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News Release

Merwin Day Of Fishing For Kids With Disabilities Celebrates 26 Years - 07/11/26

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

 

Interviews and b-roll here.

 

Interviewees: 

Jessica Newhall, Regional Business Manager, Pacific Power

Lillia Swanson, participant from Lafayette, OR

Jesse Cody, Fish Hatchery Specialist, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

 

 

 

Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids with Disabilities celebrates 26 years

 
ARIEL, Wash. (July 11, 2026) — Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hosted the 26th annual Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids with Disabilities on Saturday, welcoming more than 150 children and 200 other attendees, made up of family members and friends, for a day of accessible fishing at the Merwin Fish Hatchery.

 

Children received free poles and tackle, with volunteers providing one-on-one support as they reeled in rainbow trout. Pacific Power raises thousands of fish specifically for this event, which allows every child to catch up to five fish they can take home. 

 

For 26 years, Pacific Power and the WDFW have relied on the continued commitment from volunteers who help make this event possible. Volunteers – including Pacific Power employees, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local fishing organizations – come together each year to share their time and expertise to support these families in our community.

 

“We're incredibly proud of our team for helping children experience the joy of fishing,” said Ryan Flynn, president of Pacific Power. “This tradition means so much to our employees and even more to the families who return year after year to see their child create lasting memories outdoors.”

 

"Creating opportunities for people to connect with the outdoors is an important part of WDFW's mission," said Rian Sallee, Southwest Regional Director for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. "The continued commitment from Pacific Power, volunteers, and WDFW staff has helped make it a tradition that many look forward to each year."

 

After a successful day of fishing, families enjoyed a barbecue and celebrated the day’s biggest catch, reeled in by Stuart Ruckman and weighing 6 pounds 7 ounces.

 

“This year was a huge success. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing these kids proudly show off their catches,” said Jessica Newhall, regional business manager at Pacific Power. “It’s those moments that have made this event a cherished tradition for more than 25 years.”

 

"Fishing has a way of bringing people together and today is about making sure every child has the opportunity to experience that connection,” said Jesse Cody, hatchery manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Witnessing these kids joyfully catch fish, build confidence, and spend time outdoors alongside their families is what makes this event so special."

 

 

###

 

About Pacific Power

 

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net. 

Merwin Day Of Fishing For Kids With Disabilities Celebrates 26 Years - 07/11/26

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

 

Interviews and b-roll here.

 

Interviewees: 

Jessica Newhall, Regional Business Manager, Pacific Power

Lillia Swanson, participant from Lafayette, OR

Jesse Cody, Fish Hatchery Specialist, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife

 

 

 

Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids with Disabilities celebrates 26 years

 
ARIEL, Wash. (July 11, 2026) — Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife hosted the 26th annual Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids with Disabilities on Saturday, welcoming more than 150 children and 200 other attendees, made up of family members and friends, for a day of accessible fishing at the Merwin Fish Hatchery.

 

Children received free poles and tackle, with volunteers providing one-on-one support as they reeled in rainbow trout. Pacific Power raises thousands of fish specifically for this event, which allows every child to catch up to five fish they can take home. 

 

For 26 years, Pacific Power and the WDFW have relied on the continued commitment from volunteers who help make this event possible. Volunteers – including Pacific Power employees, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, and local fishing organizations – come together each year to share their time and expertise to support these families in our community.

 

“We're incredibly proud of our team for helping children experience the joy of fishing,” said Ryan Flynn, president of Pacific Power. “This tradition means so much to our employees and even more to the families who return year after year to see their child create lasting memories outdoors.”

 

"Creating opportunities for people to connect with the outdoors is an important part of WDFW's mission," said Rian Sallee, Southwest Regional Director for the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. "The continued commitment from Pacific Power, volunteers, and WDFW staff has helped make it a tradition that many look forward to each year."

 

After a successful day of fishing, families enjoyed a barbecue and celebrated the day’s biggest catch, reeled in by Stuart Ruckman and weighing 6 pounds 7 ounces.

