Springfield Utility Board Offers Generator Loan Programs to Enhance Customer Resilience
Although most power outages resolve quickly, major events like earthquakes, wildfires and winter storms can disrupt power for extended periods. To assist customers with preparedness, Springfield Utility Board (SUB) is offering two new generator loan programs for its residential and small business electric customers.
“Having backup power, especially if you have a medical need, can provide peace of mind and additional safety while SUB crews work to restore power,” says Meredith Clark, community relations manager at SUB.
The new 0% interest loan programs are for portable generators and for generator transfer switches. Loans of up to $1,000 are available and customers repay the loan via their SUB bill.
Portable generators are particularly helpful for renters, and transfer switches assist those who want to integrate a generator into their home or business electrical system, Clark said. These devices allow customers to change the source of power from SUB’s system to an installed generator during an outage. Without a professionally installed transfer switch, the generator can back-feed electricity to SUB’s system through the main breaker and create a dangerous, even fatal, situation for line crews and customers.
SUB electric customers with a recent history of on-time payments are eligible and encouraged to visit subutil.com for additional details, or to call SUB’s resource management department at 541-746-0963.
About Springfield Utility Board
Springfield Utility Board is committed to providing reliable, safe, and affordable utility services to our community. These new pilot programs are part of their ongoing efforts to enhance the resilience of their infrastructure and the safety of their customers during emergency situations.
