Manager's Message, Ruralite

Wildfire season is here. Columbia REA takes fire safety very seriously. One of the key steps we take is placing our equipment in Fire Safety Mode, known in the industry as “one-shot” operation. This setting helps reduce the risk of ignition from electrical arcs or sparks.

Taking the Time to Get It Right. A year ago, in this column, we talked about Columbia REA’s adoption of AI technology, specifically Microsoft CoPilot, into our workflow. The headline that day was “Fast, Flexible and Forward-thinking.”

Portland, OR – June 11, 2026. The Public Power Council (PPC) is expressing concerns over new, court-ordered Columbia River operations at John Day Dam following reports that adult salmon passage there has been significantly delayed during the current migration season. The John Day Dam concern comes just after PPC joined a stipulation filed in late May by Federal Defendants in the ongoing Columbia River System Operations (CRSO) litigation to protect spawning salmon migrating up the Columbia River after adult passage was being slowed by new river operations at Lower Monumental Dam on the Snake River.

June is a Great Time for Eastern Washington Families to Prepare for Summer Energy Use. Hot afternoons, cool nights, and strong sunshine can quickly change how much electricity a home, shop, or farm uses from day to day. In many rural communities, summer demand is not just about keeping the house comfortable. It can also […]

Columbia REA is proud to recognize five local High School seniors for their exceptional accomplishments as students and their outstanding commitment to their communities. Clark A. Brewington Academic Scholarship The Clark A. Brewington Scholarship Program, named in memory of former Columbia REA General Manager, Clark Brewington, has been awarded to three local students living within […]

2026 Board Officers Board President: Jay DeWittVice President: Dennis MundenSecretary/Treasurer: Katie Wooldridge Complete 2026 Board of Directors District 1 Patrick DennisRick LugarKent Marquardt District 2 Doug LoganPhilip MehlenbacherDennis Munden District 3 Neil CarpenterJay DeWittKatie Wooldridge Thank you to everyone who took the time to vote!Your input and involvement in this and other Cooperative matters is […]

Spring Cleaning? Don’t Forget the Filters I love this time of year—milder temperatures make life easier, keep electric bills low, and give our heating and cooling systems a break. Still, scheduling an HVAC check before the summer cooling season is a smart move; it can catch small issues before they turn into expensive repairs. One […]

Data Centers, Our Community, and Columbia REA Whether in favor, opposed, or indifferent, the reality of a large, power-intensive, data center being built in our area was bound to happen sooner or later. As you may have read recently in the Union-Bulletin and other reports, that reality has reached Columbia REA. In late 2024, the […]

Applications for the 2026 Columbia REA More Powerful Together Grant are now being accepted. All applications must be received by 5:00 pm, Monday, June 15.

I Want To Reduce My Electric Bill: Should I Fix My Energy-Leaking House or Buy Solar? If you’re trying to bring your energy bill down, two options usually rise to the top: energy-efficiency upgrades or solar panels. Both can help, but figuring out what to do first (or whether to do both) is worth a […]