 

“This year was a huge success. There is nothing more rewarding than seeing these kids proudly show off their catches,” said Jessica Newhall, regional business manager at Pacific Power. “It’s those moments that have made this event a cherished tradition for more than 25 years.”

 

"Fishing has a way of bringing people together and today is about making sure every child has the opportunity to experience that connection,” said Jesse Cody, hatchery manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “Witnessing these kids joyfully catch fish, build confidence, and spend time outdoors alongside their families is what makes this event so special."

 

 

###

 

About Pacific Power

 

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net. 

REMINDER: Merwin Day Of Fishing Celebrates 26th Year Of Accessible Fishing - 07/10/26

 

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

 

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Merwin Day of Fishing celebrates 26th year of accessible fishing

 

 

WHAT:   

Pacific Power, in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, is proud to announce the 26th annual Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids with Disabilities. The event provides dozens of children with free gear and the opportunity to fish in an accessible space, made possible by dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors.

 

The ponds at the Merwin Fish Hatchery are stocked with thousands of fish, so each child has the chance to catch and take up to five fish home. We invite children and their families through our partnerships with local hospitals like Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Shriners Children's, Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and Kaiser Permanente.

 

WHEN:   

Saturday, July 11, 2026

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

WHERE:  

Merwin Fish Hatchery

111 Merwin Hatchery Ct.

Ariel, WA 98603

 

 

CONTACT:  

Drew Marine

503-813-6018

 

Calling ahead is appreciated, but not necessary. Media can check in at the registration booth and will be directed to someone who can assist them.

REMINDER: Merwin Day Of Fishing Celebrates 26th Year Of Accessible Fishing - 07/10/26

 

Media Hotline: 503-813-6018

 

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Merwin Day of Fishing celebrates 26th year of accessible fishing

 

 

WHAT:   

Pacific Power, in partnership with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, is proud to announce the 26th annual Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids with Disabilities. The event provides dozens of children with free gear and the opportunity to fish in an accessible space, made possible by dedicated volunteers and generous sponsors.

 

The ponds at the Merwin Fish Hatchery are stocked with thousands of fish, so each child has the chance to catch and take up to five fish home. We invite children and their families through our partnerships with local hospitals like Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Shriners Children's, Randall Children's Hospital at Legacy Emanuel and Kaiser Permanente.

 

WHEN:   

Saturday, July 11, 2026

9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

 

WHERE:  

Merwin Fish Hatchery

111 Merwin Hatchery Ct.

Ariel, WA 98603

 

 

CONTACT:  

Drew Marine

503-813-6018

 

Calling ahead is appreciated, but not necessary. Media can check in at the registration booth and will be directed to someone who can assist them.

Low Water Levels On Lewis River Lead To Boat Ramp And Camping Closure - 07/08/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Low water levels on Lewis River lead to boat ramp and camping closure
Water conservation will protect fall salmon spawning

 

ARIEL, Wash. (July 8, 2026) — Due to low snowpack and dry spring and early summer conditions across the Pacific Northwest, PacifiCorp will be closing the Saddle Dam boat ramp on Yale Reservoir for the remainder of the season, beginning July 15. Saddle Dam Park will remain open for other recreational uses such as picnicking and swimming.

 

The Yale Reservoir dispersed shoreline camping program will also close for the remainder of the season beginning July 14. The Yale Park boat ramp will remain available for day use access to Yale Reservoir for the rest of the recreational season.

 

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license for PacifiCorp reservoirs requires the company to maintain certain water flows downstream of Merwin Dam to protect and support federally listed fish species including Chinook and Coho salmon and Steelhead trout. To meet these requirements and manage dry conditions, PacifiCorp will balance water levels between the Swift, Yale and Merwin reservoirs to keep recreation access available where possible. As a part of this effort, Yale Reservoir will be lowered the week of July 13.

 

We understand that this may be an inconvenience, and we appreciate your understanding. We anticipate there may be more recreational impacts prior to Labor Day if these dry conditions continue. For updates, check our website.

