Currents Jan Feb 2024

Water and Power Newsletter for Your Vera Neighborhood

JAN |

Don’t get left in the dark

Unleash the warmth

| 2024

At Vera Water and Power,we understand dealing with power outages can be stressful and inconvenient. But sometimes, unforeseen circumstances can lead to power outages beyond our control. That’s why we are committed to keeping you informed and helping you stay safe and prepared during these situations.

As the temperature drops, preparing your home for winter weather is crucial. The harsh winter weather can be brutal on your home and wallet, but with these simple DIY tips, you can stay warm and cozy indoors while saving on energy bills.

Essential tips to winterize your home and beat the chill.

Staying safe and comfortable in a power outage

Take these four steps to prepare for an outage: 1. Be safe – Many people look to generators and other fuel-powered devices when the power goes out. Make sure to have functioning battery-operated CO monitors near every bedroom to ensure safety. Never operate combustible equipment indoors and avoid using the oven as a heater. Remember not to plug generators into electrical outlets to prevent backfeed, which can lead to serious injury or even death for line workers.

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REPORT A POWER OUTAGE Call 888-774-8272 if you experience a power outage. The more information we have, the better we can assess and address the issue.

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2. Make a plan – Establish a household communication process to stay connected with everyone. Consider using two-way radios for effective communication. Additionally, involve your neighbors in your planning and encourage regular check-ins to support each other.

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888-774-8272

Vera’s Historic Wellhouse #1

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Don’t get left in the dark Staying safe and comfortable in a power outage

3. Forecast and prepare – When a storm is forecasted, make preparations.

• Keep spare batteries on hand

• Keep your vehicle’s tank

• Dress in layers, stay dry, and

full of gas.

• Stock up on extra bottles

of drinkable water and nonperishable food items.

• Make sure you have an

ample supply of prescription medications to last through the storm.

• Conserve your phone's battery

power and keep external battery packs charged during the event.

for flashlights, lamps, and other devices. stick together. Consider setting up an indoor tent to sleep in and gather near each other for warmth.

• Prepare extra seasoned

wood if you have a fireplace or woodstove.

• Don't forget to make necessary arrangements for your pets.

• Have activities planned,

especially if you have children.

4. Know what your resources can handle – Only a small portion of your home will likely need to be heated, such as the living room.

Keep this in mind if you plan to purchase or set up a generator.

Your safety and well-being are our top priorities. We work yearround to maintain and improve our infrastructure and emergency preparedness to minimize the impact and risks of unplanned outages.

We appreciate your understanding and cooperation during these times and are here to assist you in any way we can.

Discover ways to save on utility costs with a FREE energy audit Are you concerned about high energy use during these cold months? We have a solution for you. Consider getting an energy audit for your home.

January and February are peak seasons for energy use, especially with the furnace running to keep us warm. But did you know there may be ways to manage your home’s energy efficiency and save money? That’s why we offer free energy audits through our partner, Efficiency Services Group.

An energy audit is a thorough evaluation of your home's energy usage that helps pinpoint areas for enhancing energy efficiency and lowering utility expenses. By taking advantage of this opportunity, you can make informed decisions about staying more comfortable while saving energy.

To request your free energy audit, call Efficiency Services Group at 888-883-9879. Their team of experts will guide you through the process and provide instructions on what to expect. The best part? It’s completely free!

Seize the opportunity to optimize your energy usage and potentially decrease your energy bills.

Please contact Efficiency Services Group today at 888-883-9879 to schedule your complimentary energy audit.

DIVE INTO GOVERNANCE

See how decisions are made at Vera Water and Power We hold board meetings on the second Wednesday of every month, starting at 6:30 p.m. The meetings take place at the Vera office and provide an opportunity for you to gain insight into the governance of our utility. It’s also a chance to see firsthand how decisions that impact your utility services are made.

Please note that our board meetings follow a predetermined agenda. To ensure that your concerns or ideas are appropriately addressed, we recommend calling us at 888-774-8272 in advance.

We can help coordinate your topic of interest for discussion during the meeting.

Payment assistance options to help you stay warm during peak heating season If you’re struggling to pay your bills, please remember you don’t have to face it alone. There are resources designed to lend a helping hand when you need it most!

PAYMENT ASSISTANCE TIP

Please remember that customers are responsible for their utility bills when seeking payment assistance until Vera receives the grant or purchase order from assisting agencies.

Processing grants can take six to eight weeks, so we encourage you to contact these agencies as soon as possible to start the application process.

