Inland Power is my cooperative!
LightReading inlandpower.com
Returning money to YOU!
December 2022
Inland Power
. . . e d insi
ENERGY Save energy during the winter
CASH BACK
GIVING Inland Power Community Foundation SAFETY Holiday decor safety tips
CA$ CA $H BACK distribution just in time for the holidays!
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e know you work hard for your money - so we work hard to keep your electric rates among the lowest in the country and to provide you with great service. One of the many benefits of belonging to a cooperative like Inland Power is that you are an owner. Every time you purchase power, you build equity or ownership in your cooperative. The amount of equity you earn is determined by net margins – the amount of revenue collected in excess of expenses for each year. These net margins are returned to you through our CA$H BACK program, formerly known as Capital Credits.
Once allocated, your CA$H BACK credits are held by Inland Power as a resource to replace aging infrastructure, increase capacity, maintain reliability and to operate your cooperative. This system helps keep your electric rates low and your service reliable. The amount of CA$H BACK credits you are allocated each year is based on how much electricity you used during the previous year. In time, you will be paid all your allocated CA$H BACK credits. Inland’s board of trustees vote to retire CA$H BACK credits when finances allow, often on an annual basis. CA$H BACK credits are
returned in two forms. Allocations from 1996 to 2017 (vintage years) will continue to be paid in check form each December. Current year allocations were paid as a bill credit in November. For additional information regarding CA$H BACK credits, please visit our website at inlandpower/cash-back.com, or call our member experience team at (509) 789-4277. We love having you as a member and look forward to serving you in the years to come.
“OUR mission IS OUR
members.”
– M I S S I O N S TAT E M E N T
Five ways to fight the winter chill and save energy Get creative and save energy this winter with some helpful and easy tips.
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e all have our favorite season. Some people love crisp, cool weather and to bundle up in five layers under a favorite blanket. Others prefer the warm temperatures summer brings and all the fun outdoor activities that go with it. But there’s one thing we can all agree on: high winter bills are never fun. Inland Power is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.
energy used for heating and cooling a home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is another simple, costeffective way to increase comfort and save in use, like phone chargers or game energy. If you can feel drafts while standing consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug near a window or door, it likely needs to be them to save energy. sealed. 5. Think outside the box. If you’re still 3. Use window coverings wisely. Open feeling chilly at home, think of other blinds, drapes or other window coverings ways to warm up––beyond dialing up the during the day to allow natural sunlight in thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear to warm your home. Close them at night thick socks and bundle up under blankets. Here are five tips to help increase your to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel You can even add layers to your home! If home’s energy efficiency this winter: cold air around windows, consider hanging you have hard-surface flooring, consider curtains or drapes in a thicker material. 1. Monitor your thermostat. This is one purchasing an area rug to block cold air of the easiest ways to manage your home Heavier window coverings can make a that leaks in through the floor. significant difference in blocking cold energy use. We recommend setting your Winter months often bring some of the thermostat to 68 degrees (or lower) when outdoor air. highest energy bills of the year. By being you’re home. When you’re sleeping or 4. Consider your approach to appliance proactive about saving energy, you can away for an extended period of time, try use. Appliances and electronics account increase the comfort of your home and setting it between 58 and 62 degrees for a significant chunk of our home energy reduce monthly bills. Visit our website at there’s no need to heat your home when use, so assess how efficiently you’re using inlandpower.com for additional energyyou’re away or sleeping and less active. them. For example, if you’re running the saving tips. 2. Button up your home. The Department dishwasher or clothes washer, only wash of Energy estimates that air leaks account full loads. Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not for 24 percent to 40 percent of the
Inland Power is my cooperative!
Insight into EVs Weighing the benefits and concerns of an electric vehicle.
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he transportation sector continues to evolve as electric vehicles (EVs) gain popularity. As we mentioned in our September 2022 Light Reading issue, Inland Power recently purchased an EV to get firsthand experience and learn more about the logistics and performance related with electric vehicle. While each EV is different in functionality and efficiency, we are eager to gain more insight through our own experience and share our insight with you. If you are considering making an EV your next vehicle purchase, below are some benefits and concerns to consider before buying.
Holiday Decor Safety Decorate safely with these tips!
