Electric Cooperative is proud to support economic development in the South Hermiston Industrial Park by providing reliable electric service to its tenants with the Kelli Boulevard Substation and subsequent transmission lines completed and energized in October 2024.
By Maura Giles
Electricity plays an essential role in everyday life.
It powers our homes, offices, hospitals and schools. We depend on it to keep us warm in the winter (and cool in the summer), charge our phones and binge our favorite TV shows. If the power goes out, even briefly, our lives can be disrupted.
The system that delivers your electricity is often described as the most complex machine in the world, and it’s known as the electric grid.
What makes it so complex? We all use different amounts of electricity throughout the day, so the supply and demand for electricity is constantly changing. For example, we typically use more electricity in the mornings when we’re starting our day, and in the evenings when we’re cooking dinner and using appliances. Severe weather and other factors also impact how much electricity we need.
The challenge for electric providers is to plan for, produce and purchase enough electricity so it’s available exactly when we need it. Too much or too little electricity in one place can cause problems. So, to make sure the whole system stays balanced, the electric grid must adjust in real time to changes and unforeseen events.
At its core, the electric grid is a network of power lines, transformers, substations and other infrastructure that span the entire country. But it’s not just a singular system. It’s divided into three major interconnected grids: the Eastern Interconnection, the Western Interconnection and the Electric Reliability Council of Texas. These grids operate independently but are linked to allow electricity to be transferred between regions when backup support is required.
Within the three regions, seven balancing authorities known as independent system operators (ISOs) or regional transmission organizations (RTOs) monitor the grid, signaling to power plants when more electricity is needed to maintain a balanced electrical flow. ISOs and RTOs are like traffic controllers for electricity.
The journey of electricity begins at power plants.
Power plants can be thought of as factories that make electricity using various energy sources, like hydropower, natural gas, solar, wind and nuclear energy. Across the U.S., more than 11,000 power plants deliver electricity to the grid.
Umatilla Electric Cooperative receives power from Bonneville Power Administration, and from market purchases. UEC’s power supply team works closely with our regional partners to purchase power in a timely and cost-effective manor to provide electricity at the lowest cost possible. By having an internal purchasing team, UEC members benefit by placing control in the hands of your co-op, prioritizing affordability and reliability.
To get the electricity from power plants to you, we need a transportation system.
High-voltage transmission lines act as the highways for electricity, transporting power over long distances. These lines are supported by towers and travel through vast landscapes, connecting power plants to electric substations.
Substations are like pit stops along the highway, where the voltage of electricity is adjusted. They play a crucial role in managing power flow and ensuring that electricity is safe for use in homes and businesses.
Once the electricity is reduced to the proper voltage, it travels through distribution power lines, like the ones you typically see along the side of the road. Distribution lines carry electricity from substations to homes, schools and businesses. Distribution transformers, which look like metal buckets on the tops of power poles or large green boxes on the ground, further reduce the voltage to levels suitable for household appliances and electronic devices.
After traveling through transformers, electricity reaches you –to power everyday life.
We’re proud to be your local, trusted energy provider. From the time it’s created to the time it’s used, electricity travels great distances to be available at the flip of a switch. That’s what makes the electric grid our nation’s most complex machine––and one of our nation’s greatest achievements.
Maura Giles writes on consumer and cooperative affairs for the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association, the national trade association representing nearly 900 local electric cooperatives. From growing suburbs to remote farming communities, electric co-ops serve as engines of economic development for 42 million Americans across 56% of the nation’s landscape.
Thanks to strong collaboration with our power supply partners, Umatilla Electric’s carbon emissions plummeted 65% in 2023 when compared to the previous year, reaching its lowest level since 2018. A major milestone in UEC’s ongoing sustainability efforts.
Over 75% of our 2023 power supply came from low-carbon resources such as hydroelectric dams across the northwest and solar generated right here in UEC’s service territory. In addition, UEC met its annual renewable energy target again in 2023 under Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS).
Data results from 2024 will be released in late 2025.
Give your home an annual safety checkup to stay a step ahead of electrical fires
By David Herder
Being home can mean having a warm and cozy spot to rest while winter weather rages outdoors. However, your home can turn from toasty to toast in an instant if a fire breaks out.
