MY EVERETT NEWS

While many fields are shrinking the energy field is expanding. If you know of a high school age kid in Everett who has an interest in energy this may be a worthwhile direction to point them…

Enter to win a 2013 Energy Week Scholarship from Snohomish County PUD!

Know a kid interested in energy?

Snohomish PUD in partnership with Washington Business Week is offering scholarships for students to attend the Washington Energy Week Program!

Summer Fun!…with a little “energy” thrown in

At Energy Week, business meets sustainability as you explore the world of energy. Energy experts will show you first-hand how energy, economics, and environment combine to create career opportunities in solar, wind, hydro, geothermal, fuel cells, and fossil and alternative fuels.

You’ll be part of a small team (“company”) of students from around the state. Joined by a mentor “Company Advisor” from the business community, your company’s objective is to sell your expertise on energy and how it can be created, consumed, and conserved in homes of the future.

Energy Week is a crash course in the challenges and opportunities of life after high school, such as leadership, team-building, managing money, preparing for a career, and so much more! You’ll learn the skills that are critical to your future success in any profession.

Throughout the week you’ll also take a test run of college life, meet new friends, explore careers, enhance your leadership skills and earn college credit.

Date & Location:
Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA
July 21-27, 2013

Applying is easy!
Just write a letter to Snohomish County PUD explaining why you want to attend Energy Week.

Eligibility Requirements
All students in grades 9 through 12 who live in Snohomish County or on Camano Island. Children of PUD employees aren’t eligible.

Letter Requirements
Use standard 12-point font, 1-inch margins, double-spacing, and print your essay on only one side of standard 8.5” x 11” white paper. Be sure NOT to use your name in the letter. We don’t want the judges to see any identifying information about the author of the letter during the evaluation process. Letters must be in English and no more than 2 pages in length.

Judging Criteria
•The letter is written clearly, with correct spelling and grammar.
•The letter is focused and stays on topic.
•The letter shows student’s passion for water, energy, the environment or a related interest.

Awards
Up to four students will be selected. The winning students will each receive a full scholarship to attend Energy Week. The scholarship covers a full week’s stay at a college dorm, all meals, program materials, activities, entertainment and a T-shirt. Students will need to provide their own transportation to and from Central Washington University in Ellensburg, WA.***

Timeline and Submission Information
You may submit only one letter. It must include a PUD registration form.

Download a contest registration form by clicking here.

All entries must be received no later than 5 p.m., May 10, 2013, so be sure to allow plenty of time if you’re mailing it.

Letters should be submitted either:
•By Mail:
Snohomish County PUD / Attn: Jenni Lamarca, E2 / PO Box 1107 / Everett, WA 98206-1107
•In Person:
Snohomish County PUD / Attn: Jenni Lamarca, E2 / 2320 California ST / Everett, WA 98201

Good Luck! If you need additional information…

Contact Jenni Lamarca at 425-783-8292 or Send an email.

***Students who aren’t selected are still encouraged to apply to attend Energy Week. Other financial assistance options may be available if needed.

The PUD is hiring entry-level workers but you must apply by close of business this Wednesday the 9th.

The Snohomish PUD is accepting applications for entry-level workers. It’s truly a ground floor opportunity with starting pay at $16.68 an hour and a full benefits package. Here’s an overview from the PUD’s employment page…

Job Overview

DEFINITION:

Works as a member of a crew directing traffic. When not flagging and performing traffic control assists Line Crews performing construction, restoration and clean up duties in accordance with safety and construction standards and regulations.

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS:

This position is a step progression position with time requirements. This position is not eligible to take upgrades to higher classifications.

FIRST SIX (6) MONTHS:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1.
Flags and performs traffic control.

2.
Performs restoration and clean-up duties.

3.
Assists with vehicle loading, unloading and clean-up.

4.
Digs ditches and pole holes.

5.
Drives District vehicles that do not require a CDL and transports loads as required.

6.
Assists on restoration, underground, overhead, and tree trimming crews as needed.

Knowledge gained:
•CPR and First Aid.
•Defensive Driving training.
•Orientation on tools and equipment of the trade (i.e., jack hammers, chain saws, concrete cutters, compactors, etc.).
•Fueling procedures.
•District Accident Prevention Manual.
•WAC 296-24, 296-45, 296-54, 296-62, and 296-155 (Electrical Workers Safety Rules).

