Case Study
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GO-Live Date
July 1, 2024
Trusted Web Experts
Charlie Stanley
Web Solutions Architect
Deanna Frimann
Project Manager
Stacey Horton
Design & Layout
Nikki Vanderkooi
Content Integration
Tabi Kashif
Content Integration
Michael Confalone
Website Launch
Goals
Overview
Meet Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District
Northern Wasco County People’s Utility District (PUD) serves nearly 25,000 residents and businesses in Wasco County, Oregon, with a commitment to providing reliable and affordable electricity. As a customer-owned utility, Northern Wasco County PUD prioritizes exceptional service and community engagement. When it came time to refresh their online presence, they turned to a trusted partner, Powerful, who had previously designed their website. The goal was to create a more engaging and visitor-friendly experience that would better serve their customers’ needs.
Enhancing Customer Engagement
Northern Wasco County PUD sought to create a website that would inform and actively engage their customers. They wanted a platform that highlighted their services and made it easier for customers to interact with the utility.
Powerful introduced a promotional blueprint that anticipates customers’ interests by showcasing key services such as SmartHub, efficiency tips, news posts, and events. The new design features a vibrant homepage with easy-to-navigate sections, inviting customers to explore and engage with the content.
The new blueprint makes it easier for customers to find and utilize the services they need. By proactively addressing customer interests, Northern Wasco County PUD creates a more engaged and informed customer base.
Ensuring Excellence
In redesigning the website, it was crucial to maintain and exceed Powerful’s STAR Standard. Northern Wasco County PUD aimed to provide an inclusive, efficient online experience for all visitors.
The STAR Standard encompasses 4 key elements: Searchable, Translatable, Accessible, and Responsive. The redesigned website features enhanced search functionalities, making it easy for customers to find relevant content quickly. An automatic translation tool allows visitors to access information in their preferred language. ADA/WCAG compliance ensures the site is accessible to all visitors, with intuitive navigation, screen reader compatibility, and high-contrast text for readability. Additionally, the mobile-first design ensures a seamless experience across all devices, from smartphones to desktops.
By adhering to the STAR Standard, Northern Wasco County PUD’s new website provides an inclusive online experience. Visitors can easily navigate the site, find the information they need, and access services from any device.
Challenges
Northern Wasco County PUD faced the challenge of making district information and board member details easily accessible to their customers. The goal was to create a more intuitive and visitor-friendly system that would allow customers to quickly find their district and connect with their representatives. Northern Wasco County PUD values transparency and personal connections, and they needed a solution that would reflect these principles.Solutions
To address this, Powerful implemented a KML map feature on the redesigned website. This interactive map allows customers to enter their address and immediately find their district. Once the district is determined, the website intuitively displays the relevant Board of Directors through the Staff Directory app. Each board member's profile includes a headshot, bio, and email address, putting a friendly face to a name and facilitating personal connections. This feature aligns with Northern Wasco County PUD’s commitment to customer service and community engagement, providing customers with the opportunity to easily reach out to their district representatives.Results
The integration of the KML map and Staff Directory app has created a more engaging and transparent experience for Northern Wasco County PUD’s customers. By offering easy access to district information and board member details, the website creates a stronger sense of community and trust. Customers can now connect with their board members more easily, enhancing Northern Wasco County PUD's mission of providing reliable, customer-focused service. This innovative approach reflects Northern Wasco County PUD’s dedication to meeting the needs of their community while maintaining the values that have made them a trusted service provider.Mobile gallery
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Quotes
Team Comments
We are proud to continue our partnership with Northern Wasco County PUD, building on the strong foundation we established with their previous website. This redesign reflects our shared commitment to innovation and engagement, ensuring that the website continues to serve as a valuable resource for the residents of Wasco County.
Web Solutions Architect
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