Dear Members:
When outages occur on the Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC) system, the Outage Management System (OMS) automatically sends notifications to members who have signed up for outage notifications that an outage has been reported at their location. At the same time, our outage map updates in real time so members can see what areas are affected by the outage.
Automated systems can fail, and they sometimes do. Additionally, there are times when the outage is small enough not to get picked up by our System Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) system, and we may not know you are without power.
On March 5, PSREC experienced a systemwide outage caused by the loss of our main transmission feed from Pacific Gas and Electric, our primary transmission provider. PSREC switched to our backup power supply from NV Energy to get power restored as quickly as possible, then switched back to our normal feed when we were able. Our automatic notification system didn’t work as expected, and outage notices were delayed. We have identified the issue and do not anticipate it happening again in the future.
There are several options available to members to report an outage. You can call us anytime to report the outage at (530) 832-4261 and press 1. Members can also report the outage via SmartHub at the top of the app home screen.
We also have a rotating on-call communications team who provide more detailed outage information to our members as outages occur via text, social media, email and on our website. These updates are focused on the system status, what caused the outage, and when power will be restored.
To sign up for outage notifications, call (530) 832-4261 or visit the SmartHub app. In the app, click on “Settings” and then “Manage Notifications.”
SmartHub is a great resource for members. You can pay your bill, view our outage map, sign up for outage and billing notifications, and view your payment history, among many other features. It is easy to use and has great functionality.
Lineworker Appreciation Month
April is Lineworker Appreciation Month. PSREC lineworkers are responsible for keeping power flowing day and night, regardless of holidays, vacations, birthdays, weddings, or other important family milestones.
Beyond the years of specialized training and apprenticeships, it takes internal fortitude and a mission-oriented outlook to be a good lineworker.
In PSREC’s service territory and across the country, an electric co-op lineworker’s mindset of helping others often extends beyond their commitment to their work and into their communities.
Given the dedication of PSREC’s lineworkers—both on and off the job, and especially with the onslaught of storms throughout February and March—I encourage you to take a moment to acknowledge the many contributions they make to our community.
Telecommunications
Due to a mild winter this year, our crews have made significant progress on building our fiber network. To join the waitlist for this grant, call (530) 832-4126.
The Graeagle Meadows area is ready for fiber installation, as well as areas in Graeagle on the following streets: Paiute Trail, Tolowa Trail, Karok Trail, Yokut Trail, Whilkut Trail, Wintun Trail, and Yurok Trail.
Additionally, Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications has installed a new wireless system at Meadows Edge RV Park. If you are interested in signing up for service, contact PST at (530) 832-4126 to schedule your installation..
PST crews and contractors have begun the fiber optic build in Quincy and surrounding areas and will continue this work throughout the year. Not all homes within Quincy proper are covered under the grant, and therefore, those households may not be eligible for free installation or trenching (if required). Call (530) 832-4126 to check your home’s eligibility and potential installation costs, as well as to be placed on our waitlist.
If you are searching for broadband service or wondering if you should make a long-term commitment with another provider, please check with us first. We hear again and again that if people knew our services were about to arrive, they wouldn’t have signed a different provider’s long-term contract.
We continue to expand broadband coverage throughout the region. If you haven’t already done so, get on our interest list or sign up for service by calling (530) 832-4126 or visiting the PST website.
Fire Prevention
As the weather improves, PSREC begins right-of-way work. This includes clearing poles, trimming trees, and removing trees that threaten our rights of way and communities.
Your help with this crucial, ongoing project is greatly appreciated. Our members have helped identify trees that have turned color or are clearly damaged. This is a big help— sometimes trees die and turn color after we’ve inspected them for the year.
Another way members can help is by understanding and cooperating when we need to remove trees. We don’t cut trees unnecessarily. It is a big expense for the cooperative. But if a tree is a hazard, we are legally required to remove it. When members cooperate with us on tree removal, it reduces our costs, which helps keep rates down and keeps us all safe. Given California’s strict standard of liability, PSREC must remove all identified hazard trees from our lines.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact me by phone at (530) 832-6076 or by emailing Bob Marshall.
Get Ready for Spring Safely
Spring is just around the corner, and we are starting to make plans for outdoor projects.
While you are eager to get an early start, don’t ignore safety. Check your surroundings, both high and low. Be aware of overhead power lines when trimming trees or shrubs. If you are digging holes for new fence posts or planting trees or shrubs, call 811 before you start digging.
The process is quick and easy. The 811 call center will take your information and notify PSREC and other utilities of your request. A professional is dispatched from the co-op and other utility services to locate and mark the location of underground lines where you plan to dig. Call a few days before you are ready to work to allow for processing.
Remember to look up before moving irrigation pipes, using a ladder, installing a new antenna or flagpole, or moving large trucks, trailers or heavy equipment.
For indoor projects that involve wiring and electrical fixtures, make sure you turn the power off at the breaker panel to avoid getting shocked. Remember, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” It just might save your life.
Scholarships
Attending a college or university next fall? PSREC and Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications are offering 2 $1,000 scholarships. Full details and an application can be found on our website. The deadline to apply is April 25. Visit our website for application details.
If you have questions or would like more information, contact me by phone at (530) 832-6076 or by emailing Bob Marshall.
Sincerely,
Bob Marshall
General Manager