THEREAFTER:

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:
1.
All duties outlined for first six (6) months above.

2.
Cuts trees and brush along right-of-way.

3.
Performs treating and stenciling of poles.

4.
Familiarity with Toolroom and assigned duties.

5.
Loads and unloads material and equipment used in construction and maintenance of transmission and distribution systems, both underground and overhead.

Knowledge gained:
•Associated recordkeeping (worksketches, stock issues and returns, pole issue, etc.).
•District Construction Standards.
•Completion of District’s Customer Relations course.
•Hazardous Material Spill handling.
•Basic Electricity.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

Ability to:
•Use tools and equipment of the trade.
•Adapt to driving and operating all District vehicles that do not require a CDL.
•Interact with customers, government officials, and District employees as necessary to complete assignments.

Education/Experience:
•High School Diploma or equivalent.

License, Certification or Testing:
1.Valid Washington State Driver’s License, with a good driving record (immediately).
2.Valid current Flagging Card. 1
3.Obtain a valid CPR certificate within 6 months from job start date.
4.Obtain a valid First Aid certificate within 6 months from job start date.
5.Successful completion of the following testing process (Note: the testing process is sequential and applicants/bidders must pass each of the preceding steps to be eligible to move to the next step in the testing process):

(a) Pass District Driving Test

(b) Pass Entry Helper strength test

(c) Pass a collaborative interview process.

(d) Pass a criminal background check and driving record check.

(e) Pass pre-placement physical exam (to be done after verbal job offer)

1 Note: Flagging Card is not required for the testing process, but is required on the first day of employment/job start.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
•Exposure to construction environment (ex., weather, etc.).
•Fundamentals of Electricity.
•CPR, First Aid certification.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

Work is performed outdoors, in and around an urban street environment and in traffic, in all weather conditions. Must be able to lift and move heavy material and tools weighing up to 65 lbs. Must be able to participate in pole top and vault rescue. Required to stand for long periods of time. This position is subject to seven days a week and 24-hour call out for emergency situations. Must be able to work long hours as storm conditions dictate.

You can click here to get more information on applying.

Check out the bigger incentives for 2013

Here’s an update on what the Snohomish PUD has in store for 2013…

Many Snohomish PUD incentives are getting even better in 2013! The utility can help you with great deals on heat pumps, duct sealing and insulation, efficient windows and lighting.

Better Heat Pump Incentives:

Install a ductless heat pump this year, and you’ll get an incentive of up to $1,200 (was $800 in 2012). These units not only reduce your PUD bill, but they improve comfort in your home. Customers can also receive $2,000 to $2,500 for converting from electric resistance heating to a ducted heat pump system. In the case of the most efficient systems, that’s more than double the previous incentive.

Weatherization:

For duct sealing and insulation work, the utility now offers $5 per linear foot, up to $800, which is up to double the amount of the old incentive. Upgrades from single-pane to double-pane windows now carry an incentive of $8 per square foot and $6 per square foot for upgrading metal frame double pane windows (previously $3 per square foot).

More Efficient Lighting:

The PUD continues to offer discounts on compact fluorescent light bulbs and LED bulbs at a network of local retailers. More and more consumers are turning to LEDs, which are highly efficient and last up to 20 years. For local retailers, see www.snopud.com/efficientlighting.

Fridge Recycling:

The PUD helps customers responsibly recycle old, energy-wasting fridges and freezers. Recycle your old unit and start saving up to $200 annually. The PUD will even come to your home and haul it away for free. To schedule a pick-up, simply call 1-877-577-0510.

For more program details and qualifications, visit www.snopud.com or call the PUD Energy Hotline at (425) 783-1700 (M-F 8a- 5p)

The PUD Media Team sent out the following tips today on keeping your home warm while saving money…

• You’ll use less energy and will still keep your home warm if you set your thermostat no higher than 68 degrees during the day and no lower than 55 degrees at night. Elderly customers or those with small babies may want to keep their homes warmer.