Electrical failures and malfunctions were factors in more than 46,000 fires a year from 2015-2019, according to the National Fire Protection Association. Annually, those fires caused 390 deaths, 1,330 injuries and $1.5 billion in property damage.
The new year presents an opportunity to build new habits and safeguard your home. Give your home an electrical safety checkup to keep it how you like it—warm, safe and free of electrical fire hazards.
Cords and plugs are responsible for about 7% of deaths in home fires, despite only being involved in 1% of home fires, according to the NFPA. Extension cords are the most common cause of plug- or cord-related fires. Take these precautions with your cords:
• Check all cords for damage or fraying. These issues are fire and shock hazards.
• Don’t put weight on cords. Placing chairs or other heavy objects on cords can damage them.
• Only use extension cords temporarily. If you need electrical access in a different spot, consider contacting a licensed electrician to install new outlets.
• Plug large appliances directly into outlets, never into extension cords.
• Wires inside of walls can be dangerous as well. Check for loose wall receptacles, wires or lighting fixtures, and listen for popping or sizzling sounds behind walls.
Many electrical hazards are caused by faults—abnormal electric currents. Left untreated, these can cause shock and fire hazards. Using arc-fault and ground-fault circuit interrupter outlets can save your life. Ground faults are where electricity has an abnormal path, creating a shock hazard. Make sure you have GFCI outlets anywhere that could become wet—including the bathroom, kitchen and any outdoor outlets.
ea. Minimum order of 5 coins
American Gold Reserve is releasing Government issued $5 Gold American Eagles completely free of dealer mark-up for only $299 each. These beautiful $5 Gold American Eagles are a perfect way to enter the gold market. They are set for immediate public release and will sell out fast GENERATIONAL WEALTH is of paramount significance as it represents a beacon of financial stability. It serves as a
to the hard work, diligence, and financial acumen of previous generations, offering a solid foundation upon which future generations can build their dreams and aspirations.
• Free of dealer markup. • Protection against inflation and deflation. • Gold offers financial cover during geopolitical uncertainty.
Good portfolio diversifier.
To help mitigate this crime in local communities, county task forces are relying on what small towns do best: help one another. County task forces are community-based multidisciplinary teams with the training and skills to identify, respond to, and help victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Each task force is different but often includes employees from the local police department, domestic violence and housing assistance organizations, youth nonprofits, school districts and other county organizations with existing resources to support victims and survivors.
“Our goal is to have them in every county,” says Amanda, who is responsible for building Oregon’s response to sex and labor trafficking.
This effort starts with building awareness and understanding the root causes of trafficking and how it thrives in communities. From there, task forces find the best ways to support victims and survivors by pooling resources and educating their communities about human trafficking and where they can direct suspected victims for help or report a suspected incident.
“One of the goals of the task force is
to build this team of people who know what trafficking is and know how to respond to it so that when a victim or survivor is identified, they know what to do and the other agencies they can reach out to support the person,” says Ashley Johnson, Anti-Trafficking Alliance of Central Oregon task force coordinator and “at:project” coordinator.
If a victim is in a police station, entering foster care, contacting a domestic violence center or sitting in a school counselor’s office, the goal is for the professionals they’re encountering to know how to identify the signs of trafficking and connect them with what they need in the moment.
Starting with meeting basic needs— something to eat and a safe place to rest— may lead to counseling, housing and job support, or prosecution of their trafficker.
Community awareness and collaboration changed Jane’s life.
After escaping her traffickers in her early 20s, Jane eventually found her way to Central Oregon. Even through the trauma and abuse Jane experienced, she didn’t think of herself as a survivor.
“At this point, I still didn’t understand what trafficking was,” Jane says. “I didn’t know that was what had happened to me. I knew it was a lot of abuse and a lot of really
bad things that shouldn’t have happened.”
When she moved to Oregon, Jane was in an abusive relationship and struggling with her mental health. While working in a hospital, she suffered from a concussion after hitting her head on a piece of equipment. During her medical examination, the doctor found evidence of multiple concussions Jane had suffered from abuse inflicted by her traffickers and buyers.
