The Dalles, OR – March 11, 2025 – Northern Wasco County PUD (NWCPUD) is warning
residents about individuals impersonating utility personnel on the west side of The Dalles.
The utility has received reports of people wearing PUD-like attire approaching customers,
requesting home entry, and taking photographs inside residences.
These incidents coincide with NWCPUD’s legitimate pole inspection project, which was
recently communicated to customers via email. The utility emphasizes that authentic PUD
staff and contractors will never request to enter customers’ homes as part of pole
inspections. Legitimate personnel only require access to utility poles that may be located
on customer property. NWCPUD staff and contractors will also never ask for payment in
the field. All legitimate billing is handled through in-person payments or via the SmartHub
platform.
NWCPUD advises residents:
- Genuine PUD staff and contractors will have proper identification
- Legitimate pole inspectors will never ask to enter homes
- No payment should be requested during pole inspections
- If approached by someone claiming to represent the PUD who requests home entry,
do not allow access
The utility will provide updates if additional information becomes available about
identifying characteristics of the impersonators’ clothing or vehicles.
Customers with concerns about the legitimacy of utility workers can contact NWCPUD at
541-296-2226 or reference the email they received regarding the pole inspection project.