Watts Up?

Don’t let the dog days of summer bite into your bills

By Christina Sawyer

The dog days of summer are here. While summer may bring more daylight, more fun and more time with family, it can also bring a surprising uptick in your electric bill. Even in areas like ours, where daytime temps are relatively mild, there’s something about summer that nudges energy use higher. It isn’t always obvious, but the culprit often lies in how we live when the days are long and our schedules feel relaxed. When children are home more often, electronics stay on longer. Televisions hum in the background all day. Gaming consoles are left in standby mode. Tablets charge and recharge. Teens stay up late streaming movies, and the fridge works overtime supplying cold drinks and snacks for everyone. Even when your thermostat isn’t the issue, this subtle shift in household activity can lead to increased use in several areas:

• Entertainment electronics: Game
systems, smart TVs, Bluetooth speakers— these devices often draw power even when off.

• Extra laundry and showers: Wet towels,
swimsuits and summer activities mean more water heating and appliance use.

• More cooking and reheating: Summer
means more mouths to feed and more meals cooked or microwaved at home.

• Fans or conditioning units running longer hours: Even window units that are efficient by design can become wasteful when seals aren’t tight or filters are dirty. You don’t have to give up convenience or comfort to be more efficient. Even small adjustments can have a noticeable impact on your energy use.

• Unplug electronics and appliances—Such as TVs, gaming consoles, coffee makers and chargers—to avoid phantom power use while you’re away.

• Set your water heater to “vacation mode,” or turn it off at the breaker if you’ll be gone more than a few days.

• Raise the thermostat on your air conditioner or turn it entirely if no one will be home for an extended period of time. Close blinds and curtains to keep the sun from heating up your house and running the air conditioning while it’s empty.

• If you have outdoor lighting for
security, use motion-sensor or timer- based lights instead of leaving them on continuously.

Rising temperatures, prolonged drought and shifting weather patterns are creating dangerous conditions that increase wildfire danger.

Today, more than 30 states, including Washington, face elevated wildfire risk. The reality is clear: Wildfire risk is no longer regional, it is national—and it demands action from all of us.

At Ohop Mutual Light Co., protecting our members and the communities we serve is our highest priority. As we recognize National Wildfire Awareness Month in May, we

want members to know wildfire mitigation is not seasonal work for us. It is a year-round commitment embedded in how we operate and invest in our local system.

One of the most important ways we reduce wildfire threats is through our comprehensive veg- etation management program. Overgrown trees and power lines are a dangerous combination, particularly during dry and windy conditions.

Throughout the year, we proactively trim and remove vegetation that could come into contact with power lines and other critical infrastructure. This work requires careful planning, coordination with property owners and ongoing inspection. While it may not always be visible, it is one of the most effective tools we have to prevent fire ignition and maintain reliable electricity.

Wildfire mitigation also requires thoughtful public policy. Managing electric infrastructure in and around public lands presents unique challenges. That is why we support practical, commonsense solutions, such as the Fix Our Forests Act, which would streamline the ability of electric cooperatives and other utilities to maintain power lines on federal lands and reduce hazardous “fuel” buildup. Policies that promote responsible land management are an essential part of a comprehensive wildfire prevention strategy.

While we are committed to doing our part, wildfire prevention is a shared responsibility.

There are important steps each of us can take to protect our homes and neighborhoods.

• Properly extinguish fires by dousing them with water, stirring the ashes and ensuring they are cool to the touch before leaving the area.
• Avoid outdoor burning on windy or excessively dry days. Always check local regulations

for burn bans or restrictions.

• Maintain a defensible space around your home by clearing dry leaves, dead branches and other flammable debris.
• Use lawn equipment carefully, particularly during hot conditions.

Wildfires are becoming more complex and more widespread, but through proactive system management, smart investments, sound policy and community partnerships, we can reduce risks and strengthen resilience. At Ohop Mutual, we take this responsibility seriously. Our members depend on us not only for reliable power, but for leadership in safeguarding the communities we call home.

