Salem, Ore. – As wildfires continue to burn throughout the state and extreme weather events impact communities, Oregon residents are reminded to be prepared for potential power outages. Wildfires and extreme weather can cause power outages, and weather and other conditions in specific geographies may cause electric utilities to adjust system settings, which can result in more frequent and longer outages, or even in certain cases, implement public safety power shutoffs (PSPS). A PSPS is a safety measure designed to help protect people and communities in high fire-risk areas by proactively shutting off electricity during extreme and dangerous weather conditions that might result in wildfires. Utilities may also need to deenergize lines to protect equipment from nearby fires, or to protect personnel fighting fires.

Be prepared in advance 

Prepare your home and businesses in the event a wildfire or weather incident leads to a power outage. 

• Be two weeks ready – Gather food, medical supplies, batteries, pet supplies, among other things, needed by family members during an outage or evacuation for up to two weeks. Learn more about what supplies to consider. 
• For individuals with a medical condition that requires power, contact your electricity service provider in advance of an outage to register a Medical Certificate. This certification provides added benefits and helps the utility ensure they meet your needs in the event of an outage. 
• Make sure your utility service provider has current contact information to receive notifications by updating your account online. If uncertain which electric utility serves your area, visit https://www.oregon.gov/energy/energy-oregon/pages/find-your-utility.aspx.
• Keep cell phones fully charged in anticipation of an outage. Consider a car-charger for cell phones and other electronic devices.
• Plan for livestock water needs in the event well pumps lose power.
• Have a plan to relocate to an alternative location for power needs, or if you can, consider a backup generator.

During a power outage

• Avoid downed power lines, including anything near downed lines, at all costs.
• Stay clear of fire personnel and utility crews working to restore service in your community. 
• Use flashlights or battery-operated lanterns for emergency lighting. Do not use candles or other potential fire hazards. 
• Turn off lights and unplug electric appliances except for the refrigerator and freezer to help avoid a surge to the system when service is restored. After turning off all the lights, turn one light on to know when power has been restored. 
• Use generators safely – Do not run the generator inside the home or garage or anywhere near a window or vent, as these spaces can capture deadly levels of carbon monoxide. Learn more about proper use of a generator to avoid hazardous conditions. 
• Check on elderly neighbors or individuals with special needs who might need additional assistance.
• Call your electricity service provider to report an outage, do not call 911.

Natural gas tips

• If required to evacuate, no need to shut off natural gas.
• If natural gas appliances do not operate properly once electricity is restored, call your natural gas service provider. 
• If natural gas service is shut off, do not turn on yourself. Call your natural gas service provider to restore service. 
• If you smell natural gas, evacuate immediately and call 911. 

Stay informed

• Contact your electricity provider or log in to your account and make sure all contact information is current so you can receive alerts and messages.
• Visit Oregon Alert to find your local alert system. Provide current contact details and sign up for wildfire alerts. 
• Before traveling visit Trip Check for details on road closures and conditions.
• Check air quality in Oregon.
• Visit State of Oregon Fires Dashboard.

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Application approval impacts securing of land along proposed line

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting an in-person meeting on July 30, 2024, for the public to comment on Portland General Electric’s application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN). PGE’s request is part of its proposed construction of a transmission line that would connect the Rosemont and Wilsonville substations known as the Rosemont-Wilsonville Line. 

PGE has asked the PUC to issue a CPCN for this project. If granted, PGE would use this certificate in court proceedings where it seeks to condemn an interest in land along the transmission line’s path. The certificate would demonstrate to the court that the transmission line is a public use and necessary for public convenience. View the proposed path for the transmission line below.

Comment in person - Tualatin, Oregon 

When:          Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. PDT
This meeting may go beyond the scheduled end time to allow more people to comment. The Commission will attempt to accommodate all individuals arriving before 7 p.m. PDT. This event will not be livestreamed.

Where:        Century Hotel, 8185 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Road, Tualatin, OR 97062

Other ways to submit comments 

Please submit comments by August 28, 2024, to be reviewed and included in opening testimony. Comments will be accepted throughout the proceeding. Comments filed by November 4, 2024, will be included in testimony later in the case. Any later filed comments will be posted to the docket.

• Public Comment Form online
• email PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov  
• Call 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted) 
• Mail comments to: Oregon Public Utility Commission, Attn: AHD – PCN 6, POC Box 1088, Salem, OR 97308-1088
  
   

Stay Informed

To stay informed throughout this process, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify docket PCN 6 in the request.

# # #

The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.            

PUC SEEKING PUBLIC COMMENT ON PGE’s CERTIFICATE OF PUBLIC CONVENIENCE AND NECESSITY APPLICATION FOR TRANSMISSION PROJECT
Application approval impacts securing of land along proposed transmission line

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) is hosting two events to provide opportunities for the public to comment on Portland General Electric’s application for a certificate of public convenience and necessity (CPCN). PGE’s request is part of its proposed construction of a transmission line that would connect the Rosemont and Wilsonville substations known as the Rosemont-Wilsonville Line. 

PGE has asked the PUC to issue a CPCN for this project. If granted, PGE would use this certificate in court proceedings where it seeks to condemn an interest in land along the transmission line’s path. The certificate would demonstrate to the court that the transmission line is a public use and necessary for public convenience. View the proposed path for the transmission line below.

Ways to Comment

Interested individuals may participate in the multiple ways. Individuals may attend one of two live events listed below to provide verbal comments to the Commissioners and the Administrative Law Judge presiding over this case. Individuals may also submit written or verbal comments. 

Comment via Zoom or phone

When: Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. PDT 
This meeting may go beyond the scheduled end time to allow more people to comment, so please log in before 7 p.m. PDT.

Access the Zoom link and phone-in details at: https://bit.ly/3Wd0xSq   

Comment in person - Tualatin, Oregon 

When: Tuesday, July 30, 2024, from 6-7 p.m. PDT
This meeting may go beyond the scheduled end time to allow more people to comment. The Commission will attempt to accommodate all individuals arriving before 7 p.m. PDT. This event will not be livestreamed.

Where: Century Hotel, 8185 SW Tualatin-Sherwood Road, Tualatin, OR 97062

Other ways to submit comments 

Please submit comments by August 28, 2024, to be reviewed and included in opening testimony. Comments will be accepted throughout the proceeding. Comments filed by November 4, 2024, will be included in testimony later in the case. Any later filed comments will be posted to the docket.

• Public Comment Form online
• email PUC.PublicComments@puc.oregon.gov  
• Call 503-378-6600 or 800-522-2404 (all relay calls accepted) 
• Mail comments to: Oregon Public Utility Commission, Attn: AHD – PCN 6, PO Box 1088, Salem OR 97308-1088
  
   

Stay Informed

To stay informed throughout this process, individuals may request to be added to the distribution list to receive publicly available documents. Submit requests by email to puc.hearings@puc.oregon.gov or by calling 503-378-6678. Please specify docket PCN 6 in the request.

# # #

The PUC regulates customer rates and services of the state’s investor-owned electric and natural gas utilities, including Portland General Electric, Idaho Power, Pacific Power, Avista, Cascade Natural, and NW Natural. The PUC also regulates landline telephone providers and select water companies. The PUC’s mission is to ensure Oregonians have access to safe, reliable, and fairly priced utility services that advance state policy and promote the public interest. We use an inclusive process to evaluate differing viewpoints and visions of the public interest and arrive at balanced, well-reasoned, independent decisions supported by fact and law. For more information about the PUC, visit oregon.gov/puc.