November December 2023 Currents

NOV |

Water and Power Newsletter for Your Vera Neighborhood

DEC

| 2023

Keep your celebrations bright and safe A view of the serene Spokane Valley Saltese Conservation area. Come and discover the wonder of nature and the importance of conservation, all in one breathtaking location.

Immerse yourself in nature’s abundance Explore trails and breathtaking views at Saltese Conservation Area

The Spokane Valley Saltese Conservation area is a natural treasure.

Nestled within the Saltese Flats, this conservation area encompasses over 500 acres of wetlands and diverse wildlife. It is a testament to the efforts of Spokane County and individuals like Vera Water and Power customer Bud Morrison, who support preserving our local environment.

Through the restoration efforts, the wetlands in the Saltese Flats are being revitalized. This restoration not only enhances the beauty of the area but also provides benefits such as creating a diverse wildlife habitat and recharging the Spokane Valley-Rathdrum Prairie Aquifer which is our sole source of drinking water.

As we adorn our homes with festive decorations, it’s crucial to prioritize electrical safety. Avoid overloading outlets, use certified lights and extension cords, and never leave decorations unattended. Keep your tree watered to prevent dryness, and never use damaged wires or sockets. Remember to turn off lights before bed and unplug them when leaving the house. Follow these easy precautions to ensure a safe and joyful holiday season for everyone. Let’s celebrate with brightness and peace of mind.

Happy holidays!

Visitors to the Saltese Conservation area can enjoy the landscape and explore the trails that wind through the property. These trails offer opportunities to see wildlife and take in the views of nearby attractions such as Liberty Lake, Mount Spokane, and Saltese Flats.

This natural oasis enriches our community and shows the beauty of the Spokane Valley. Whether you are seeking solace in nature, eager to explore the trails, or simply want to appreciate the wildlife, this conservation area is a must-visit destination.

Homegrown Utility | Neighborhood Owned | verawaterandpower.com |

888-774-8272

Vera’s Historic Wellhouse #1

Pay bills, track usage, and receive real-time alerts—all in one place!

We have some good news to share with you. Our new customer portal is now live!

Our customer portal provides a fast and easy way to access and manage your account from any device with internet access. This feature-rich, secure, and userfriendly portal allows you to: • View and manage your account details • Track your usage patterns and history • Receive real-time notifications and alerts • Pay your bills online • And much more!

We understand it is important for you to have a convenient and hassle-free way to manage your services. Our customer portal was developed with your needs in mind.

Our portal is seamlessly integrated with our internal systems, ensuring that your data is always accurate and up to date.

To access the portal, all you need to do is visit the Vera Water and Power website and click the “View or Pay Your Bill” button near the top of the page. You’ll be prompted to enter your login credentials, which you can obtain by following the simple steps on the login page.

As always, we are here to assist you with any inquiries or issues you may have when using the portal. Simply reach out to us at 888-772-8272, and we’ll be more than happy to help.

Embracing kindness

Supporting energy assistance for those in need In these colder months, utility bills tend to rise, putting additional strain on individuals and families. Some may find themselves in need of a helping hand. Spokane Valley Partners (509-927-1153) offers one-time energy assistance to those facing crises, providing the support they need during these challenging times. Whether you’re giving or receiving assistance, it’s an act of kindness that will surely warm your heart.

For more than 60 years, Spokane Valley Partners has provided a safety net for our community. Consider a donation and help create a brighter future for those who need it most.

Life can be unpredictable, and unexpected challenges can arise at any moment—a sudden illness, a job loss, or an unexpected hardship.

During these times, we can rely on the generosity and compassion of our neighbors. By giving what you can, you can help create a neighborhood safety net that provides support when it’s needed most.

To contribute, simply indicate the amount of your donation on your monthly Vera statement. Every donation, big or small, makes a significant impact and provides vital assistance to those in need.

If you find yourself facing a crisis and needing help with your energy bills, don’t hesitate to reach out to Spokane Valley Partners. They are here to offer a one-time energy assistance program tailored to your specific situation.

Let’s come together as a community and make a difference.

Your acts of kindness, whether giving or receiving assistance, contribute to creating a caring and supportive environment.

Fill in the blank on your Vera statement and add your donation to your payment. Together, we can bring warmth and comfort to those facing difficult times.

Vera Water and Power inspired young minds through interactive utility worker experience Vera Water and Power had an incredible time at ValleyFest in September. Picture this: kids of all ages donning their very own utility worker attire—it was both adorable and inspiring to see their excitement.