 

###

 

About PacifiCorp

 

PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving two million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit PacifiCorp.com.

 

Low Water Levels On Lewis River Lead To Boat Ramp And Camping Closure - 07/08/26

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
Media hotline: 503-813-6018

Low water levels on Lewis River lead to boat ramp and camping closure
Water conservation will protect fall salmon spawning

 

ARIEL, Wash. (July 8, 2026) — Due to low snowpack and dry spring and early summer conditions across the Pacific Northwest, PacifiCorp will be closing the Saddle Dam boat ramp on Yale Reservoir for the remainder of the season, beginning July 15. Saddle Dam Park will remain open for other recreational uses such as picnicking and swimming.

 

The Yale Reservoir dispersed shoreline camping program will also close for the remainder of the season beginning July 14. The Yale Park boat ramp will remain available for day use access to Yale Reservoir for the rest of the recreational season.

 

The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission license for PacifiCorp reservoirs requires the company to maintain certain water flows downstream of Merwin Dam to protect and support federally listed fish species including Chinook and Coho salmon and Steelhead trout. To meet these requirements and manage dry conditions, PacifiCorp will balance water levels between the Swift, Yale and Merwin reservoirs to keep recreation access available where possible. As a part of this effort, Yale Reservoir will be lowered the week of July 13.

 

We understand that this may be an inconvenience, and we appreciate your understanding. We anticipate there may be more recreational impacts prior to Labor Day if these dry conditions continue. For updates, check our website.

 

###

 

About PacifiCorp

 

PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving two million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit PacifiCorp.com.

 

Pacific Power To Host Town Hall On Recent Outages In Madras - 06/24/26

A black and white logo Description automatically generated

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Pacific Power to host town hall on recent outages in Madras

 

WHAT:   

Learn more about what Pacific Power is doing in Madras to improve safety and reliability during the wildfire season.

 

Pacific Power leaders and local operations staff will share information about recent power outages and how the company is responding.

 

Interview with Pacific Power spokesperson available upon request via Zoom between 9 - 9:30 am and 11 – 11:30 am. Please RSVP via email to Simon.Gutierrez@pacificorp.com

 

WHEN:   

Thursday, June 25 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

 

WHERE:  

Jefferson County Public Health

Conference Room

500 NE A Street, Suite #102

Madras, OR 97741

 

WHO:

Pacific Power Representatives

 

###

Pacific Power To Host Town Hall On Recent Outages In Madras - 06/24/26

A black and white logo Description automatically generated

 

 

 

                                                                                                                                                                           

 

 

MEDIA ADVISORY

 

Pacific Power to host town hall on recent outages in Madras

 

WHAT:   

Learn more about what Pacific Power is doing in Madras to improve safety and reliability during the wildfire season.

 

Pacific Power leaders and local operations staff will share information about recent power outages and how the company is responding.

 

Interview with Pacific Power spokesperson available upon request via Zoom between 9 - 9:30 am and 11 – 11:30 am. Please RSVP via email to Simon.Gutierrez@pacificorp.com

 

WHEN:   

Thursday, June 25 from 6:00 – 7:30 pm

 

WHERE:  

Jefferson County Public Health

Conference Room

500 NE A Street, Suite #102

Madras, OR 97741

 

WHO:

Pacific Power Representatives

 

###

Pacific Power Preparing For Active Wildfire Season - 06/16/26

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

 

 

Pacific Power preparing for active wildfire season

Customers encouraged to prepare for outages related to wildfire prevention

 

PORTLAND, OR (June 15, 2026) - With dry conditions across the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Power is preparing its system to reduce wildfire risk. A large portion of Oregon has seen a drier than normal rainy season, and the state’s governor warned in May that the state is at serious risk for a challenging wildfire season.

 

Outlooks from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center and the National Interagency Fire Center support the Governor’s warning, indicating a warmer and drier than normal summer, paired with increasing drought in many areas.

