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Pacific Power crews concentrate efforts on remaining outages

PORTLAND, Ore. — Pacific Power service crews are focused on getting the lights back on for the remaining customers impacted by a fast-moving windstorm that caused widespread damage throughout the Pacific Northwest earlier this week. 

“Some 350 employees and contractors have worked through the holidays and overnight to restore power,” said Allen Berreth, vice president of operations. “We are now redeploying resources to focus on areas like Grants Pass to move closer to full restoration.”

As of 11 a.m. today, there are approximately 2,000 customers out of power, down from the 49,622 customers at the height of the wind event. Overall, more than 86,000 customers were affected by the storm at one time or another since Dec. 26. 

The communities with the largest remaining outages include:

  • Grants Pass: 1,804 customers 
  • Willamette Valley: 136 customers 

Visit PacificPower.net/Outages for a map showing current restoration estimates.

Pacific Power encourages customers to report outages by calling 1-877-508-5088 or text OUT to 722797. Text STAT to 722797 to check the status of your outage. 

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 power line 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 may be used in an emergency. Before anything happens, 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.
  • If you are using alternate heat or cooking sources, remember to allow plenty of ventilation. Never burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.
  • 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.
  • Severe rains can create sewage overflows. The Oregon Health Authority has compiled tips for what to do if you suspect your water source may be flooded.