June 2025
Save Energy and Stay Cool This Summer
Beating the heat on a hot day can be a breeze! With a little planning and some small changes to daily routines, your home can feel more comfortable in warm weather, without wasting energy.
Pre-cooling pays off. Use the rhythm of the day to trap cool air inside and keep out the heat when temperatures are highest. Open the windows in the early mornings, evenings, or overnight (if it’s safe) then shut them and close the curtains or blinds before the temperature rises. Running whole house or portable air conditioning in the late morning or during cooler evening hours will have a similar effect.
At mealtimes, think ‘little’ to save a lot. Ovens and stovetops will heat up a room and make air conditioning systems work harder. Stay cool by using less heat-intensive appliances like air fryers and toaster ovens or switch to grilling outdoors and cold-prep meals.
Hang laundry to dry. Dryers require a lot of energy and can increase temperatures inside. Hanging laundry helps keep your indoor spaces cool, reduces energy expenses and can extend the life of clothing as an added benefit.
Set the air conditioner to Auto. An AC unit set to “On” will run continuously and cost more to operate. The “Auto” setting tells the AC to run only when the temperature rises above a preferred setting.
Remember the 20-degree rule. Most AC units can only make indoor spaces 20 degrees cooler than the outdoors. So, if it’s 95 outside and your AC is set to 70, it might run all day and never get below 75. Setting AC temperatures outside the 20 degree range will not cool a space any faster or further, but it will make the unit work harder and cost more.
Be a fan of fans. Ceiling and room fans can be just as effective at cooling you off as AC but use a fraction of the power. To maintain a breeze and feel more comfortable at a lower cost, choose fans first!
EqualPay Makes Payments Predictable
EqualPay takes the guess-work out of budgeting for monthly utility expenses. Changes in weather and seasonal habits can make utility bills significantly different throughout the year. For easy planning, EqualPay divides annual utility expenses into 12 equal monthly payments. Pair with AutoPay and the same amount is applied to your account every month, automatically, on a day you choose.
EqualPay accounts are reviewed and adjusted twice a year so participants never pay for more than is used in a 12 month period. Enroll online or call 360-992-3000 for Customer Service, anytime.
Work Safely Around Power Lines
Always assume a power line is energized and dangerous when tackling home improvement projects or working around electrical equipment. Whether you’re hanging lights over-head or digging in the yard, know where the power lines are by looking up and around, or calling 811 for a free underground locate. Power lines can be hard to see through trees so take a step back to be sure there are no lines above and take care to stay at least 10 feet away if setting up ladders or using tools overhead.
Touching a power line can result in serious injuries or death, and it can also cause power outages or lead to costly repairs.
If trees are growing near or through power lines, contact the utility to request a tree trimming assessment.
If you see a power line down or damaged electric equipment, never attempt to move, block or touch it. Stay at least 50 feet away, report it immediately to Clark Public Utilities at 360-992-8000 or 360-992-3000, and call 911 in the event of a fire or injury.
When power lines are underground, call 811 two business days ahead of your project to have all utilities located before digging, even by hand, and don’t dig within 10 feet of pad-mount transformers or plant trees or shrubs that will restrict access.
Visit the PowerZone to Spark Curiosity
School’s out and our online Clark Public Utilities PowerZone is full of fun and interactive learning opportunities for inquiring minds of all ages! From the science of the water cycle, to projects and experiments about electricity and the wonders of our local watersheds, the utility’s PowerZone is accessible from computers and mobile devices and is both educational and entertaining. Find activities ranging from interactive coloring pages and matching games, to challenging crossword puzzles, science projects and utility career highlights, with plenty more to explore!
Green Lights
For as little as $1 a month, you can support the development of clean, earth-friendly electricity through our Green Lights program. Green Lights is offered in partnership with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation and supports wind, solar and other forms of clean, renewable power in our region. Learn More and sign up here.