Manager’s Message – March 2024

Dear Members:

Telecommunications

As technology advances, more and more data is required to support all the internet devices in your home. Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications (PST) has been investing in upgrades to our system and we are delighted to share with our fiber-optic customers that we are increasing our package speeds.

The Basic Package is $79 (no change) and will run at speeds up to 500 Mbps symmetrical, meaning the same speeds up and down. The Family package is $99 (no change) and will run at speeds up to 1 gigabit per second symmetrical.

Small commercial businesses will also see a comparable increase in speeds at no cost increase.

For those of you on our coax system, we are steadily working on converting the system from coax to fiber-optic and we are applying for grants to accelerate this process.

We are also investigating and will begin testing a new technology for our wireless customers that will give many of our wireless customers speeds similar to that of fiber-optic.

When you get internet from PST, you are supporting local jobs, local customer service, and local crews to keep the system running. Your money doesn’t leave our region. Instead, the money goes into the economy and is used for system upgrades and expanding the system.

For more information, or to sign up for internet service, call (530) 832-4126 or visit the PST website.

Our Long Valley-Greenhorn Grant Was Finally Approved for Construction!

The California Public Utilities Commission approved our Long Valley/Greenhorn grant for construction. This grant means that we will start construction on the project as the weather improves. We will be building through Greenhorn and in parts of Cromberg/Sloat including Little Long Valley Creek Road.

In addition, we have applied for an additional grant to expand the fiber-optic system to all laterals in Greenhorn and we should know about that in the next 2 months. Update on Rates and Wholesale Power Cost Adjustment.

Your board of directors reviews rates at almost all board meetings. At the January meeting, we determined that we were going to keep rates flat for 2024. We are analyzing the cost of operations for 2025 and we will be holding rate meetings later in the year if we are going to convert any of our wholesale power cost adjustments into a regular rate increase.

SmartHub

At Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC), we work hard to empower our members to take charge of their energy consumption.

SmartHub just went through a re-design! This new version of SmartHub puts your usage and payment details front and center for fast, easy access and the simplified menu structure makes navigating the site a breeze.

Through our secure SmartHub app, we have tools you can use to access your historical energy usage. This data can be graphically compared to temperature data for your area. We have observed that—while there are several other variables—the heating portion of most residential electric bills increases 3% for every degree the average daily temperature drops below 50 F.

Increased awareness of energy consumption habits allows you to choose when and how to save energy and, in turn, can lower your bill.

To access this information, create your online profile SmartHub if you have not already made one. To get started, go to the PSREC website and click the “Register for Online Access” link in the green login box.

You will need your account number and other identifying information for the primary account holder to create your SmartHub profile. If you experience any difficulty, you can call PSREC at (530) 832-4261, and we will be happy to assist you.

Members should also make sure we have your current contact information. By providing your most accurate and complete contact information, PSREC can continue to provide the high level of service that you expect and deserve. Accurate contact information enables us to improve customer service and enhance communications for reporting and repairing outages.

While we always do our best to maintain service, we occasionally plan outages to update, repair or replace equipment. In these instances, PSREC can provide advance notification to affected members through automated phone messages, text messages or email if we have your updated contact information and communication preferences.

We will never share the contact information you provide the co-op with any third parties. PSREC only uses your information to send you important notices. Take a moment to confirm or update your contact information by signing into your account at the PSREC website, through the SmartHub app, or by calling PSREC at 530-832-4261.

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 at the PSREC website. The deadline to apply is April 26. Visit the PSREC website for application details.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please call me at (530) 832-4261 extension 6076 or email Bob Marshall.

Sincerely,
Bob Marshall
General Manager