Manager’s Message — May 2021

Dear Members:

Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC) participated in the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association’s Virtual Legislative Rally April 19 to 23, along with representatives from Anza Electric Cooperative, Surprise Valley Electrification Corp., Trinity Public Utility District, and Golden State Power Cooperative.

We met with many of California’s congressional representatives and senators. During these meetings, we discussed important issues that could impact our member-owners here in California and electric cooperatives across the nation, including continued funding for the Rural Utilities Service Electric Loan Program and funding for rural broadband infrastructure.

Upcoming Webinars

We will be hosting several webinars in May and June and hope you will be able to join us.

• How to Maximize Your Internet Connection. May 5, 12 to 1 pm at Microsoft Teams
• Public Safety Power Shutoffs and Vegetation Management. May 19, 6 to 7 pm at Microsoft Teams
• Electric Vehicles. June 2, 12 to 1 pm in coordination with the Center for Sustainable Energy. To register, visit our website.
• PST Broadband Expansion Plans. June 9, 12 to 1 pm at Microsoft Teams

Director Elections

In the cooperative world, we have a truism that goes, “Good cooperatives have great boards.”

This year, Districts 1, 3, and 4 are up for election. District 1 (Quincy–Sloat areas) is served by Larry Price, District 3 (Blairsden– Clio–Portola areas) is served by Fred Nelson and District 4 (Calpine–Sierraville–Loyalton– Beckwourth areas) is served by Dave Roberti. If you would like to check which district you live in, the boundaries of each district are on the PSREC website. See page 28 for board of director qualifications and nomination information.

Please call me for more information if you live in one of these districts and are interested in running for the board. The board meets once a month, usually on the fourth Wednesday. Directors must complete significant training to stay current on issues and become certificated as directors.

Look Up & Live

As irrigation season approaches, it is a great time to remind members to look up and live. Whether cutting trees, working with irrigation pipe, or any long objects, make sure you look up and be sure to avoid power lines.

Telecommunications

Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications (PST) is now offering fiber-optic broadband service to customers in parts of Plumas Pines, Portola, Johnsville, Keddie, Chandler Road, and some of its side roads, as well as areas of Sunnyside Road, Amesbury Drive, and Jura Drive. Speeds of up to 1 gigabyte per second are available to residential and business customers.

With speeds this fast, you can stream videos on multiple devices at the same time without slowing down. We have had many customers replace their TV provider with streaming services, ultimately lowering their monthly bills.

We continue to expand broadband coverage throughout the region. If you haven’t already, get on our interest list or sign up for service by calling us at (530) 832-4261 or our PST website.

If you have any questions, please contact me at (530) 832-4261 ext. 6076, or email me.

Sincerely,

Bob Marshall
General Manager