Dear Members,
As summer quickly approaches, we at Hood River Electric Cooperative (HREC) look forward to tackling several projects both large and small to ensure we continue to serve you well.
For electric members, we will launch construction of our new transmission line in the Eastside Road/Pine Grove area.
Wildfire risk is a growing concern throughout the region. We are working diligently to reduce the risk of fires caused by trees or other vegetation contacting our power lines. Throughout our service area, we will be trimming and removing trees and other vegetation growing too close to the power lines, and clearing out brush around the base of poles that have reclosers, fuses, or other equipment on them.
For internet members, we are busy preparing for the fiber-to-home buildout that officially launches this fall. This project, which will take a few years, will allow us to provide gigabit internet service and Voice over Internet Protocol phone service within a large portion of our service area.
We know many of you are anxious to have this service as soon as possible. We are developing a build plan that will allow us to complete the project efficiently. We will provide updates along the way so you know what to expect.
To help us accomplish these important projects and plan for some upcoming and expected retirements, we’ve recently welcomed a few new employees at HREC. Daniel Hernandez joined us in May as an internet installer technician. Also in May, Kevin Ward joined us as a geographic information system/ engineering technician. Charlie Findeisen and Kevin Long joined us in June as groundmen. Alex Przybylowski will join us in mid-June as our controller. We’re excited to have them on the team and confident they will serve you well.
In our Free Energy Savings Kit article, you will find an invitation to request a free energy savings kit for your home. We’re providing these kits to support your efforts to save energy. You can submit your request by calling (503) 907-2903 or visiting our HREC Energy Kit form webpage.
On behalf of all of us at HREC, thank you for the opportunity to serve you.
Libby Calnon
General Manager