Finally, someone asked Jane a question that took down all the walls she’d spent her lifetime building: Why did this happen to you?
“I just broke down and told him everything,” Jane says. “That was the first time I had really opened up about the things I had been through in my life. Up until that point, I was too scared. I told myself I was never going to tell anyone what had happened.”
Thanks to the local advocacy and awareness efforts by the county task force, the doctor knew where to direct Jane to get the help she needed. Jane was connected to at:project, a local nonprofit created by law enforcement and the district attorney’s office employees, service providers and agencies to support survivors of human trafficking in Central Oregon.
The at:project helped Jane gain her
trick and threaten them into providing commercial sex or forced labor. It is a crime that happens everywhere.
“It’s happening in every community, whether people want to acknowledge it or not,” Kylla says. “It is important we are aware and make sure our community is safe. It is an everywhere problem, so it is an everyone solution.”
TAT’s free training includes industryfocused, documentary-style videos, corporate and community training resources, printable posters and wallet cards, and a mobile app. The training videos bring together survivors’ firsthand accounts and antitrafficking education.
TAT’s survivor-driven education changed Oregon Department of Transportation’s Maureen McNeill’s perspective on her work eight years ago when she attended Kylla’s presentation at a law enforcement conference in Bend. During the presentation, a young human trafficking survivor shared some of her darkest moments and how she carries the weight of those experiences with her every day.
“I sat right across the table from her as she told her story, and it really stuck with me for a long time,” Maureen says. “I said to
TOP: Sunset Empire Transportation District’s employees are trained to identify signs of human trafficking. PHOTO COURTESY OF SUNSET
EMPIRE TRANSPORTATION DISTRICT RIGHT: Kylla Lanier gives a presentation on human trafficking awareness to 300 law enforcement officers at the 2022 Western States Information Network.
COURTESY OF TAT
myself, ‘I need to do something about this.’”
As the backbone of the country’s economy, Maureen knows each truck driver she meets may encounter human trafficking victims and perpetrators. Traffickers use the same extensive road network as truck drivers to transport their victims, including the rural stretch of I-84 Maureen manages from Umatilla to Baker City.
“They are the eyes of the road,” she says. “When they’re stopping in rest areas, truck stops and casino parking lots, they are likely to see something.”
When Maureen was promoted to Blue Mountain regional manager of commerce and compliance, she added human trafficking awareness to trainings she and her team present to trucking businesses and farming operations in Eastern Oregon. She has fliers and wallet cards at weigh stations
for her employees to hand out to drivers.
“Traffickers are on our highways, and they need to stop and use facilities,” Maureen says. “That’s where we’re going to spot them.”
Kylla hears stories of industry professionals across the country who have encountered suspected human trafficking and reported it to local police. Oftentimes, the people who step up to help in these situations never hear the outcome of their efforts. Yet, Kylla knows how much of a difference these actions make from the survivors she works with at TAT.
“When you see survivors thriving— these are creative, strong, smart people that deserve a chance at a better life,” Kylla says. n
Bring attention and advocacy to your community with TAT’s free human trafficking awareness resources at tatnonprofit.org.
I would appreciate any scrapbook paper, metal dies, embossing folders, wax seals, glitter, embellishments, embossing ink. Anything that you don’t need anymore in your craft room, I’m willing to pay shipping if needed. Thank you very much.
A Zinni
260 E. Theater Lane Hermiston, OR 97838
Retired “hot rodder” would like old license plates to decorate wall of hobby shop. Will be happy to refund shipping cost. Thank you.
Marty Billich 3580 Parkridge Ave. Pahrump, NV 89048
I have been working on a California king size cover for bed. I would appreciate if anyone has white doilies they would be willing to share. Can be used. I have been working on the cover for 10 years. Thank you in advance.
Kathryn Geiszler 19024 Hwy 42 Myrtle Point, OR 97458
Our family has adopted a spunky senior who is turning 92 in January. She still drives and brings a lot of joy to others. Adelia has experienced much loss and sorrow in her life, but she keeps smiling and is truly an inspiration. It would mean the world to her to receive birthday cards. Please address them to: Adelia Anderson, 3755 N. 4th St., Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815. Thank you so much.
