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Pacific Power crews gaining momentum in restoration efforts

PORTLAND, Ore. —Pacific Power crew members, nearly 500 strong, are making substantial progress in restoring power to areas hit by unprecedented wind-driven wildfires, restoring another 1,700 customers in the last 24 hours.  The company is making plans to restore more than 3,000 customers in Southern Oregon later this evening.

As of 3 pm Sunday, approximately 8,900 customers remain without service in Oregon and northern California due to recent historic wind storm and wildfire activity. An additional 2,500 are out of service until sometime later today due to a PSPS event in Weed, Calif.

“The progress we’ve made over the weekend is encouraging, and we continue to be ready and staged with supplies in areas where we are still awaiting access to be granted by first responders,” said David Lucas, vice president of operations. “As our communities come together in response to this historic, statewide event, Pacific Power will continue to work around the clock to help restore power and support our neighbors and friends.”

Community spirit

Pacific Power employees are rolling up their sleeves wherever they can, supporting the communities they serve. As they are out and about, they are reporting back stories that exemplify true community spirit:

  • Glide: 138 Grill  – The only restaurant still operating in Glide, east of Roseburg and close to the fire lines, the 138 Grill has been feeding firefighters and local residents for several days for free. Saturday, Sam Carter, Pacific Power regional business manager for Douglas County, brought a truck load of food to the grill so they could continue their work.
  • Klamath County: Hay Trucks – Local farmers sent 10 truckloads of hay to the Willamette Valley to help feed livestock displaced by the wildfire. “They saw that the folks on the West side were hurting and just like that, organized this hay convoy,” said Todd Andres, regional business manager in Klamath County.
  • Southern Oregon: Emergency Supplies – Local employees helped procure and deliver chainsaws and generators to local areas to help people clear their land of downed trees and to get power flowing to essential services as the restoration progresses. They also delivered vital supplies, including blankets sleeping bags, towels, pillows and essential personal care supplies to evacuees at the Jackson County Expo Center and non-perishable food, diapers, and masks to the Talent– Phoenix donation site.
  • Willamette Valley: Hotel Vouchers – Regional business manager Cooper Whitman is coordinating donations to provide hotel vouchers so people evacuated from their homes can move from cots in shelters to hotel rooms.

“Our hearts go out to all that have been affected by the historic wind events this past week. We are part of the communities we serve and are devastated by what we’re seeing as our friends, neighbors and our own employees are forced to evacuate,” said Lucas. “We are here to help support the Red Cross and local agencies who are providing much needed relief to community members and thank our emergency responders and all those on the frontlines for their tireless work to keep us all safe.”

How to be ready, how to get help

Pacific Power customer care agents are available and ready to help customers through this incredibly difficult time. They can be reached 24/7 at 1-888-221-7070.

Customers should be prepared for prolonged power outages by having on hand adequate food, water and back-up batteries. They are also encouraged to follow any local evacuation orders and look out for neighbors.

The company is working with the Red Cross and local agencies to directly aid people in need. Support is available for those in wildfire-affected areas at the following community shelter locations:

Oregon:

  • Josephine County Fairgrounds – 1451 Fairgrounds Rd, Grants Pass
  • Jackson County Expo – 1 Peninger Rd, Central Point
  • Oregon State Fairgrounds – 2330 17th St. NE, Salem
  • Klamath County Fair Grounds – 3531 S 6th St, Klamath Falls
  • Kla-Mo-Ya Casino – 34333 US-97, Chiloquin
  • Lincoln City Community Center--2150 NE Oar Place
  • Linn County Fairgrounds – 3700 Knox Butte Rd E, Albany
  • Benton County Fairgrounds – 110 SW 53rd St, Corvallis
  • Deschutes County Fairgrounds – 3800 SW Airport Way, Redmond
  • Douglas County Fairgrounds – 2110 Frear St., Roseburg
  • Polk County Fairgrounds – 520 S Pacific Hwy W, Rickreall

Northern California:

  • Kahtishraam Wellness Center – 1403 Kahtishraam, Yreka
  • Siskiyou County Fairgrounds (taking large animals) – 1712 Fairlane Rd, Yreka