To spark curiosity and show the importance of the work we do by providing essential services to our community, ValleyFest goers could receive a taste of what it’s like to be a utility worker. Visitors enjoyed exploring and learning about the utility industry in a fun, engaging way. Each "utility worker in training" received a yellow, plastic hard hat and directions for a DIY lineman costume.

Young superheroes took the stage at Vera Water and Power’s ValleyFest booth, dressed as utility workers ready to save the day! These future workers learned about the importance of utilities in our community.

We enjoyed connecting with the community, sharing our passion for our work, and leave a lasting impression on all who visited our booth.

We’re already looking forward to next year!

Customer Corner Meet Vera Water and Power Customer Bud Morrison Bud Morrison has a unique connection to the Saltese Conservation Area, a place known for its natural beauty. Furthermore, an incredible learning center within the conservation area bears a special name— Doris Morrison Learning Center—in honor of Bud’s mother.

Bud is a long-time rancher on his family farm, which was established by his grandfather in the late 1800s. This historic farmland—located along east 32nd Avenue—serves as a reminder of the Spokane Valley’s rich heritage. Bud carries on his family’s legacy while ensuring that the land thrives for generations to come.

The Doris Morrison Learning Center, within the Saltese Conservation Area, stands as a symbol of Bud’s dedication to education and his mother’s legacy. This center offers an opportunity for visitors to gain an understanding of the area’s ecological importance and the significance of preserving our natural resources.

At Vera Water and Power, we are proud to have Bud as a member of our customer family. His commitment to our community and to our history is part of what makes the Spokane Valley truly special.

Just outside the Doris Morrison Learning Center, Vera Water and Power customer Bud Morrison showcases the waterfowl artwork created by his relative, capturing the grace and beauty of flight.

We fill the bin outside the lobby with FREE WATER METER INSULATION BLANKETS. Remember to grab yours and keep the water flowing all winter long.

Simple ways to prevent frozen pipes No one wants to wake up on a chilly winter morning and find out that there’s no water due to frozen pipes. To prevent such inconvenience, frustration, and costly repairs, take preventive measures now as the weather gets colder. Here are three easy ways to keep your water flowing all winter long:

Protecting your pipes from freezing during the colder months is a top priority.

1. Install a water meter insulation blanket: Check your water meter box.

Is there a white foam blanket on top? If not, stop by the office, and we’ll give you one for free. Please do not use home insulation as it can soak up water, freeze and become ineffective. These blankets are located right next to our front door in a marked box.

2. Keep your meter vault covered: If your meter vault cover is missing, broken or cracked, contact us for assistance. We have replacements, and you must keep your meter vault covered.

3. Run water: During an extended period of freezing temperatures, keep a pencil-sized stream of water running to minimize the risk of frozen pipes.

As a Vera customer, you’re the owner of your service and related parts, and it is your responsibility to keep the meter and your pipes from freezing.

We’re here to help you prevent damage.

Please visit verawaterandpower.com/responsibilities for more information about your responsibilities. Don’t let frozen pipes ruin your winter.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Grand Coulee Dam A group of Vera Water and Power employees recently took a hardhat tour of Washington state's Grand Coulee Dam. The tour, which was sponsored by the Public Power Council, highlighted the benefits of the Grand Coulee Dam and the Columbia River projects.

The tour showcased the incredible engineering of the Grand Coulee Dam, which is the largest hydroelectric power-producing facility in the United States. Our team saw the inner workings of the dam, including the massive turbines that generate electricity and the system of reservoirs and canals that manage the flow of water. Electricity generated by the dam is sold by the BPA to public utility companies like Vera. This model allows for low-cost hydropower that benefits all of us in the community.

The tour included the history of public power and the role that dams, like the Grand Coulee, have played in shaping the region. Various environmental mitigation efforts that have been implemented to ensure that the generation of power is sustainable for future generations was also presented. Overall, the hard-hat tour of the Grand Coulee Dam allowed our employees to see firsthand the incredible power of public power. We feel proud of being a part of this legacy and grateful for the low-cost, reliable power it provides to our community.

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 2023. All rights reserved. Vera Water and Power.

Vera Water and Power employees take in the awe-inspiring view of the iconic Grand Coulee Dam, a testament to ingenuity and innovation. As one of the largest hydropower producers in the world, this colossal structure harnesses the power of water to generate clean, renewable energy for millions.

Vera’s power comes from the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA), which generates power from dams on the Columbia, Snake, and other Northwest rivers, including the Grand Coulee Dam. The tour gave our employees a behind-the-scenes look at how this power is generated and marketed.