January 2024
Inland Power is my cooperative!
February 2024
LIGH
READING
An Inland Power teamwork success story!
Deteriorating Laminated Pole
Before
A
t Inland Power, we tend to have a keen sense of teamwork to resolve challenges as they arise. One such challenge was recently discovered by one of our dedicated lineman out in the field. While on site in north Spokane County, the lineman noticed several deteriorating laminated wood poles at numerous locations. These particular poles were fairly new on our lines. He quickly notified our Pole Inspection team, who confirmed the findings of the premature pole deterioration. Since this unfortunate discovery occurred in the fall, this meant Inland Power was up against a quick turnaround time to replace these potentially hazardous poles prior to upcoming harsh winter weather and wet spring months, which would cause even greater pole deterioration.
After As a result, our Engineering and Real Estate teams quickly got busy performing design work, contacting landowners, acquiring easements and negotiating new right of ways. A detailed system analysis was also performed to determine what we would need to do to accommodate the scope of the work and the potential incoming winter weather conditions. The next phase of this project required extensive coordination and planning on the part of Inland’s Operations and Warehouse teams. Our General Foreman reached out to contractors and secured a build slot. This task was completed with short notice and contractors were given a very tight window to perform and complete the work. Simultaneously, our Warehouse group quickly located, reallocated and staged materials for the project.
New Pole Once all these components were in place, the Inland Operations Dispatch team reached out to members who were going to be directly affected by the scheduled planned outages. We engaged these members and requested their efforts to reduce usage, which would help avoid a longer outage while pole replacement installations took place. Without hesitation, these Inland Power members stepped up and did their part to reduce their usage and decreased the grid load while project work was in progress. To say this was an “all hands on deck” project is an understatement! We know we have an amazing team and without everyone’s assistance, including help from our valued Inland Power members this project would not be a true success story in teamwork!
Our mision is our members!
Inland Power is my cooperative!
Our rates stand out and for all the right reasons!
Play it safe when using a portable generator
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W
he Inland Northwest continues to offer some of lowest electricity rates in the country, and Inland Power is pleased to provide its members with some of the most affordable rates in the state. As your electric cooperative, our focus is to preserve low rates, while remaining vigilant to protect our power supply and keep you informed of issues that could affect your utility, like the threat to hydropower. Working together is a critical component of our member-owned cooperative, and we continue to invite you to join our Grassroots Action Team. By signing up you can help us contact legislators who make the decisions about critical issues impacting Inland Power, and other cooperatives in our state, region and nation. For more information on our Grassroots Action Team, please visit: inlandpower.com/grassroots-action inlandpower.com/grassroots-action..
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e all know that power outages can happen from time to time. If you’re planning to use a portable generator in the event of an outage, Inland Power would like to remind you to always play it safe. With proper use and maintenance, portable generators can provide great convenience during an outage. However, when generators are used incorrectly, they can be extremely hazardous. In a 2022 report, the Consumer Product Safety Commission estimated 85 U.S. consumers die every year from carbon monoxide (CO) poisoning caused by gasoline-powered portable generators.
Here are a few tips to keep in mind when using portable generators: DO: Install backup CO alarms. DO: Keep children and pets away from portable generators at all times. DO: Position generators at least 25 feet outside the home, away from doors, windows and vents that can allow CO to enter the home. DO: Thoroughly read the owner’s manual for important safety information and tips. DO: Ensure your generator is properly grounded. Use a portable ground fault circuit interrupter (GFCI) to prevent electric shock injuries. DO: Use three-pronged extension cords that are rated to handle the load of the generator. Inspect extension cords for cuts, frays or other damage before use. DON’T: Operate a generator inside your home or an enclosed (or partially-enclosed) space. Generators produce high levels of CO, which can be deadly. DON’T: Open windows or doors while the generator is running. DON’T: Rely on generators as a full-time source of power. They should only be used temporarily or in emergency situations to power essential equipment or appliances. DON’T: Overload generators. They should only be used to power essential equipment. Make sure your generator can handle the load of the items you plan to power. DON’T: Connect generators directly into household wiring unless you have an appropriate transfer switch installed. If a generator is connected to a home’s wiring without a transfer switch, power can backfeed along power lines and electrocute utility lineworkers making repairs.
Mark your calendar! It’s that time of year again and preparations are underway for our annual meeting. This year, things will look a little different, as our venue and meeting date has changed. The annual meeting will be held on Thursday, May 23, 2024 at Centerplace located in the Spokane Valley. We are excited about these changes and we hope these adjustments will encourage favorable attendance.
give everyone an opportunity to engage and celebrate our cooperative.
The meeting agenda will include formal business updates, board of trustee elections for districts one, two and three and various Inland Power booths will be open, so you will have the opportunity to ask questions of our team members regarding billing and operation services, energy savings and rebate programs and our Grassroots Action Team. As always, we will offer refreshments and appetizers prior to the meeting, which will
We are also excited to bring you various options to vote and participate in selecting your district board positions. Members can choose from three voting methods electronic voting via SmartHub, mail in ballot, which must be received by Friday, May 17, 2024 or in-person at the annual meeting. Voting packets will be distributed to all members in April and include bios for each candidate. Inland Power is committed to
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providing ample information to help our members make well-informed voting decisions. This year, Inland Power has multiple candidates running to represent and serve districts one, two and three. The 2024 trustees candidates will be announced in our March 2024 Light Reading issue, so be on the lookout and we hope to see you in May for the annual meeting.