Surprise Valley Electric Cooperative is reminding members to pick up automated calls from the utility, noting that the system is used to deliver important updates and reduce call volume at its office.
According to the cooperative, the automated system sends notices about planned outages, tree-cutting work, past-due balances and other reminders. Staff say that when these calls go out, the office often receives a wave of return calls, which can tie up phone lines needed for regular service.
SVEC is encouraging members to answer the call or listen to the voicemail if they miss it, as the message may contain information about work in the area, power outages or account details.
The cooperative also emphasized that its automated calls will never request payment. The reminder comes amid an increase in utility-related phone scams statewide, including fraudulent demands for immediate payment. SVEC said these scam calls are not associated with the cooperative in any way.
The automated system is intended solely to keep members informed, the utility said.
