Manager’s Message – November 2023

Dear Members:

As we head into winter, being prepared for an emergency and knowing what to do during an outage are vital for personal safety and quick restoration of power. During a prolonged power outage or other emergency, this means having enough food, water and supplies to last at least a few days.

Plumas-Sierra Rural Electric Cooperative (PSREC) is proud of its efforts to keep the lights and internet on. But sometimes, circumstances beyond our control can leave us in the dark.

I want to remind members of our community about the power of preparation. There are several practical steps you can take to keep your family safe.

Even at a modest level, preparation can help reduce stress, anxiety and lessen the impact of an emergency event. We recommend starting with the basics.

Here are the general guidelines recommended by the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Assemble a grab-and-go disaster kit. Include items like nonperishable food, water (1 gallon per person, per day), diapers, batteries, flashlights, prescription medications, first-aid kit, battery-powered radio and phone chargers. Develop a plan for communicating with family and friends–via text, social media, third party, etc. Have some extra cash available; during a power outage, electronic card readers and cash machines may not work. Store important documents–birth certificates, property deed, etc. — in a safe place away from home, such as a bank safe deposit box. Fill your car with gas.

Additionally, install surge protectors on sensitive electronics and appliances. Buy surge protectors that have a warranty for your connected load. Once we get to winter and the storms hit, if your lights start to flicker, turn off and unplug sensitive electronic equipment immediately and reduce any unnecessary load.

Caring for Vulnerable Family Members

If you have older family members or those with special needs, make sure they have enough medication and supplies for a few days. If they don’t live with you, arrange for a neighbor to check on them. If someone in your home depends on life-sustaining equipment, plan for backup power and call our office at (530) 832-4261.

Install surge protectors on sensitive electronics and appliances. Buy surge protectors that have a warranty for your connected load. Once winter arrives and the storms hit, if your lights start to flicker, turn off and unplug sensitive electronic equipment immediately and reduce any unnecessary load.

For more information on outage preparedness and safety, visit the PSREC website. To receive outage updates via text message, log in to SmartHub and set your notification preferences. If you need assistance signing up for outage communications, call 530 832-4261.

Winter Rate Assistance Program

We are accepting applications for the Winter Rate Assistance Program, which offers a discounted rate November through April to income-qualified members. WRAP provides information to help members conserve energy and offers a discounted electric rate during the heating season. For more information and a WRAP application, visit the PSREC website or call 530 832-4261.

Telecommunications

Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications continues to focus on construction of many projects in its grant areas. The Long Valley-Spring Garden grant project is in the last stages of environmental review.

The Scott Road grant project is well underway, with the main fiber line in place and final construction estimated to be completed in 2024. Construction has begun for the South Lassen grant project.

Additionally, PST is converting some of its coaxial infrastructure to fiber in Portola and will have additional areas being converted this month.

PST submitted 11 applications to the California Public Utilities Commission’s Federal Funding Account for grant funding in September. PST anticipates a response in early spring of 2024.

Our fiber optic services can go as fast as 10 Gbps download, with dedicated business services available, if needed. With these speeds, you can stream videos on multiple devices at the same time without slowing down. You could even eliminate your cable or satellite TV bill with streaming services. For more information about products, including coverage maps, visit the Plumas-Sierra Telecommunications website or call 800-221-3474.

Fort Sage Project Grant

We are pleased to announce the cooperative received a grant from the Defense Community Infrastructure Program for $8.9 million to help pay for the Fort Sage transmission line and associated substations.

The Fort Sage project is key to improving the reliability of the wholesale power supply for our region. The grant was made possible due to the support of Sierra Army Depot’s staff and commander. This grant will pay for approximately ⅓  of the total cost of the project, reducing the impact on members.

At our 2023 annual meeting, 1 of the most common electric concerns was how the electric grid will hold up if everything, including transportation, is electrified. This project will improve the transmission reliability of the electric grid beyond our control.

We have applied for additional grants and low-interest loans from the Inflation Reduction Act on the electric side, and additional telecommunication expansion funds from the California PUC.

If you have any questions, call (530) 832-6076 or email Bob Marshall.

Wishing you a safe and happy holiday season!

Sincerely,

Bob Marshall
General Manager