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Tuesday, March 19, 2024
March 19, 2024

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Energy Adviser: Utility launches website loaded with features

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Clark Public Utilities has a new look online, and a lot of new tools available anytime from your computer, tablet or smartphone. Introduced last month at the utility’s 25th annual Home & Garden Idea Fair, www.ClarkPublicUtilities.com has undergone its own remodeling project, from the framework to the paint job.

“More and more customers prefer to find information and manage their accounts online, and we wanted the website to make that as easy as possible,” said Erica Erland, corporate communications manager for Clark Public Utilities. “We used years of data and industry research to put the content our customers look for online right where it can be found quickly and easily.”

New features include online tools to report power outages, request tree-trimming or report a streetlights outage. The redesigned outage map makes it easy to see current outages, and a new Resource Center has tips for preparing for emergencies in advance. The responsive design adapts for use on a computer or mobile devices so when the lights are out, the information needed is in the palm of your hand.

“As a public utility, our top priority is providing the most reliable, affordable service we can, with the very best customer experience, and that includes online,” Erland said. “The new website is designed to work on all types of devices because we know that during outages many of our customers are looking for information on phones or tablets. And now they can report the outage online, too.”

Looking for ways to reduce wasted energy and lower your bill? Free home energy calculators help you see where you have room for energy savings. With just a few simple questions, the interactive online calculators help you figure out where your energy dollars are going, and which changes will add up quickest over time. Information about the utility’s many energy efficiency rebates and loan programs is also available and the new Contractor Directory makes it easy to find contractors participating in the utility’s Contractor Network.

For customers diving into home improvement, the new Building & Remodeling section provides a first stop for information from new or upgraded electric service, all the way to energy efficient upgrades. Based on feedback from both customers and contractor partners, the Building & Remodeling section makes it easy for homeowners to get started on projects while also providing one touch access to technical handbooks and project diagrams for electrical contractors.

“Because we provide electric service to all of Clark County, and water in some areas, we have a wide variety of customers looking for very different information,” said Erland. “Creating a site that is intuitive for both residential and business customers, and both DIY homeowners and contractors, was a challenge. We also wanted to make sure customers could quickly discover information related to our many community programs and events.”

Resources for programs

Community partners and customers looking for ways to get involved in the Stream Stewards program or hit the road in support of Operation Warm Heart with the annual Race for Warmth can find information and newsletter signups in the Community & Environment section. There’s also a section for landowners in the Salmon Creek Watershed who may be eligible for grant-funded streambank restoration work through the utility’s StreamTeam program.

The website’s new look is designed for both form and function. Simple icons and descriptive photography aid in quick navigation. And a streamlined layout helps customers find information quickly.

“This upgrade has been overdue and we’re very happy to offer customers an improved online experience,” said Erland. “Of course there’s always more we can do and there are additional upgrades currently underway to further improve MyAccount and add additional resources. But this new site, especially the online outage reporting tool and redesigned outage map, will be much more convenient for customers going forward.”


 

Energy Adviser is written by Clark Public Utilities. Send questions to ecod@clarkpud.com or to Energy Adviser, c/o Clark Public Utilities, P.O. Box 8900, Vancouver, WA 98668.

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