Southern Oregon Pacific Power Crews Addressing Storm-related Outages

The storms raging across Southern Oregon have affected almost 11,000 Pacific Power customers, but the utility’s crews are working hard to ensure power is restored in storm-affected areas.

Pacific Power Sends Crews To Respond To Southern Oregon Power Outages

Following widespread storm-related outages across Southern Oregon, Pacific Power crews are now busy repairing and restoring power in areas affected by the storm.

However, hazardous conditions, including snow accumulation and continued winter weather, have affected repair and restoration times.

Pacific Power provided the following tips and safety precautions that will also help crews restore power:

• Report the outage to Pacific Power.
• Outages should be reported to Pacific Powers by calling 1-877-508-5088 or texting OUT to 722797.
• Check on your neighbors, especially anyone who could need special assistance.
• Don’t forget pets need more food in winter because keeping warm depletes energy.
• Keep mobile devices charged to use in an emergency if you have power.
• Keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed. A full, unopened freezer will maintain its temperature for about 48 hours. In contrast, an unopened refrigerator will keep the contents cold for about 4 hours.
• Steer clear of all downed power and utility lines. Even lines that are not sparking could be energized and extremely dangerous. In dangerous situations, call 911.
• Never drive over downed power lines.
• Damage to service masts or weather heads (where the powerline connects to your home or business) must be repaired by a licensed electrician before Pacific Power can restore power, as their crews may only work on company-owned equipment.
• Ensure there is sufficient ventilation when using alternate heat or cooking sources, and don’t burn charcoal for heating or cooking indoors.
• Generators should be outside, away from air intakes. Follow all manufacturer’s instructions, and don’t connect the generator directly to your breaker box, as this could be hazardous for crews fixing the powerlines. Rather, plug essential appliances directly into the generator.
• Download the Pacific Power app to have information readily available in case of emergencies.
• Check-in with others to see who has electricity- and if you can visit.

To check an outage status, text STAT to 722797. A map showing current restoration estimates can be accessed at pacificpower.net/outage.

Pacific Power’s vice president of operations. Tom Eide said, “We thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we continue this work in what can be treacherous conditions.”