Pacific Power Storm and Outage Update

1p.m, Dec. 3, 2007

--Currently 40,454 customers out, mainly in Clatsop and Lincoln counties

--High wind warnings remain in effect in the coastal areas

--Crews from other areas are being brought to the coast to assist

--We expect it may be 3-4 days before power is substantially restored to these areas

--In the meantime, customers should remain indoors, avoid any downed lines. Anyone with special needs should contact local emergency officials.

Weather Update:

Pacific Power crews worked through the night conducting damage assessments, repairs and cleaning up where they could although wind and rain were heavy all night and are expected to increase across the state.

A Wind Advisory continues in the valleys of western Oregonand southwest Washingtonfor gusts of 60 mph. The coast is still under a high wind warning for sustained winds of 50 mph and gusts of 100+ mph through Monday afternoon. Ocean swells just offshore have already topped 40 feet, prompting a high surf warning and coastal flood warning, which may impact movement of workers to restoration sites. Winds have been recorded up to 129 mph and 60 – 70 foot waves reported.

The third in this series of storms will finally move north of the Oregoncoast and inland Monday evening. Until then, heavy rain is expected to pound the region with as much as 8” falling in the mountains and 1 to 3” in the valleys. Most of the area is under flood watch or warning.

Currently Pacific Power has approximately 40,454 customers without power. Throughout this morning, outage numbers spiked and dropped in the Northern Californiaarea with transmission issues in Crescent City, CA. The longest duration outages are in the hardest hit areas, Clatsop and Lincoln City, averaging 21 - 28 hours. Outages also have occurred today in the Bendand Medfordareas as the storm moves inland.

Resources :

.Pacific Power is deploying all possible resources. Crews from more lightly hit portions of our territory are en route. Pacific Power has requested the loan of 10 crews from Portland General Electric. Additionally, MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, which owns Pacific Power, has sent a plane carrying additional crews from Pacific’s sister company, Rocky Mountain Power, in Salt Lake City.

Additionally, power poles, wires trucks, cranes digging equipment and all necessary tools and equipment is being moved to these areas. The greatest transportation challenges are road closures. All highways into Clatsop Countyare obstructed, if not completely closed. Pacific Power is working closely with Oregon Department of Transportation to assist getting people and equipment to the necessary locations.

Estimates for Restoration:

With daylight, damage assessors and managers estimating the amount of work and time necessary to substantial restore the outages. At this time, a minimum of three to four days is estimated to substantially restore power to the hardest hit areas, Clatsop Countyand Lincoln City . Pacific Power will make every effort to exceed these timeframes, but strongly recommends estimating three to four days for citizens to plan food, medical and other supplies.

Residents are recommended to contact local emergency service and medical providers if they have emergency circumstances.

Pacific Power also reinforces the caution to residents to stay indoors, avoid treed areas and always avoid downed power lines. Down lines should always be assumed to be live and very dangerous.

Because we believe that some outages could be of extended length and we encourage customers to prepare for that possibility by having warm layers of clothing, flashlights and battery operated radios, a hand operated can opener and supplies of non-perishable foods and bottled water all easily accessible.

As utility crews work to reenergize communities, customers are being asked to help ensure smooth restoration. Customers still without power can help by:

• Unplugging appliances, television and stereos and other electrical equipment around their homes. This will reduce the demand on the system as power is brought back on.
• Turning ON porch lights so crews can tell when power has been restored to particular areas

Reporting outages again by calling 1-877 LITES OUT (1-877-548-3768)