Karen Kastning Rathdrum, Idaho
My mom turns 100 in early February. She would love to receive greetings and words from the world outside my home. Please send cards to: 61590 Gosney Road, Bend, OR 97702. Thanks in advance.
Anita Elsey Bend, Oregon
I am looking for the words to an old cowboy song that my dad loved. I don’t remember the name, but some of the words are, “I dreamed there would be a great roundup/where cowboys like doggies would stand/to be judged by the (Rider of Justice?)/who is (trained?) and who knows every brand/roll on, roll on, roll on little doggies, roll on.” I would love to have these words, if someone knows them.
Evalyn Finney 11815 N. Boyer Road Sandpoint, ID 83864-8870
I am a lover of hot tea, especially on a cold winter morning. I noticed my tea selection getting rather skimpy and thought it would be fun to ask readers if they might send me a tea bag of a brew that they enjoy. I would be happy to reciprocate. I would very much enjoy the variety. I double checked postage, and it would require one stamp. Thank you so very much.
Harriet Courts 6060 Teal Creek Road Dallas, OR 97338
I have a very nice casserole dish in my possession. It is a large stone one: 9x13. It was left in Antelope, Oregon, about six to eight months ago. If you have a missing dish, please call 541-489-3445 with the brand name. I will be happy to mail it to you.
Elizabeth Samul P.O. Box 37
Antelope, OR 97001
Looking for a recipe for cornbread that was much more moist and sweeter than traditional cornbread. It’s baked in a 9x13 pan, has cheddar cheese, butter and creamed corn.
Elena Nightingale
907 D Ave.
LaGrande, OR 97850
I want to send a huge thank you to all of the amazing people who sent beads, jewelry, other craft items and ideas for our Senior Respite Program. Your generosity is so appreciated and overwhelming.
Diane Whitley Eastsound, Washington
Thank you so very much to all who sent cards and gifts to my mom for her 92nd birthday. She was shocked but very delighted to get mail. Rural people are so awesome.
Laura Crowe Umpqua, Oregon
Send your request (no attachments) to readerexchange@ruralite.org or mail to Reader Exchange, 5625 NE Elam Young Parkway, Suite 100, Hillsboro, OR 97124. Fill in the subject line with Reader Exchange.
Acceptance, scheduling and editing are at the editor’s discretion. Single requests only, please. No duplicates. Submissions are handled firstcome, first-served as space allows. We cannot honor every request.
Please affirm you have authorization from all appropriate parties before submitting. By submitting, you indemnify Reader Exchange, Pioneer Utility Resources Inc., its officers, directors, employees, utility clients and insurers from all legal liability incurred by the publication of information.
We no longer accept pen pal requests. You may submit a pen pal request as a Marketplace ad (pricing applies).
When submitting a milestone request, please send it at least two months before the milestone. Phone numbers are not published. Email addresses are if they are part of the ad, but you must include a postal address.
Requests must include the name and address of the electric utility that provides your magazine.
The best walk-in tub just got better with breakthrough technology! Presenting the all new Safe Step Walk-In Tub featuring MicroSoothe. ® An air system so revolutionary, it oxygenates, softens and exfoliates skin, turning your bath into a spa-like experience. Constructed and built right here in America for safety and durability from the ground up, and with more standard features than any other tub.
✓ Heated seat providing warmth from beginning to end
✓ Carefully engineered hydro-massage jets strategically placed to target sore muscles and joints
✓ High-quality tub complete with a comprehensive lifetime warranty on the entire tub
✓ Top-of-the-line installation and service, all included at one low, affordable price You’ll agree – there just isn’t a better, more affordable walk-in tub on the market.
one of the largest purveyors of collectible knives in the country, you can trust Stauer to give you the best knife for your money.
Case in point: The Blades of a Feather Knife –– a remarkable hunting and adventure knife with an even more remarkable price. This is the kind of knife people flock to.
