Pacific Power Logo

Pacific Power restores service to over 14,800 customers after scattered outages caused by Spring snowstorm

Portland, Ore. – Thousands of customers have the lights back on today as Pacific Power crews continued service restoration work in the wake of an unusual Spring snowstorm. The Portland Metro area served by Pacific Power has been substantially restored. 

There are approximately 200 Pacific Power customers in the Portland Metro area without service today as of 5 p.m., compared to over 15,000 at the height of the storm early this morning. Remaining customers should be restored by 10 a.m., Tuesday. At the height of the storm, Pacific Power had nearly 200 personnel working on restoration and support efforts. The company employs a full-time meteorology team that closely monitors forecasts to help ensure additional crews and resources are on standby to quickly respond to weather events. 

“We fully understand how difficult it is to be without power and our crews will continue to restore service until the last light is on,” said Erik Brookhouse, vice president of system operations. “Although the time of year and amount of snow associated with this storm are unusual, we actively prepare for weather system-impacts and respond quickly when they occur. We appreciate our customers’ patience as we wrap up the last stretch of restoration work.” 

For up-to-date estimated times of restoration, visit pacificpower.net/outages. 

To ease the inconvenience of power outages and assist crews in restoring power, Pacific Power suggests the following tips and safety precautions:

  • Stay away from all downed power lines and utility lines. Even if the lines are not sparking, they could be energized and extremely dangerous. Call 911 and report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088. 
  • Don’t drive over downed power lines.
  • Maintain safe distances from workers. Repair work is being done under our COVID-19 safety protocols. Waves and acknowledgement are welcome, but please allow crews to do their work at an appropriate distance both for operational and COVID-19 safety.
  • If there is damage to your service mast or weatherhead, where the powerline connects to your home or business, you will need to contact a licensed electrician for repairs before service can be restored. Our crews can only work on company-owned equipment.
  • Check on your neighbors, especially those who may need special assistance. Also, check with others who have electricity, to see if you can visit.
  • If you have power at this time, keep mobile devices charged so that they may be used in an emergency. Download the Pacific Power app to your smart device so you can have information readily available.
  • Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. Most food requiring refrigeration can be kept safely in a closed refrigerator for several hours. An unopened refrigerator will keep food cold for about 4 hours. A full freezer will keep the temperature for about 48 hours. 
  • Remember your pets! Pets who spend a lot of time outdoors need more food in the winter because keeping warm depletes energy.
  • Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors. If you are using alternate heat or cooking sources, remember to allow plenty of ventilation.
  • If you are using a generator, make sure to follow all manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure the generator is outside and not near any household air intakes. Do not connect the generator directly to your breaker box as this can create a dangerous situation for crews working on the powerlines. Instead, plug essential appliances directly into the generator.