By Paul Wesslund A controversial and misunderstood energy issue is net metering. At its most basic, net metering is a way of measuring and valuing the electricity output of privately owned resources. It requires utilities to buy excess electricity from consumers who generate electricity themselves. States and electric utilities have established net-metering programs to encourage […]
Colorful mural honors orchard workers By Drew Myron A mural in Odell stretching 200 feet tells local history that spans 200 years. Against an industrial backdrop, the colorful mural is a vivid thank you to the fruit workers of the Hood River Valley, says Maija Yasui, the area’s longtime historian and project organizer. “The mural […]
Cardinal Glass in Odell expands opportunities By Drew Myron Some strive for money. Others for fame. At a factory in Odell, the prize is admiration. “We are the world’s most admired glass company,” Dave Windsor, plant manager at Cardinal Glass IG, says again and again. Peppered in conversation, the statement turns to mantra among employees. […]
Background: Hood River Electric Cooperative is a member-owned, not-for-profit organization that has provided electric service to members in the Hood River Valley since 1945. The Communications Access Cooperative Holding Enterprise is a member-owned, not-for-profit organization that was organized by HREC in 2003 to provide internet service in the same area. HREC and CACHE both operate […]
Saw Tooth Roadhouse cuts through tough times to serve as a friendly gathering place By Drew Myron You’ll miss the turn. On the first visit, you’ll miss the exit and turn too late into the sawmill next door. Don’t fret, just follow that long line of logs to a hidden gem. Tucked along Highway 35 […]
Jamba creates bonds through marimba By Drew Myron A summer breeze carries a deep sound—mellow, gentle and earthy—and Irene Kurzweil can’t stop smiling. At 92, she’s a slight figure against a massive wooden instrument. Her body bends into every note. A classical pianist and violinist since childhood, Irene took up marimba 23 years ago. She […]
By Kevin Wingert Wildfires are nothing new. However, a rekindled interest in the origins of these fires following a devastating 2018 fire season has led the Bonneville Power Administration to reexamine its existing preventive measures and consider what additional mitigation can be implemented to ensure public safety and grid reliability. For years, BPA has largely […]
As summer temperatures rise, so do electric bills. Follow these steps to test the efficiency of your HVAC unit. The outdoor temperature should be above 80 degrees, and you should set your thermostat well below the room temperature to ensure the system runs long enough for this test. Using a digital probe thermometer (about $12), […]
Avoid unwelcome summer breakdowns By Abby Berry Ah, summer. Cookouts, swimming pools, camping—it’s the perfect time to enjoy the outdoors with family and friends. When coming back indoors, there’s nothing better than that cool blast you feel from your home’s air conditioning unit. Your heating, ventilating and air conditioning system is essential to keeping your […]
This time of year, consumers typically see their electric bills rise with the temperature due to increased use of air conditioning. Many consumers work their systems harder than necessary, throwing hard-earned money down the drain. Save money during the hot summer by using energy more efficiently. Use varies among households, but air conditioning systems can […]