This stick tang knife boasts a stainless steel blade with a scalloped edge that gives it a distinct feathered appearance. This “feathered” edge is more than a striking aesthetic touch; it enhances the knife’s performance by creating air pockets in the spaces. These air pockets prevent shredding and allow for a cleaner, smoother cut. Consider it your edge up.
Recalling the days of the great American frontier, this knife’s artisan handle is crafted of natural bone, redwood and brown Pakkawood. It’s a great addition to your collection, and will prove a trusty companion for all your outdoor adventures from hunting and fishing to camping and hiking. It also makes one heck of a letter opener. Plus, by making the call today, you are guaranteed to receive a genuine leather sheath in the deal.
Your satisfaction is 100% guaranteed. Feel the knife in your hands, wear it on your hip, inspect the impeccable craftsmanship. If you don’t feel like we cut you a fair deal, send it back within 30 days for a complete refund of the item price.
We invite you to join the hundreds of thousands of Stauer knife collectors who appreciate a fine blade along with a fine deal. We assure you, you’ll be in good company. Don’t let this beauty slip through your fingers. Call today!
Knife Speci cations:
Call today and you’ll also receive this genuine leather sheath!
• Stainless steel stick tang blade; 12” overall length
• Natural bone, redwood & brown Pakkawood handle
Blades of a Feather Knife $249 $49* + S&P Save $200 California residents please call 1-800-333-2045 regarding Proposition 65 regulations before purchasing this product.
*Special price only for customers using the offer code.
1-800-333-2045
Your Insider Offer Code: BFK144-02
feel of this knife is unbelievable... this is an incredibly fine instrument.”
Providing you with electricity is our core service, but we do more for our members throughout the year. Here’s a month-by-month guide to the benefits of being a UEC member!
• Pick up a free wall calendar with landscape photos by local photographers.
• Ask for a donation for your school, club or event from our community giving fund.
• Apply for a UEC college scholarship (deadline is March 1). UEC gives out a total of $50,000 in general college, electric engineering, and lineman scholarshipsopen to UEC members and their dependents.
• Watch your mailbox! UEC Board election materials will be sent out in March if your district is up for election (Board terms are three years). Exercising your right to vote is your voice in the operation of our member-owned and locally controlled cooperative.
• Join us at our Annual Meeting at EOTEC in Hermiston on Saturday, April 19. An update on the progress of our Cooperative comes with our appreciation - a catered meal, a member gift, door prizes and entertainment.
• Need to upgrade? Take advantage of our low-interest Energy Saver Loan Program for upgrades to your home or business including HVAC, windows, or insulation. Making upgrades to your energy efficiency can help save on your energy bill and increase your home’s comfort.
• With summer break around the corner, let us entertain and educate your fourth or fifth grader at our exciting two-week long Hydromania Summer Science Camp.
• Check out UEC’s rebate programs for our residential, ag, commercial and industrial members. We average more than $1 million in rebates each year for energy efficiency measures.
• Track your energy usage 24/7 with SmartHub - awareness on how you use energy can lower your bill by 10 percent.
• Expanding your business? Consider a loan from our Revolving Loan Fund. Contact the UEC Business Resource Center at (541) 289-3000 or stop into the office on Highway 395 in Hermiston for more information.
• Send in your photos from around our service area for a chance to be featured in the 2026 UEC wall calendar! Photos can be emailed to Member.Services@ UmatillaElectric.com.
• Celebrate National Co-op Month with us! Attend one of our member appreciation events throughout the month for lunch on us and a chance to win prizes, bill credits, and more!
• Have a high school student apply for a once-in-a-lifetime experience at our Washington D.C. Youth Tour or Idaho Youth Rally - a chance to develop leadership skills or earn scholarships.
• As a member-owner of UEC, you may receive a cash refund based on the amount of electricity you used in previous years.
All your member benefits are outlined at www.UmatillaElectric.com, or feel free to email us at: member.services@umatillaelectric.com for more information on how you can take advantave of your cooperative benefits.
