Dear Members:
Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications (PST) crews and contractors have been busy with vegetation management, build-out work, and fiber splicing for the Federal Funding Account grants it was awarded in late 2024. Installations have started in many of the grant areas.
If you are in the following areas and are interested in fiber-optic services, our crews have completed construction, and service for most addresses is ready to be installed— Quincy, Portola, Delleker, and Graeagle are all ready for installation. Contact our office at (530) 832-4126.
PST crews are wrapping up construction in the Loyalton Pines and Sierra Brooks areas. Call our office to schedule your installation at (530) 832-4126.
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 expansion.
For more information or to sign up for internet service, call (530) 832-4126 or visit the PST website.
District 6 Vacancy
As we reported in the last issue of Ruralite, Tom Hammond has stepped down as District 6 director due to moving away from our electric system. The bylaws of the cooperative require the board to review the district boundaries to make sure they are balanced with the number of members.
Currently, the board is reviewing all district boundaries, and it is likely that several districts will be shifting their boundaries.
Once we go through that process, we will be contacting members in the district to see if they want to apply to serve out the remainder of Tom’s term, which would go through the annual meeting in September.
SmartHub
At Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperatove (PSREC), we work hard to empower our members to take charge of their energy consumption.
Through our secure SmartHub app, we have tools you can use to access your historical energy use. This data can be graphically compared to temperature data for your area. We have observed that—while there are several other variables—heating on most residential electric bills increases 3% for every degree the average daily temperature drops below 50 degrees.
Increased awareness of energy consumption habits allows you to choose when and how to save energy and can lower your bill.
To access this information, create your online SmartHub profile if you have not already made one. To get started, go to our 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, call Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC) at (530) 832-4261. We are happy to assist you.
Make sure to also update your contact information. By providing your most accurate and complete contact information, PSREC can continue to provide the high level of service you expect and deserve. Accurate contact information allows 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 never share the contact information you provide the co-op with any third party. 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, through the SmartHub app, or by calling PSREC at (530) 832-4261.
Scholarships
Attending a college or university next fall? PSREC and PST are offering 2 $1,000 scholarships. Applicants must have been high school seniors as of fall 2025, with no upper age limit. All students—high school seniors, college students, and graduate students—are encouraged to apply.
Students applying for scholarships must have at least a 2.5 GPA and be in good standing. An official transcript must accompany the application. Applications will be judged on the following: essay, 40%; school and community involvement, 40%; and scholastic achievements, 20%. All entrants must complete a typed or legibly written 500 to 1000-word essay. The essay portion will be judged on creativity and content, with consideration given to grammar and spelling.
Applications can be obtained by calling the PSREC office at (530) 832-4261 or (800) 555-2207. Applications can also be downloaded from our website. The deadline to apply is April 24.
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, turn the power off at the breaker panel to avoid being electrocuted. Remember, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. It just might save your life.
If you have any questions or would like more information, call (530) 832-4261 extension 6076 or email Bob Marshall.
Sincerely,
Bob Marshall
General Manager