury or equipment failure.

Linemen are required to first assess the situation and call for help. Next, they climb the pole, use the hot stick to de-energize the power by opening the cutout and then proceed to rescue Joe. A second man on the ground positions himself to receive Joe from the lineman on the pole, stabilize him and begin first aid/CPR.

KPUD’s tree trimmers simulate this scenario, with the victim being placed in a tree for recovery.

The water wastewater crew also is involved in this hands-on safety training. They set up a tripod and simulate a vault rescue to retrieve someone from a trench or deep hole.

While none of the crew members like to consider the pos-sibility of having someone on their crew injured and having to put these skills to use, practicing what to do in the event of an accident could save one of their lives.

Emergency medical technicians from Skyline Hospital were on site and provided refresher CPR training to the crews, as well as use of the automatic external defibrillator, a device that shocks the heart back into rhythm.

Crews also practice bucket rescue during safety training. All crew members are required to familiarize themselves with the various bucket trucks and their controls. Each truck has differ-ent controls, so this is important training in case any employees are in an emergency situation that calls for their assistance.

This annual training enables KPUD employees to be ready for any situation that could occur while they are on the job, and better serve the public.

Keeping their knowledge current could mean the difference between life and death. If safety procedures are followed and personal safety is never sacrificed for productivity, all employees can go home safely at the end of each work day. n

Annual PUD Rescue TrainingPrograms and training keep PUD crew members safe while on the job

Ed Lexa lowers Joe to Jeff Speelman, who receives him on the ground.

28 AU g U s t 2014

Clockwise from top left, John Starr helps lower Joe to the ground slowly, using his hand for a brake as necessary. Ethan Wanous and Jeff Speelman take part in the annual CPR refresher training given by the Skyline Ambulance crew. Justen Greenwood and Lori Froehlich run the bucket truck for replacing Joe back on the pole after each rescue. Rob Rising talks to Joe as he climbs up to rescue him, letting him know help is on the way.

AU g U s t 2014 29

Mt. Wheeler Power

Until recently, solar power remained a niche market, available only to people who had home equity and the ability to refinance, or had cash on hand. However, recent demand is driving the cost down, and more members are showing an interest in going solar.

The FactsAs with anything else, supply and demand drives the cost of installing photovoltaic. The average cost of residential PV systems in the U.S. declined more than 30 percent in the past decate, from $10.80 per watt in 1998 to $7.50 per watt in 2008.

According to the Department of Energy’s Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, installed prices for PV systems in 2012 fell by 6 to 14 percent, and in the first

few months of 2013, PV system prices in California fell an additional 10 to 15 percent.

The ScamMt. Wheeler Power understands there is a great deal of interest in solar. However, there is also a great deal of misinformation out there. According to the Berkeley Lab study, the median installed price of PV systems completed in 2012 was $5.30 per watt. Some dealers have been selling underperforming, over-priced systems with an average installed cost of $10 per watt.

As a member looking to install your own system, you may find yourself at the mercy of aggressive fly-by-night vendors. Before signing a contract, verify

Serious About Solar?Mt. Wheeler Power wants to help you do it the right way

Mt. Wheeler Power installed a solar panel at the cooperative to gain knowledge about working with solar power.

4 AU G U S T 2014

how much energy the system is expected to pro-duce. Seek multiple bids for comparison;, the lowest bid may not always be the best. Always hire a certi-fied licensed solar contractor. As the solar market grows, more untrained contractors are trying their hand at installation. See the information below page for helpful tips on hiring a contractor.

The FutureJust like the rest of the country, Mt. Wheeler Power recently experienced an increased demand for PV systems. As is the tradition of cooperatives, Mt. Wheeler Power is doing what it can to meet those demands.

Mt. Wheeler Power’s goals are—and always have been—fair prices for well-maintained systems and accurate information on savings. Rebates for solar installation and net metering are in place and the co-op makes every effort to stay informed on new technology and programs to help facilitate our goals.

As a member, it is your responsibility to let the co-op know what it can do to meet your needs. In next month’s issue of Ruralite, look for the member survey and return it with your thoughts on alterna-tive methods of providing you with a safe, reliable, consistent and affordable power supply.

Remember, before deciding if solar is right for you, it is imperative you talk to the experts at Mt. Wheeler

Power. While a contractor financially benefits from selling you a solar system, Mt. Wheeler Power is look-ing out for your best interest.

Getting Started • Your first step is to analyze how much energy

your home uses. Home energy-efficiency improve-ments must be taken into account prior to consider-ing any solar investment.

• Once you have reduced your annual energy use with investments in weatherization, you can look at system size. Remember, the less energy you use, the less energy your solar system will need to produce, making it more affordable.

The typical Mt. Wheeler Power member uses an average of 1,200 kilowatt-hours a month or 14,000 kWh a year. The cost for that energy at the current rate of 7 cents a kWh is $84 a month or $1,008 a year.

The fixed cost still applies on your bill. • Visit www.mwpower.net and enter your figures

into the solar estimator to find out your payback. • Consider the impact a solar system will have

on your house and property. Depending on whether you opt for a ground-mount or a roof-mount sys-tem, the solar array will take up a significant amount of space.

• Contact Mt. Wheeler Power at (775) 289-8981 or (800) 97-POWER to review its programs. n

Tips for Hiring a ContractorHiring a contractor to install a PV system on your home or business is a major financial commitment. Doing some research ahead of time will result in a better investment. Remember, a solar system is expected to operate for approximately 25-30 years. The following tips will help you find the best contractor for the job. XX Hire only licensed contractors. Check the contractor’s license number by visiting the Contractors State License Board website at http://www.contractors-license.org/ut or http://www.nvcontractorsboard.com.