4x5 round bales, Meadow Foxtail Orchard Grass. 4x4 Timothy, small square. nas@cpcinternet.com; 208-435-4637 or 208-435-4002. 1225
Reinforced custom-sized pond liners (39 cents/sqft). Hay covers, greenhouse covers, any width and length. Truck tarps and more. High puncture and tear strength. Best price guaranteed. Celebrating 43 years in business. www.btlliners.com. 541-447-0712. 0425
Buying antiques and collectibles: advertising signs, porcelain signs, gas pumps, beer signs, antique toys, cast-iron coin banks, neon signs and more. Jason, 503-310-3321 or tjabaughman@yahoo.com. 0325
Buying American Indian collectibles, Navajo blankets and rugs, baskets, beadwork, etc. Also, quality paintings of the early Southwest and Americas. Call 760-409-3117 or send photos to amer.ind.baskets@gmail.com. 0225
1997 Eddie Bauer Expedition. 4x4 exceptional condition. New aluminum wheels and tires. 113K miles. No disappointments, leave a message. 541-661-1140.
Not just for Christmas. Idaho author Tova R. Cladouhos sells children’s books on Amazon or by email at tovarae@gmail.com. These books are perfect for elementary-aged children with factual stories based on friendship, affection, protection and farm animal adventures. Tova loves barns, pastures, dogs, cats, sheep and ponds. Her books include, “The Nine Lives of Milo the Cat,” “Saving Lily,” “Little Molly” and “Little Molly’s Secret.” 0125
For sale: quaint hardware store in Maupin, OR. Inventory and interior store recently updated and refreshed. See ad on Bizbuysell.com or email Maupincountrystore@gmail.com. $229,999. 0125
For sale: successful Northeast Oregon Drive-In Diner, Union, OR. Owner wishes to retire after 28 years. RMLS #24493530. Walt BrookshireBroker, Oregon Trail Realty, 541-805-8689. $185K. 0125
9th Annual Fiber Arts & Jewelry Exhibit. Feb. 7 - March 29, 2025. Art Center East in LaGrande, OR. Submission deadline: Feb. 1, 2025. artcentereast.org. 0125
Ads 25 words or fewer are $35 a month. An extended ad of up to 35 words is $50 a month. Contact information is included in the word count. Phone numbers and emails count as one word.
Longer ads may be placed. Contact 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop for pricing information.
Ads are for customers of member co-ops, public utility districts and municipals only. Subscribers and nonmembers may inquire about pricing at 503-357-2105 or info@pioneer.coop.
Ads must be direct and in first person, and are subject to approval and editing.
Closing deadlines (in our office): March issue—Jan. 30, 2025.
If submitting ad by mail, send appropriate payment with your name, address, email, phone number and the name of the electric utility that provides your magazine to: Marketplace, P.O. Box 1306, North Plains, OR 97133. Make check or money order payable to Ruralite.
We accept credit card payments for ads submitted by email. Send ad to info@pioneer.coop.
Call 503-357-2105 to pay by credit
Advertisements are accepted in good faith. Pioneer Utility Resources is not liable for interactions between buyers and sellers.
Fireproof combination lock safe, $300. DR multi trimmer, $300. Kubota tow rototilla, $1.75K. Land pride 4-ft mower, $800. Ted, 458-910-3727. 0225
Free Items
Free materials—church, government uniting, suppressing “religious liberty,” enforcing National Sunday Law. Be informed. Need mailing address only. TBS, P.O. Box 374, Ellijay, GA 30540. tbsmads@yahoo.com; 888-211-1715. 0125AR
Foster parents needed to care for teen youth in Wasco and Hood River counties. Agency provides on-call support, training, $2.1K/youth monthly reimbursement, 2 days off/month. Fosterinfo@nextdoorinc.org, 541-308-2207.
Quadra-Fire Santa Fe pellet stove 700-1,000 sqft. Used 2 seasons, cabin, small house, man cave. $1.8K. Starchaser987@yahoo.com; 541-419-7477. 0125
Granite cemetery markers at affordable prices. Will ship to most places. For more info: www.highdesertmemorials.com; Joe, highdesertmemorials@gmail.com or 541-815-8906.