As a consumer-owned electric utility, we take great pride in providing safe, reliable, and affordable power to the homes and businesses we serve. Every decision we make is focused on protecting the long-term strength of our system while keeping costs as low as possible.

In October 2025, the Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) implemented its new power contract. Under this new contract, Ohop Mutual not only received increases to our standard billing rates, but we are now also receiving Tier 2 charges, which alone have added an additional $68,000 to our monthly wholesale power bill. With a large service area and a limited number of meters, this increase has a significant impact on our operating budget.

After careful review and discussion, our Board of Directors voted to approve a necessary rate adjustment to ensure we can continue delivering the dependable service you count on. These changes will allow us to recover the increased cost of wholesale power and maintain the financial health of your member-owned utility.

Beginning April 1, 2026, the new Energy Rate will increase from $0.0795 to $0.0845 per kWh and the new Facility Charge will increase from $27.50 to $29.50 per month.

We understand that any rate change affects our members, and this decision was reached only after thorough analysis and thoughtful consideration. Please know that we remain committed to operating efficiently, advocating for our members, and maintaining some of the lowest power costs in the region.

Thank you for your continued support and for being part of a utility that is truly powered by its community. If you should have any questions, we are always here to help.

Kenneth Klotz, General Manager

Tap Into Water Heating Savings

If your home is like most, you and your family use about 64 gallons of water each day. If your water heater is electric, that probably accounts for about 18% of your power bill.

That makes your water heater the second-largest energy expense in your home. Why not use less electricity to heat it?

Today’s high-efficiency water heaters use much less energy than older models, so you don’t need to give up comfort for energy savings. That’s good news for your power bill.

There is a newer option to consider: an electric heat pump water heater. These units give you the hot water you need by pulling heat from the surrounding air to heat the water—like a refrigerator in reverse. Because they do not directly produce heat, electric heat pump water heaters are two to three times more energy efficient than standard units.

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, a family of four can save about $550 a year on water heating costs, which adds up to $5,610 over the lifetime of the unit.

A heat pump water heater may cost a bit more upfront than other models. However, according to the DOE, most people see a payback in less than three years due to the unit’s lower operating costs and energy savings. Look for the Energy Star label when shopping for a water heater.

Check with your utility to see if a rebate is available to help you make the switch.

Tankless electric water heaters are another option, but carefully weigh the benefits and drawbacks. These smaller units quickly heat water to provide it when called upon, but can use eight times more electricity than a standard water heater.

This high demand increases your utility’s cost of purchased power, which plays an important role in how much you pay for electricity. In some cases, people who use electric tankless water heaters must upgrade their home’s wiring to support the greater demand for electricity.

Other ways to lower your energy costs include setting your water heater’s thermostat to no higher than 120 degrees, fixing leaks, installing low-flow fixtures, and using energy-efficient dishwashers and washing machines.

Helping you save energy and money is another way Ohop Mutual is always here for you.

Beat the Peak

Demand for power is highest in the morning and evening—help the grid by shifting power use

When the temperature drops, electricity use goes up. It’s no surprise—heating systems run longer, lights turn on earlier and appliances work harder to keep us comfortable. Added to that, most of us use power at the same times—early mornings and evenings— and the electric grid feels the strain during winter.

At Ohop Mutual Light Co., we plan ahead with our generation partners to keep your power reliable. But remember, we’re part of a much bigger regional grid. When homes and businesses everywhere crank up the heat at once, massively increased demand can push the limits. Severe weather or equipment issues can make things even tougher. In rare cases, grid operators may call for short, controlled outages to protect the system. If that happens, we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

The good news? You can help prevent those situations. Here are a few easy ways to make a big difference during peak times:

• Turn down the thermostat a few It really adds up. Also, this can lead to sizable savings on your electric bill.
• Wait to run big appliances like dishwashers and laundry until midday or late
• Set your water heater to 120 F and space out
• Unplug devices and turn off lights when you’re not using

These small steps save energy, lower your bill and help keep the grid strong for everyone. Together, we can make sure our homes stay warm and our lights stay on all winter long.