While the holidays are merry and bright, they can also bring some safety concerns. From cooking accidents and gift assembly, to driving on icy roads on the ways to grandmother’s house, it’s important to keep you and your family safe this holiday season. Inland Power has several safety tips for you to keep in mind as you decorate your home this year. Most of these tips apply equally to inside and outside decorating activities.
*Price is based on EV industry average of three miles per kWh, 200 mile range, and current IPL residential kWh charge. Please note public charging stations charge at a higher kWh rate resulting in higher cost than at-home charging.
BENEFITS Lower maintenance cost Compared to gasoline-powered vehicles, EVs tend to require less maintenance such as oil changes, tune-ups and fluid flushes. Never go the gas station again! Electric vehicles do not require gasoline and can be charged at home with a standard 120V outlet or a 240V level 2 charger can be installed for faster, more efficient charging. Environmentally friendly EVs have no tailpipe emissions. The power plant producing your electricity may produce emissions, but electricity from hydro, solar, nuclear or wind-powered plants is generally emission-free. Performance on the road Electric motors provide quiet, smooth operation and stronger acceleration.
CONCERNS Higher purchase price EVs can range between $20,000 to over $100,000. Charging takes longer In general, public chargers only charge vehicles up to 80 percent, causing more frequent stops and fill ups. Charger levels perform differently The amount of time to charge varies based on the kWh size. A 50kW charger will recharge your EV at a slower rate than a 350-kW charger. Lack of charging infrastructure in place Currently locations to charge are limited. While more and more charging stations come online, there is still concern for drivers as opportunities for locations are considerably less than gasoline stations. In addition, expect to pay more when charging at a public location verses at home.
1. Have a ground crew (one or two people) hold your ladder and pass up the decorations. This is an invaluable part of safety and will keep you supplied with untangled light strings, fasteners and encouragement. 2. Remember to keep a safe distance from your overhead electric service. 3. Don’t overreach. If you cannot get to a point where your body is completely centered between the sides of the ladder, get down and readjust your location. 4. Don’t overextend the ladder. If your ladder is too short, rent or borrow a longer one. A ladder extended beyond its working limits is dangerous, as is, standing on rungs too close to the top. 5. Do not overload circuits by stringing more light sets together than the manufacturer recommends. Check your light packaging for details. 6. Check your wires for breaks and cracks in the insulation that can lead to shorts.
get in touch
10110 W Hallett Rd. Spokane, WA 99224 MAIN OFFICE
(509) 747-7151 TOLL FREE
(800) 747-7151 BILLING QUESTIONS
(509) 789-4277 PAYMENT SERVICES
(855) 386-9903 ENERGY CONSERVATION AND REBATES
(509) 789-1801 EMAIL
inlandpower@inlandpower.com SOCIAL
Inland Power OUR MISSION IS OUR MEMBERS
‘Tis the Season for Giving!
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he holidays are here and it’s time to celebrate special moments with family and friends. This time of year is also the perfect time to spread some cheer! As an Inland Power member you have a unique opportunity to give back through the Inland Power Community Foundation. Your contributions help support the communities that we live and work in. The foundation provides financial assistance for individuals and community organizations within the districts Inland Power serves.
are donating to the Inland Power Community Foundation each month. The amount donated is tax deductible as tax laws permit.
HOW TO DONATE! Small change that changes lives is the bedrock upon which that the Inland Power Community Foundation is built. This program gathers voluntary contributions from Inland Power members who give a one-time donation or have authorized Inland Power to add an additional amount to their monthly electric bill. Whether it is a few cents a month or $20, this small contribution can make a huge impact. YEARLY CONTRIBUTIONS The amount “rounded up” on each participating member’s bill averages a total of $6 a year or 50 cents a month (maximum of $11.88 per year) – a small amount to help worthy causes in our community. Your monthly bill statement shows how much you
Foundation funds go towards many impactful programs, such as: •
Energy assistance for Inland Power members through Spokane Neighborhood Action Partners (SNAP).
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College, line or trade school scholarships to dependents of Inland Power members.
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Projects for nonprofit organizations that make a positive impact on our communities.
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Youth livestock exhibitors.
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Individual requests to help with Inland Power member needs.
All distributed funds are approved through the Inland Power Community Foundation board, which is comprised of volunteer Inland Power members. To learn more about the Inland Power Community Foundation, visit our website at inlandpower.com/community-foundation. com.