Pacific Power continues restoration efforts

PORTLAND, Ore. — Pacific Power crews continue to work in challenging winter weather conditions to make repairs and restore power to the remaining customers experiencing power outages in the Oregon service territory, more specifically the Willamette Valley area.  

A second wave of extreme weather impacts has caused additional outages in some areas, including Albany, Cottage Grove and Sweet Home. Due to the continued efforts of Pacific Power crews, there has been steady progress in restoring power to customers.  

Snow and ice accumulation and fallen trees have caused damage to power equipment, disrupting response activities. Additional crews were staged to assist and have been deployed to impacted areas to accelerate repair and restoration work.  

Pacific Power anticipates most customers will have service restored by Tuesday evening, but some customers in Cottage Grove and Sweet Home may see outages into Wednesday and possibly Thursday.    

 “Some of our customers are experiencing long duration outages due to the damage caused by the severe weather, causing a major inconvenience to customers. With temperatures warming and the continued efforts of our teams showing results, we’re working continuously to have power back on as soon as possible,” said Erik Brookhouse, vice president of system operations. “We thank our customers for their continued patience and understanding during this time of extreme weather as our crews work through the extreme conditions to restore service.”  

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 first, and then report the outage to Pacific Power at 1-877-508-5088.    

• Don’t drive over downed power lines.   

• If there is damage to your service mast or weather head, 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 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 its 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 their 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 the 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 powerlines. Instead, plug essential appliances directly into the generator.