• Concentrate your living to a few warm rooms. If you have rooms that are not used regularly, shut the furnace vent off or turn off the baseboard heaters, and close the door. (With some forced-air furnace systems, there may be a loss of efficiency or a build-up of heat in the furnace if more than one-fourth of the vents are shut off.)

• Keep your window drapes closed as much as possible. Windows are a major source of heat loss.

• An open fire in the fireplace is not an efficient way to heat your home. Whenever you’re not burning wood, close the damper in your fireplace or wood stove to prevent warm house air from escaping up the chimney.

• Make sure water pipes are protected from the cold so they don’t freeze and burst.

• Move furniture, draperies, or other items that may block the flow of heated air from the furnace vents or from the baseboard or in-wall heaters.

•  Keep portable heaters away from anything flammable, such as curtains, furniture, or bed clothes. Never leave a heater unattended and make sure your heater has a mechanism that will turn it off if it is knocked over. If you use a portable heater that burns liquid fuel, such as kerosene, also make sure the room is well ventilated.

• A critical reminder about potential carbon monoxide poisoning: Never use a stove or grill indoors to heat your home! Using a gas stove or charcoal grill inside your home for heating can have deadly results. They emit carbon monoxide – a colorless, odorless gas – that can kill a person in just minutes if inhaled at high levels (such as inside a house with windows shut).

• Don’t forget to take care of yourself by dressing warmly. Dress in layers. Several lightweight, loose layers of clothes will keep you warmer than one heavy layer. Gloves, a hat, and a scarf also will help.

• Keep an eye on your friends and neighbors who might be vulnerable to the cold weather.

Customers with additional questions can call PUD Customer Service at 425/783-1000 or visit the utility’s website at www.snopud.com.  Winter preparedness tips also are available at www.takewinterbystorm.org.

Exchange old incandescent bulbs for CFLs in Everett Friday from 11:00am – 1:00pm.

It’s that time of year again as the Snohomish PUD holds the “Light It Up” bulb exchange event at its Everett headquarters and satellite offices around Snohomish County. The PUD will let you bring in up to four old incandescent light bulbs and get up to three new compact fluorescent lights (CFLs) and one LED in exchange. You cannot exchange used CFLs for new ones but you can bring them in to the PUD event and they will recycle them for you. Limit 4 bulbs per PUD account. Supplies are limited and the exchange is on a first come- first served basis.

All bulb exchange events will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

In addition to the bulb exchange, the Snohomish PUD will also be having drawings for energy-saving prizes at all of this week’s “Light It Up” bulb exchange events.

Now that Fall has officially arrived and temperatures have fallen, the Snohomish PUD is reminding customers in Everett that there are programs to help with the high cost of heating. No one should be afraid to turn up the heat now that summer is over. Snohomish PUD’s Neil Neroutsos sent some suggestions today to My Everett News…

Low Income & Senior Assistance

Each year, PUD assistance programs help up to 25,000 senior citizens and low-income customers who are struggling with electric bills. The programs offer discounts of 20, 40 and 60 percent off normal rates. The low-income discount currently is available to PUD customers who have a household annual income that is below 125 percent of the federal poverty level ($27,938 for a family of four). Also eligible for discounts are senior citizens who are 62 years of age or older and have a combined disposable annual income of less than $26,923.

Help from Customer & Employee Contributions

Project PRIDE is a program to help low-income customers, funded through voluntary donations from PUD ratepayers and contributions to the Red Cross of Snohomish County. Another local program, Helping Hands, receives donations from PUD employees to assist low-income senior citizens with their utility bills.

Budget Payment Plan

The PUD offers a Budget Payment Plan that’s designed to make bill paying easier by calculating equal payments for customers each month through the year. The plan is available at any time of the year to customers with a zero balance. The PUD recommends that you obtain one year of service at your current address before starting the plan to establish an accurate payment amount. You may apply for the BPP by phone or in person at any PUD office. Customer service representatives are available to quote a monthly payment for you or answer any other questions.

To learn more about these programs, or how you can contribute to help others, call the PUD’s Customer Service Department at 425-783-1000.