May Light Reading

LightReading

Helpful tips on rooftop solar

Getting your A/C Ready

COMMUNITY

86th Annual Meeting Recap

SAFETY

May is Electrical Safety Month

Have you been a approached recently by a solar energy company about installing a rooftop system on your home? If so, we have some helpful tips for you to follow before you make an investment. There’s no denying that solar is a beneficial renewable source of energy, however there are some things to consider before you make the decision to install a rooftop system on your home. The Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy recently released some helpful tips to avoid the growing number of solar scams out in the marketplace. Not all solar companies are dishonest, but we want you to be prepared if you encounter a bad actor.

1. Make sure you are communicating with certified installers. Ensure your solar installer is licensed and certified with a reputable organization and comes with

recommendations. Also, always get at least two bids to review, research and investigate.

2. Don’t be bullied by pushy sales tactics. If solar makes sense for you, do your research before signing a contract. Pressure type sales tactics are common with scams. Get all your questions answered first before acting.

3. Understand financing options. Make sure your ROI makes sense. The federal government and Inland Power DO NOT offer any programs to install FREE solar panels and payback periods may be longer than expected. There are legitimate programs available, however do your research and properly vet programs before you move forward.

4. Find out if a tax credit is available for you to install any system. If you decide to

purchase a solar energy system, you may be eligible for a tax credit. Visit the Homeowner’s Guide to the Federal Tax Credit for Solar Photovoltaics | Department of Energy to find out more.

5. Spread the word to family and friends. If you have family or friends considering installing solar, be sure to share your knowledge and experience. Suggest they follow these helpful tips before making a decision.

6. Visit the Inland Power website at inlandpower.com/renewableinterconnection to answer questions about your potential system. A completed application must be submitted and approved for all potential rooftop solar prior to interconnection with the Inland Power system.

Getting your A/C ready for summer

As summer approaches and warmer temperatures arrive, it is important to take time out to ensure your home air conditioner unit is performing well. Here are a few tips to follow to help the efficiency of your A/C unit:

For maximum temperature accuracy, thermostats should be placed in the center of the home, away from air vents, plumbing pipes and exterior doors.

Avoid placing items like lamps and televisions near your thermostat. These items can cause the A/C to run longer than necessary.

Avoid installing thermostats in rooms that tend to feel warmer or colder than the rest of the home.

Do not place furniture in front of the thermostat. This can block air flow and result in inaccurate readings.

• An annual tune up for home cooling systems is recommended by most manufacturers.

Test and measure temperature system: Using a digital probe thermometer, measure the temperature of the air being pulled into your HVAC filter. Then measure the temperature of the air blowing out of your A/C vent. Subtract the two temperatures. You should see a difference of 17 to 20 degrees. If the difference is less than 17 degrees, you may need a licensed technician

to check the coolant. If the difference is greater than 20 degrees, your ductwork may need to be inspected for airflow restrictions.

Remember, there are energy savings steps you can do in the summer months to keep your home cool. For more information, visit our website at inlandpower.com/energysaving-tips

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Impact in Olympia

The regulatory and legislative environment in which we operate is continuously evolving. We are committed to working with policymakers to ensure that the policies they enact promote a sustainable and affordable energy future while also ensuring that our members’ interests are protected. We are actively engaging with regulators and legislators to mitigate the impacts of mandates that could negatively affect our business.

Currently, Inland Power is subjected to three regulatory mandates in the state of Washington - I-937, the Clean Energy Transformation Act (CETA) and “Cap and Invest” to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Although our power supply comes from BPA, which is 95 percent carbon free, it is costly to achieve 100 percent carbon free resources. Currently, Inland Power members are charged over $2.4 million annually to comply with the State of Washington regulations and that amount is projected to only increase in the near future.

May is Electrical Safety Month

May is National Electrical Safety Month, and here at Inland Power, we think it is a great time to look around your home and check for potential safety hazards. Remember, periodic inspections can prevent a hazardous situation.

Surge Protectors

Power strips with surge protectors can help safeguard expensive equipment like televisions, home entertainment systems and computer components from power spikes. Voltage spikes are measured in joules, and surge protectors are rated for the number of joules they can effectively absorb. That means if your surge protector is rated at 1,000 joules, it should be replaced when it hits or passes that limit. When the limit is reached, protection stops, and you are left with a basic power strip.

Extension Cords

In 2022, we committed to putting more focus and resources toward fighting for you in Olympia and D.C. Our government affairs team is vigorously involved in the legislative process and is building relationships with new lawmakers and strengthening old relationships. We are also putting focus on working on both sides of the aisle. It is important to work well with both parties in order to actually impact change. Still, the battle is arduous and it will take more than just a few Inland employees. Our strength is in numbers. We need all hands on deck. We need you! Inland Power has an opportunity for you to let your voices be heard in our legislative process. We have partnered with Voices for Cooperative Power, which helps us inform our members on key issues impacting your cooperative and provides messaging for you to write, email and call your state and federal leaders. We encourage all our members to get involved. Your involvement can make a significant impact. To learn more and to sign up for our legislative email list, scan the QR code or visit voiceforcooperativepower.com.

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If you use extension cords regularly to connect devices and equipment to your wall outlets, you may live in an under wired home. With a growing number of electrical devices connecting your family, having enough outlets in just the right spots can be challenging.

If an extension cord gets noticeably warm when in use, it could be undersized for the intended use. If it shows any signs of frayed, cracked or heat-damaged insulation, it should be replaced. If the grounding prong is missing, crimped or loose, a grounded cord will not provide the protection designed into its performance. Always make sure that extension cords used in outdoor or potentially damp locations are rated for exterior use.

Protect Yourself

According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission, approximately 51,000 electrical fires are reported each year in the United States, causing more than $1.3 billion in annual property damage. Electricity is an essential necessity for modern living, and Inland Power is committed to providing safe, reliable and affordable power to our members. We hope you will keep these electrical safety tips in mind so that you can note any potential hazards before damage occurs.

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Inland Power & Light’s 86th Annual Meeting

Inland Power’s 86th Annual Meeting and the announcement of the board of trustee election results took place on March 16, 2023 at Northern Quest Resort in Airway Heights, Wash. This year marked our first full in-person annual meeting since the pandemic hit in 2020. The event was a great opportunity to meet with members and provide a comprehensive update on our cooperative.

Randy Suess was re-elected to represent district five and Brian Slaybaugh was reelected to serve district seven. This year, we experienced significant voter engagement with 2,144 mail-in ballots, 1,966 electronic ballots and 77 in-person ballots submitted.

“I am glad to report that Inland Power just completed another successful year. I hope all of us as members, who are owners of this cooperative, realize the significant strides we have made as a company,” said Inland Power Board President, Randy Suess during his President’s report. “We thank each and every one of you and look forward to serving you for many years to come.”

A big thanks to all meeting attendees and members who participated in the board of trustee election process. To view more photos of the event, visit inlandpower.com/annualmeeting .