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FAQ

FAQ

Depending on the complexity of the job and our other commitments we can usually have a new service installed in 2 or 3 weeks after we get the signed contract and easements in place.

Yes, this is a common practice but there are specific code requirements that must be met when placing all utilities in a common trench. A drawing with specific locations is available on request.

No, Because of the high voltage equipment on our poles safety regulations require that only qualified workers be allowed on our poles.

Columbia REA has a line extension policy that specifies how the costs are paid for. Depending on the size and type of service the Co-op will pay for a portion of the total costs. If the estimated construction costs exceed the line extension allowance the member must pay the difference. The member has a choice to pay all the cost upfront or they can be amortized over 10 years and a monthly payment will be added to the electric bill each month.

Our line crew evaluates each pole that is removed. If the pole is in acceptable condition it will be returned to stock. If the pole is not returned to the Co-op stock then it can be given to an existing member on-site or it will be hauled to one of our service centers and made available for any member upon request. Any used poles will be cut to maximum lengths of 12 feet, with no exceptions

You should check your own electrical equipment for a blown fuse or tripped breaker first. If no problem is found then call the Co-op at (509) 526-4041 to report an outage at any time 24 hours per day. We have local employees that will assist you in restoring the power. When you call please have the name the service is in, the address, and a phone number you can be contacted at available. Remember that many of the new cordless telephones will not work when there is a power outage.

If your building falls under the WA State Clean Buildings law, and is commercial (not residential), we probably can provide periodic Energy Star online data. Click here for more info: https://www.columbiarea.coop/benchmarking/

(Smaller building and house owners can review their energy usage on Smart Hub )

To support reliable service and help protect member equipment, Columbia REA is providing updated guidance on power quality and recommended protection measures for all three‑phase services. All members with three‑phase electrical loads should install dedicated, standalone power‑quality protection devices that continuously monitor incoming utility power and automatically disconnect equipment when abnormal conditions occur.

What conditions to protect against
Three‑phase motors and other equipment are susceptible to line‑side power conditions that can damage motor windings, controls and other components. These problems can shorten equipment life and affect overall service reliability.  To help mitigate damage, Columbia REA recommends the following protections be installed on all three-phase services:

  • Dropped Phase Detection (Single-Phasing / Phase Loss): Protects equipment from the loss of one or more of the incoming utility phases.
  • Under-Voltage / Over-Voltage Detection: Ensures voltage remains within the equipment manufacturer’s specifications.
  • Surge Detection: Protects against transient voltage spikes, typically caused by lightning.

Because these issues originate upstream of member-owned equipment, the integrated protection found in Variable Frequency Drives (VFDs), soft starters, or other control equipment is typically not sufficient on its own. Columbia REA strongly recommends installing independent line-monitoring devices that operate separately from VFDs, soft starters, and other control systems.

We’re here to help
Our Engineering & Operations team is available to help evaluate protection options or to answer questions about your existing three-phase services. Additional information is available in our “New Service Guide” located on our website, at www.columbiarea.coop, under the new construction option.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting safe and reliable service across our cooperative.