Vera’s Credit Department If you need assistance with payment arrangements, our credit department is here to help you. If you need an extension on your bill, please contact the owner or manager of your property to request permission. Once we receive authorization, we will be more than happy to assist you. To make a credit arrangement, please get in touch with our credit department at arrangements@ verawaterandpower.com.

Spokane Valley Partners Spokane Valley Partners offers emergency assistance funds of up to $75 once a year for our Vera customers. You can reach them at 509-927-1153, ext. 12.

SNAP (Spokane Neighborhood Action Programs) offers assistance funds specifically designed to help during the heating season. You may qualify for their support depending on your household income and the number of people in your home. It’s important to note that eligibility and funding availability with SNAP can vary, so it’s best to confirm your eligibility by calling them at 509-456-SNAP. They’ll gladly guide you through the process and provide further details.

2-1-1 Washington Information Network For a full range of health and human service information, referrals, and other assistance, you can contact the Washington Information Network 211. This easy-toremember number is available for anyone seeking support.

Energy Efficiency Programs We offer various energy efficiency programs to help you save money in the long run. We provide rebates for residential hot water tanks, windows, insulation, and more. Contact Efficiency Services Group (ESG) at 888-883-9879 to learn more about these programs and incentives.

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Unleash the warmth

Essential tips to winterize your home and beat the chill.

MONITORING AND PROTECTING THE SPOKANE VALLEY RATHDRUM PRAIRIE AQUIFER

Change your filters –Dirty and clogged filters can cause heating systems to fail or work inefficiently, leading to costly repair bills. If you have baseboard heating, ensure the coils are clean and free of dust and debris.

Minimize air drafts – Seal gaps around doors, light fixtures, and plumbing to keep warm air inside. Use air sealing kits and insulating spray foam to prevent air leaks easily improving your heating efficiency.

Remove window A/C units – Leaving your air conditioning unit in the window during cold weather can lead to larger energy bills and lower comfort levels.

Consider taking them down during winter to prevent heated air from escaping.

Check your fireplace – An open fireplace can lead to substantial heat loss. Make sure the damper is fully closed when not in use to prevent the escape of warm air from your home.

Close the curtains at night – Even with efficient windows, the glass can still make the area around it feel colder. Insulated shades and cloth curtains can help create a buffer zone between you and the cold glass, keeping you more comfortable indoors.

Our trusted energy efficiency partner, Comfort Ready Homes, has a directory with trusted weatherization, water heating and HVAC professionals at comfortreadyhome.com/ contractor-search.

With these simple DIY tips, you can keep your home warm and comfortable all winter. However, if you notice an issue with your heating system, consider calling a contractor for repairs as soon as possible.

Since 1977, Spokane County has been monitoring water quality in the aquifer. They have 51 monitoring locations, including Vera’s Well #4 at 24th and Adams.

Water samples are collected quarterly and analyzed in a laboratory for 17 chemicals and other measurements like groundwater levels and temperature. These tests help keep track of the aquifer’s health.

Monitoring the SVRP Aquifer brings many benefits.

It improves our understanding, enables early contamination detection, and helps us evaluate water quality trends and the effectiveness of protective measures.

The county recently completed a 20-year analysis of the SVRP aquifer data and published several resources at spokanecounty.org/1285/Groundwater-Monitoring.

According to the SVRP’s 20-Year Report (1999-2019): • Water quality in the SVRP Aquifer is excellent overall.

• The county detected some lead and arsenic above safe levels, but they are rare.

• Groundwater levels are stable.

• Chloride concentrations are increasing.

• Nitrate levels have improved and are now below the limit, except along the northern boundary towards the state line.

Don’t let the colder weather catch you off guard—take these steps for winter readiness and enjoy a cozy, energy-efficient season.

Protecting this essential resource for our community’s present and future is essential. Join us in safeguarding our groundwater resources.

OFFICE LOCATION 601 N. Evergreen Rd., Spokane Valley, WA 99216

OFFICE 509-924-3800

MAILING ADDRESS P.O. Box 630, Spokane Valley, WA 99037

24-HOUR TOLL-FREE 888-774-8272

verawaterandpower. com

© Copyright 2024. All rights reserved. Vera Water and Power.

Open the curtains during the day – Even in the cold winter, opening your curtains lets natural light into your home. Not only does this brighten your home, but it can also naturally warm the interior, helping to reduce your heating costs and boost your mood.

The Spokane Valley Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer (SVRP Aquifer) is our sole source of drinking water. This crucial underground aquifer serves as a vital resource for our region. It serves 600,000 people and underlies about 370 square miles of the relatively flat valley across Washington and Idaho. The aquifer is unique for its fast-flowing and generous water supply and its high susceptibility to contamination.