EWEB invests in preparedness for severe weather and natural disasters
Just as you take steps to safeguard your home and family, EWEB is investing in equipment and processes to ensure our community’s electric and water systems remain reliable in the face of adversity.
EWEB prepares to re-energize the new Currin Substation
The rebuilt substation will increase load capacity, improve power reliability, and incorporate seismic resiliency to ensure service to our community for generations.
EWEB explores rate increases to cover rising costs and to modernize infrastructure
Amid rising inflation and other challenges, rate increases are necessary to maintain reliable utility services and fund critical investments in Eugene’s water and electric infrastructure.
EWEB preparing for expected surge in electric vehicles
Electric vehicle (EV) sales are poised to skyrocket in the years ahead as technology improves, more models hit the market, prices fall and regulations limit the sale of gas-powered vehicles. And EWEB is preparing for this surge.
EWEB bids a fond farewell to College Hill Reservoir and prepares for modern drinking water storage tanks
Several hundred Eugene residents came together on May 30 for a Farewell Celebration at EWEB’s College Hill Reservoir before demolition and construction to build modern drinking water storage tanks begins later this year.
EWEB invests in satellite-based forestry analytics for vegetation management
EWEB maintains over 1,300 miles of overhead transmission and distribution lines. To aid crews in identifying hazardous vegetation growth in a sometimes heavily forested service territory, EWEB is utilizing a new satellite-based forestry analytics software called Overstory.
June is quickly approaching, and that means summer weather is just around the corner. Before you turn up the air conditioning and see an increase in your utility bill, try these tips to prepare your home for warmer weather to keep your home cool.
Upgrades to Eugene's downtown electric network continue
You may have noticed construction this week on the corner of 7th and Pearl Street. That’s because crews replaced a corroded, aging vault with an innovative, new Voltek vault. The Voltek design allows for the new infrastructure to be built inside of the existing aging vault. We’re able to install the new vault while the cables are still energized, minimizing disruption to customers and traffic while cutting construction time in half.
Winter 2024 was one for the records books, and we'll look back on it for years to come and say, "That was a doozy!" The back-to-back January Ice Storms caused widespread damage to EWEB’s service territory, affecting approximately 38,000 customers. Preliminary repair costs were over $8 million, and additional repairs to transmission lines are still required.
Stay warm as the weather dips near freezing temperatures
February 22, 2023
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Ashley Cissna, EWEB Communications
With temperatures forecasted to be near freezing over the next couple of days, we thought now may be a good time for a refresher on how to heat your home, while also saving energy.
As the temperature drops, the temptation is to dial up the heat, but that may not have the effect you want. The greater the difference between the outside temperature and the thermostat setting inside, the harder your heating system will need to work. The harder the system is working, the more energy is being used, potentially causing bills to be higher than expected.
Here are ways you can minimize energy use during a cold snap, but still stay warm.
Get rid of drafts – if you can feel cold air coming in, warm air is getting out. Look at your doors and windows and install weather stripping where there are gaps.
Cover your windows – tight, insulated window coverings can minimize heat loss.
Inspect your filters – a dirty or clogged filter makes your heater work harder. Taking the time to properly maintain your system can save you money in the long run. Follow instructions provided by the manufacturer on how to maintain your system.
Keep your thermostat set at 68 degrees or below. When you set your thermostat at a higher temperature it doesn't cause the home to be warmer faster, it only makes your heater work harder to reach the higher temperature and maintain it. If you get cold, throw on a sweater and some thick socks.
If your power does go out, here are some ideas on how to stay warm until power is restored:
Wear several layers of light weigh clothing, rather than one layer of heavy clothing
Stay in a southern-facing room. The heat from the sun can maximize your warmth.
Try to stay together in one room, with the door closed, to keep in body heat.
Close curtains and cover windows and doors with blankets.
Close doors to rooms in your house that aren’t being used.
NEVER use a gas-powered stove to heat your home.
NEVER bring exterior BBQ grills or heaters inside.
EWEB is monitoring the weather and preparing for freezing weather. If outages occur, crews are prepared and will work as quickly as possible to restore service. If you experience a power outage, be sure to report it by calling 1-844-484-2300.
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