Local commercial fisherman sells summer catch of preserved freshness by blast freezing at sea, gourmet canned tuna on internet. Sept.June. 100% guaranteed the best canned tuna you ever tasted. Original, jalapeno and garlic flavors available. To order: twofisherstuna.com or 206-799-1082. 0225
Male husky. 4 years old. Very gentle. Great with children. 541-875-4172. 0125
Let me help you buy or sell ranch, farm and recreation property in OR. Fourth-generation Oregonian, prior ranch owner. For sale: Klamath Marsh, OR. 173.65 acres. $2.5M. Guest Ranch Overlay. John Gill, 541-480-9161; johngill@landandwildlife.com. Land And Wildlife brokerage. 0125
Beautiful custom home on 15 acres w/ stunning panoramic mountain and valley views. Garage, barn. $599K. Duke Warner Realty, 541-987-2363, ddwr@ortelco.net. 0125
20 acres located east of Montello, NV. Fully livable. Year-round access. Power and water nearby. Comes with equipment and facilities. $35K. geopup58@gmail.com. 0125
Stay vigilant, stay safe against scammers.
A new scam is making its way across the country, and while there have been no local reports yet, we want to help you stay informed and protected.
The scam, known as a “brushing” scam, involves receiving an unexpected package in the mail containing items you didn’t order. These items might include rings, bracelets, necklaces, or electronic devices like a Bluetooth speaker. The package often includes your address but lacks information about the sender or retailer.
Inside the package, you may find a QR code with instructions to scan it to learn who sent the gift. Do not scan the QR code.
Scanning the code allows scammers to access sensitive data on your phone, including personal, financial, and banking information, which could lead to identity theft or drained bank accounts. If you receive such a package, it’s safe to keep or dispose of the item, but never scan the QR code. Scammers are increasingly using QR codes to trick victims, even in places like parking meters.
Take a moment to inform your family and friends about this scam and remind them to be cautious with unsolicited packages and unknown QR codes. A little awareness goes a long way in keeping your information safe.
Umatilla Electric wants to make sure you avoid any and all types of scams that could put you or your financial information in jeopardy. If you have any questions or would like more information about how you can protect yourself from scammers, call us, or visit our website www.UmatillaElectric.com.
The new 2025 wall calendars are here! Grab a copy at either UEC office in Hermiston and Boardman.
UEC’s annual calendar features stunning images of our northeast Oregon from local photographers, energy saving tips, local event information and safety notes. Calendars are now available and are free to UEC members and anyone in the community. Stop by to grab a copy or two!
If you’re interested in submitting your photo for the 2026 UEC Calendar, send your best high-resolution image to: Member.Services@umatillaelectric. com. We consider a variety of styles, the only requirement being that it feature northeast Oregon and be original work.
During winter months, ensure your home is well sealed and properly insulated to reduce the need for excessive heating. Seal air leaks around your home and add insulation where needed to save up to 10% on annual energy bills.
Install weather stripping on exterior doors and apply caulk around windows. Check attic insulation levels and hire a qualified contractor if additional insulation is needed. Source: energystar.gov
The greater the difference between the temperature outside and the thermostat setting inside, the harder your heating system will work and the more energy it will use, even if you don’t turn the thermostat higher.
This is especially true for homes that don’t have enough insulation, homes with singlepaned or aluminum-framed windows, and homes with a lot of air leaks around windows, doors, and plumbing & electrical boxes. UEC has a variety of energy saving rebates and programs to help you maximize your home’s efficiency.
• Turn your thermostat down a few degrees. Each degree you lower it can save up to 2% on your heating bill. Set it even lower when you are away or asleep but be sure to keep your house at least 55 degrees at all times to prevent pipes from freezing and to avoid moisture problems. Smart thermostats can help you save by automatically adjusting your homes temperature. UEC offers a $100 rebate for qualifying thermostats.
• Use portable space heaters wisely. Small space heaters are meant to do exactly as their name says: heat a small space. If you’re using a space heater to compensate for problems in your home, like inadequate insulation, drafty windows and exterior doors, or an inefficient heating system, space heaters are not a practical solution. Your best bet is to improve the overall efficiency of your home.
A word about safety: the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission estimates more than 25,000 residential fires are associated with the use of space heaters every year. If you must use a space heater, purchase a newer model that includes the most current safety features and make sure it carries the Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) label.
