Powerful Helps Clatskanie PUD Welcome a Growing Community Online with New Website Design
CLATSKANIE, OR — A growing community helped shape Clatskanie People’s Utility District’s (PUD) newly redesigned website, created with Powerful to support easier access to services, resources and district information.
Clatskanie PUD’s connection to the community dates back to 1940, when voters formed the district as a publicly owned electric utility. More than 80 years later, that local ownership continues to shape how the PUD serves its customer-owners.
The project marks Clatskanie PUD’s second website partnership with Powerful. This time, the district wanted to refresh its established online presence while responding to changing communication needs. More people are moving to the Clatskanie area, including residents relocating from the Portland region. The website needed to serve longtime customers while providing a clear introduction for people connecting with the PUD for the first time.
“This being their second website with Powerful, the Clatskanie team came into the project knowing they wanted something modern, approachable and, most of all, community-focused,” said Stacey Horton, Powerful project manager.
Powerful and Clatskanie PUD selected the Alder blueprint to shift the homepage toward a promotional approach. Essential customer pathways remain prominent, including Start or Stop Service, the Outage Center, Payment Assistance and Conservation & Rebates. Larger promotional areas give the district space to feature seasonal resources, community programs and timely updates.
“The promotional blueprint lets them prioritize access to top customer tasks while giving their unique programs and services the space they deserve,” Horton said.
That approach gives programs such as Share the Warmth, Clatskanie PUD’s community-supported energy assistance program, greater visibility during the seasons when customers may need it most. The homepage also connects visitors with district news, upcoming meetings, safety information and other community resources.
Powerful and Clatskanie PUD also identified key pages where visual storytelling could improve the experience. Start or Stop Service organizes several service scenarios, requirements and applications into clear pathways. Who We Are introduces the district’s mission, history, public ownership model, service area and power supply through icons, statistics, imagery and a visual timeline.
The Alder blueprint builds on Clatskanie PUD’s established identity with curved design elements, crisp colors and a bright yellow accent. Subtle curves echo the “C” in the district’s logo while giving the website a fresh, recognizable look.
“The playful curves and crisp colors help make information clear and welcoming on every page,” Horton said. “The Clatskanie team was so fun to work with, and I’m excited for them to have a refreshed look that reflects who they are.”
- RELATED: Clatskanie PUD Web Design Case Study
About Powerful
Powerful is a leader in designing human-centered web design experiences for broadband and electric co-ops as well as other utility companies; enhancing website interactions through innovative design and thoughtful technology. Their mission is to build lasting partnerships with electric cooperatives and utility organizations by creating engaging, visitor-friendly digital experiences across websites and mobile applications.
Specializing in website functionality, website visitor experience, and web accessibility, Powerful tailors each web design project to the unique needs of electric co-ops they partner with, ensuring digital tools are visually appealing, intuitive, and easy to navigate. With a focus on humanizing website experiences, their team is dedicated to understanding the specific challenges and goals of each utility organization, crafting solutions that foster meaningful connections and drive engagement. Through a meticulous design process and commitment to excellence, Powerful helps utilities connect more effectively with their communities, delivering website experiences that both inform and inspire.
About Clatskanie PUD
Clatskanie PUD is a publicly owned electric utility serving customer-owners across northwest Oregon. The district was formed by public vote in 1940 and remains locally governed, with a focus on reliable service, energy value and community benefit.