Fight the Winter Chill and Save Energy

We all have our favorite season. Some love crisp, cool weather and bundling up under

a favorite blanket, while others prefer the warm temperatures of summer and the outdoor activities that go with it.

But there’s one thing we can all agree on: High winter bills are never fun. Ohop Mutual Light Co. is here to help you find ways to manage your home energy use and keep winter bills in check.

Here are five tips to help increase your home’s energy efficiency this winter:

1. Mind the This is one of the easiest ways to manage your home energy use. We recommend setting your thermostat to 68 degrees or lower when you’re home. When you’re sleeping or away for an extended period, try setting it between 58 and 62 degrees. There’s no need to heat your home when you’re away or sleeping and less active.
2. Button up your The U.S. Department of Energy estimates air leaks account for 24% to 40% of the energy used for heating and cooling a typical home. Caulking and weather stripping around windows and doors is a simple, cost-effective way to increase comfort and save energy. If you can feel drafts while standing near a closed window or door, it likely needs to be sealed.
3. Use window coverings Open blinds, drapes and other window coverings during the day to let natural sunlight warm your home. Close them at night to keep the cold, drafty air out. If you feel cold air around windows, consider hanging curtains or drapes in a thicker material; heavier window coverings can make a significant difference in blocking cold outdoor air.
4. Consider your approach to appliance use. When combined, appliances and electronics account for a significant chunk of our home energy use, so assess how efficiently you’re using them. For example, if you’re running the dishwasher or washing machine, only wash full Look for electronic devices that consume energy even when they’re not in use, like phone chargers or game consoles. Every little bit helps, so unplug them to save energy.
5. Think outside the If you’re still feeling chilly at home, think of ways to warm up beyond dialing up the thermostat. Add layers of clothing, wear thick socks and bundle up under blankets. You can even add layers to your home. If you have hard-surface flooring, consider buying an area rug to block cold air that leaks in through the floor.

Winter months often bring some of the year’s highest energy bills. By being proactive about saving energy, you can increase your comfort and reduce monthly bills.

Staying Safe Online – Internet Tips for a Smarter School Year

In September, students settle into new school routines, teachers dive into lessons and parents juggle packed schedules. Smart devices help everyone keep pace with the month’s steady momentum.

In today’s digital world, the internet is as essential as pencils, paper and books, but it comes with more responsibilities. Whether students are researching for a school project, joining virtual classes or chatting with friends online, it’s important they know how to stay safe.

At Ohop Mutual Light Co., we believe keeping families connected means keeping them protected. We’re here to help you build good habits and safe routines for using the internet this year.

Why Internet Safety Matters

The internet opens a world of opportunities, but also a door to risks like cyberbullying, scams and exposure to inappropriate content.

Students of all ages can benefit from guidance on how to navigate these digital spaces safely. With more schoolwork taking place online, internet safety isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Stay Smart Online

The following are a few tips to stay safe online:

• Protect personal information.

Be mindful of what is shared online.

• Never post sensitive information.  

This includes your full name, address, phone number or account details, especially on public platforms or unsecured websites. Even casual posts can unintentionally give away more than intended.

• Use strong, unique passwords.

Every email, banking, streaming or school account should have its own strong password composed of letters, numbers and other characters. Steer clear of obvious choices like pets’ names or birthdays. Use a password manager when possible to help safely store logins and passwords and keep them organized.

• Think before you click or share.

Always take a moment before clicking links or posting on social media. Scammers frequently use social media to gain knowledge and trick people into divulging information by using fake links, messages or websites.

• Keep devices and software updated.

Updating your phone, tablet or computer doesn’t just bring new features. It also helps protect against security threats. Set devices to update automatically, and regularly check for updates on apps, browsers and antivirus programs.

• Use parental controls and safe settings when needed.

For families with children, make use of built-in parental controls and filters on routers, streaming services and mobile devices. These tools help manage your child’s screen time, limit exposure to inappropriate content and encourage open conversations about healthy internet use.

Technology is an important tool for learning, connecting and growing. When we all use it safely, it becomes even more powerful.