• Get rid of drafts. If you feel cold air coming in, warm air is escaping. Keep windows and doors closed, and use caulk or weather stripping to seal leaks around windows, doors, and plumbing penetrations.
• Cover your windows. Tight fitting, insulated window coverings can help minimize heat loss through the windows. Keep curtains and blinds closed unless the sun is shining directly on the glass. Ready to upgrade to energy efficient windows? UEC’s weatherization rebate program can help cover the cost.
• Check your furnace filters to see if they need to be cleaned or replaced. Dirty or clogged filters make your furnace work harder, increasing energy usage.
• Check your insulation levels. If your home is poorly insulated, adding insulation will lower your energy bills. If you heat with electricity, ask us about rebates for insulation upgrades.
• Upgrade your heating system. If you heat your home with electric resistant heat (electric furnace, baseboards, plug-in heaters, etc.), consider upgrading to a much more efficient heat pump or ductless heat pump.
In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Umatilla Electric will close its Hermiston and Boardman offices on Monday, Jan. 20.
If you’re looking to make a payment when the office is closed, please consider one of our selfservice options:
Payment Options: We encourage our members to utilize our selfservice options such as:
• Pay-by-Phone - call (888) 480 9709 anytime day or night
• Online bill-pay - the SmartHub app is available in the App Store or Google Play or login from our website, www.UmatillaElectric. com to view your account and make payments from a computer, smartphone or tablet.
• On-site kiosks - located in the drive-thru at our Boardman office.
Offices
750 W. Elm Ave.
Hermiston, OR 97838
400 N.E. Eldrige Drive Boardman, OR 97818
Hours
7:30 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
Monday-Thursday (541) 567-6414 (800) 452-2273
Report An Outage (888) 465-5701 day or night
Directors
Bryan Wolfe, President
Jeff Wenholz, Vice President
Steve Platt, Secretary-Treasurer
Lee Docken
Phil Hamm
John Otis
Tom Pitzer
Management
Robert Echenrode, General Manager / CEO
Josh Lankford, Vice President Engineering & Operations
Lisa McMeen, Vice President Administration
Our Mission
Umatilla Electric Cooperative is a member-owned business that sells energy and invests in and supports other services to improve the quality of life in our communities.
www.umatillaelectric.com
OR-8
From rising power supply costs and grid modernization to sustainability expectations and workforce development, the electric utility industry is facing hurdles which will shape the way cooperatives like Umatilla Electric approach the future.
As our communities grow, so does the need for resilient infrastructure. To meet this challenge, UEC has invested in critical upgrades, including modern meter equipment, new lines and expanded substation capacity. ese projects are essential for preventing service interruptions and accommodating future growth, ensuring we stay ahead of demand while maintaining reliability.
Another key challenge is navigating the transition to cleaner energy. UEC has a long history of supporting clean power generation. We advocate for clean and reliable hydropower in the northwest and have invested in other renewable resources such as solar generation and net metering programs. UEC has taken meaningful steps toward sustainability, such as introducing all-electric eet vehicles and o ering rebates for electric vehicle charging stations. ese initiatives not only reduce our carbon footprint but also encourage members to explore energy-e cient technologies.
e evolving workforce landscape also presents challenges. As experienced workers retire, attracting and training the next generation of skilled employees is essential. UEC is addressing this through robust youth engagement programs, including scholarships, leadership camps, and job shadowing opportunities. ese e orts help build awareness of career opportunities in the utility industry while fostering a deeper connection with our community. Finally, economic pressures, including rising costs and regulatory uncertainties, require careful nancial stewardship. Our cooperative model positions us uniquely to address these issues by operating at cost and returning excess revenue to members. In 2024, we returned $9 million in Capital Credits, a tangible example of the cooperative di erence.
At UEC, we view challenges as opportunities to innovate and improve. By focusing on reliability, sustainability, and community, we’re committed to building a brighter future for our members. ank you for allowing us to power your homes, businesses, and dreams.
Wishing you a safe, healthy, and prosperous New Year.
Robert Echenrode General Manager / CEO