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Light Reading - July 2026

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LIGH READING

Investing today helps ensure reliable

outcomes tomorrow!

Our commitment to our members and the communities we serve.

lnland Power’s focus has always been straightforward: ensure that the lights stay on and support the communities we serve. However, behind every switch, home, and business is a sophisticated system that demands continuous attention. Consistent electricity doesn't occur by chance; it requires ongoing investment and planning. This includes system repairs, maintenance, upgrades, and the incorporation of new technologies that allow us to operate more intelligently and efficiently.

Much of the energy infrastructure we depend on today was established decades ago. Although it still functions effectively, its age necessitates the repair or replacement of components to ensure optimal performance and safety. Every element of the grid— from poles and wires to transformers and substations—has a finite lifespan. Regular maintenance can help prolong this lifespan; however, equipment must eventually be upgraded to align with contemporary standards. These forward-looking investments

minimize the chances of outages, reduce restoration times during disruptions, and strengthen the foundation for our expanding community.

This year Inland Power is focused on enhancing infrastructure, improving resilience and expanding communication tools. These are our areas of focus:

WILDFIRE MITIGATION

· Vegetation Management

· Weather Monitoring

· Sectionalizing

· Secondary Inspections

· Defensible Space Around Poles

RELIABILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE

· AMI Meter System Upgrade

· Substation Improvements and Expansions

· Reconductor, Add Phase, and New Line Construction for additional capacity

· Annual System Maintenance

OUTAGE COMMUNICATION

· New Outage Map

· Enhanced Communications with texting

· After-Hours Internal Dispatch

Although these enhancements take careful planning and financial commitment, the benefits are substantial - a robust grid fosters economic growth, elevates service quality, enhances safety for both our teams and the community, and above all, it guarantees that the vital power you depend on is accessible whenever you need it.

Our commitment to reliability extends beyond just our infrastructure; it embodies our responsibility to the people and communities we serve. Each upgrade, repair, and technology we implement is an investment in enhancing your daily life.

To discover more about the significant infrastructure projects happening this year, please visit inlandpower.com/2026-ipl-projects.

Our mission is our members!

If

NEW FEDERAL SPILL SURCHARGE

Begins July 1, 2026

We want to keep you informed about an upcoming change to your electric bill beginning on July 1, 2026.

The Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) has added a Financial Reserves Policy (FRP) surcharge to Inland's power bill. This is mainly due to three years of lower-than-average water levels, along with higher costs to purchase power. Inland Power’s portion of this is about $715,000.

There’s also a second surcharge tied to a federal court order that requires more water to be spilled over dams. While this helps meet important environmental goals, it also reduces how much electricity BPA can generate. Because of this, BPA is recovering $125 million in costs, and Inland Power’s share is expected to be more than $2 million each year while this requirement is in place.

Starting July 1, 2026 you will see a new line on your bill called Federal Mandated Spill Surcharge, which will be around 4%. This charge will stay in place as long as the federal requirement continues. We know changes like this aren’t always easy, and we’re here to help answer any questions you may have. Thanks for your understanding as we navigate these changes together. If you have additional questions, please visit our FAQ page at inlandpower.com/federal-spill-surcharge.

Energy Scams

Scammers are increasingly resorting to “smishing” —fraudulent text messages that mimic legitimate businesses, such as your electric utility. These messages might assert that your bill is overdue, your service is at risk of disconnection, or that you are entitled to a refund. They frequently contain a link that leads to a counterfeit payment site or requests personal information.

IMPORTANT TIPS:

• Avoid clicking on suspicious links. Do not reply to unexpected texts, even if they seem urgent.

Instead, verify any claims by logging into your utility account through the official website or mobile app. We will never request sensitive information, such as passwords or banking details, via text messages. Remember, these are simple tips to keep your member account safe.

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Light Reading - July 2026 by Inland Power & Light - Issuu