XX Hire insured contractors. Always insist on a certificate of insurance for general liability insurance. Uninsured workers who are injured on the job can file damage claims against the homeowner.

XX Verify Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Both Nevada and Utah require this form of insurance for any employer. If your contractor is exempt from the workers’ compensation requirement, it means any workers on the job must belong to another subcontractor who is insured.

XX Get references. Always get at least three references from previous customers of the contractor, and review past work.

XX Get multiple bids. Get at least three bids, and use a written plan so you can compare apples to apples.

XX Get a thorough written contract before any work begins. Any work valued at more than $500 requires a contract. In the contract, specify the start and completion dates of the job, and insist on a progressive payment schedule that is spelled out in dollars and cents. If you are going to spend thousands of dollars, consider investing another $200 to have an attorney review your contract for your protection.

XX Never sign a contract under pressure. Insist on at least 48 hours to study the contract.

XX Pay as you go. To start a job, never pay more than 10 percent down or $1,000, whichever is less. Hold back 10 percent for the final payment after the entire job is complete. Never pay for work before it is done.

XX Never pay cash. Pay by check or credit card. XX Keep a job file. Put receipts, permits, plans and anything else pertaining to your job in the file.

AU G U S T 2014 5

Lassen Municipal

By Nick Dominguez LMUD IT Operations Technician

Everywhere we go, the Internet is there to make life easier. But this advance-ment does not come without a price. Being constantly con-nected opens the door for theft, fraud and abuse.

Cybersecurity is an important topic for everybody. What can you do to ensure you stay safe on the Internet?

Before you enter any personal information on a website, ask yourself these three questions:

Do I know who I am giving my information to?Cybercrimals rely on deception to obtain your information. More often than not, criminals get the information from people who willingly provide it to them.

Do not give personal infor-mation to anybody you recently met. On the web, verify that the website URL you are visit-ing is for the institution you expect. For example: www.lmud.org is a Lassen Municipal Utility District-owned website, but www.LassenMunicipalUtilityDistrict.org is not. If you are unsure, con-tact the institution whose website you are trying to visit using a published phone number, not the number advertised on the website.

Is the transfer of information secure?You would not shout out your credit card number in a crowd of people, but if you provide your credit card number on an unse-cured website, you are essentially doing just that.

Ensure the website you are visiting is secure by looking for HTTPS in the website URL. The S stands for secure. LMUD’s secure website is https://online.mypcsportal.com/online/lsonline.

Is this too good to be true?The old adage of “if it’s too good to be true, it probably is” holds

true for the Internet. If you see an incredible offer, think twice

before clicking on the link. Never give out personal

information in exchange for something that is too good to be true.

A good rule of thumb is to treat online interactions the same as you would face-to-face interactions. If you

would not hand over your Social Security

card to a person you just met on the street,

do not assume it is safe to give that same information to somebody you just met on the side streets of the

Internet.LMUD takes cybersecurity

seriously and is dedicated to keeping our custom-

ers’ information safe and secure.

Online communi-cations done between you

and LMUD that contain person-ally identifiable information are done over secure (HTTPS) chan-nels. We employ industry-stan-dard encryption to secure all data transferred. Additionally, LMUD follows payment card industry data security standard guide-lines whenever credit card data is exchanged.

If you are ever unsure about a request that claims to come from LMUD, contact our customer service department at (530) 257-4174 to verify its authenticity. n

Staying Safe Online

AU G U S T 2014 25

8 a u g u s t 2014 Peace River Electric Cooperative

Shelter: Habitat for Humanity

A family will reunite under one roof thanks to a $10,000 grant to Arcadia-DeSoto Habitat for Humanity. The Summerall family had lived in a FEMA trailer since Hurricane Charley devastated their home in 2004. Cramped conditions made it impossible for the family to stay together.

“Due to the confines of the trailer, the Summeralls were unable to accommodate their 52-year-old paraplegic mother-in-law, forcing them to place her in a nursing home,” shares Jane Breylinger, executive director for Habitat. “Their new energy efficient home will include a handicapped accessible bedroom and bath, bringing this family of six back together.”

Food: Our Daily Bread

Operation Round Up granted $7,800 to help Our Daily Bread of Bradenton feed needy families and the homeless in Manatee County. This grant will support their “Project 5000”program which provides twice weekly food bags to the hungry.

“Our family food bags contain canned items that can be prepared at home, while bags for homeless individuals contain ready-to-eat foods,” explains Robert Eikill, treasurer. “With this grant, we can include dairy products, fresh fruits and vegetables.”

Our Daily Bread also serves hot meals, seven days a week, to all ages, regardless of race, color or belief. Over its 30 year history, the organization has served over 2 million meals.

Operation Round Up Grants Go for Food and ShelterOperation Round Up, PRECO’s charitable foundation, issued two grants to local organizations to fight hunger and homelessness.

PRECO members make Operation Round Up possible by allowing the co-op to “round up” their monthly power bills to an even dollar amount. Participation is 100 percent voluntary and anyone can opt out at any time by request. Individuals or organizations may seek grants for needs relating to food, shelter, medical, clothing and the environment.

Fully stocked grocery shelves serve the hungry at Our Daily Bread’s new facility on 17th Avenue in Bradenton.

Our Daily Bread utilizes an army of volunteers to feed the hungry. Here, volunteers are preparing food bags for distribution to hungry families.

The Summerall family takes part in the groundbreaking for their new home.

14-0081_PREC_AUGUST_final.indd 10 7/14/14 1:05 PM