 

As part of Pacific Power’s ongoing wildfire prevention efforts, the company is taking steps to protect the customers and communities. These include enhanced safety settings and protective equipment designed to automatically shut off power when lines come into contact with debris, wildlife or strong winds. 

 

During periods of extreme risk, the company may also temporarily de-energize power lines to reduce the likelihood of ignition or help limit the spread of active fires. These measures may lead to longer or more frequent outages for customers in some high-risk areas. 

 

“We are preparing for an active wildfire season across our service area and taking proactive steps to reduce risk,” said Carrie Laird, Pacific Power’s vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations. “Working closely with our public safety and business partners and encouraging customers to prepare now is critical to keeping our communities safe.”

 

Pacific Power monitors weather and wildfire conditions using more than 350 weather stations and advanced tools that track changing conditions and help guide operational decisions across its service territory.

 

The company’s wildfire mitigation efforts have received national recognition. A 2024 Stanford University study found PacifiCorp’s programs meet the highest standards in multiple states, reflecting a strong commitment to reducing wildfire risk and strengthening system resilience.

Customers can prepare for potential outages by ensuring their contact information is up to date to receive outage notifications, review backup power options and assemble an emergency kit.

 

More information is available at PacificPower.net/Wildfire and Oregon.gov/OSFM.

 

See photos and videos of Pacific Power’s wildfire work: https://www.pacificpower.net/about/newsroom/media-gallery.html

 

###

 

About Pacific Power

 

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

Pacific Power Preparing For Active Wildfire Season - 06/16/26

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

 

 

Pacific Power preparing for active wildfire season

Customers encouraged to prepare for outages related to wildfire prevention

 

PORTLAND, OR (June 15, 2026) - With dry conditions across the Pacific Northwest, Pacific Power is preparing its system to reduce wildfire risk. A large portion of Oregon has seen a drier than normal rainy season, and the state’s governor warned in May that the state is at serious risk for a challenging wildfire season.

 

Outlooks from NOAA’s Climate Prediction Center and the National Interagency Fire Center support the Governor’s warning, indicating a warmer and drier than normal summer, paired with increasing drought in many areas.

 

As part of Pacific Power’s ongoing wildfire prevention efforts, the company is taking steps to protect the customers and communities. These include enhanced safety settings and protective equipment designed to automatically shut off power when lines come into contact with debris, wildlife or strong winds. 

 

During periods of extreme risk, the company may also temporarily de-energize power lines to reduce the likelihood of ignition or help limit the spread of active fires. These measures may lead to longer or more frequent outages for customers in some high-risk areas. 

 

“We are preparing for an active wildfire season across our service area and taking proactive steps to reduce risk,” said Carrie Laird, Pacific Power’s vice president of wildfire mitigation and emergency operations. “Working closely with our public safety and business partners and encouraging customers to prepare now is critical to keeping our communities safe.”

 

Pacific Power monitors weather and wildfire conditions using more than 350 weather stations and advanced tools that track changing conditions and help guide operational decisions across its service territory.

 

The company’s wildfire mitigation efforts have received national recognition. A 2024 Stanford University study found PacifiCorp’s programs meet the highest standards in multiple states, reflecting a strong commitment to reducing wildfire risk and strengthening system resilience.

Customers can prepare for potential outages by ensuring their contact information is up to date to receive outage notifications, review backup power options and assemble an emergency kit.

 

More information is available at PacificPower.net/Wildfire and Oregon.gov/OSFM.

 

See photos and videos of Pacific Power’s wildfire work: https://www.pacificpower.net/about/newsroom/media-gallery.html

 

###

 

About Pacific Power

 

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

Pacific Power Prepares For High Temperatures - 06/12/26

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

 

 

Pacific Power prepares for high temperatures

 

With high temperatures expected across parts of Oregon and Washington this weekend and early next week, Pacific Power is encouraging customers to prepare for warmer weather.

 

“More electricity is used by our customers during the summer season than at any other time of the year,” said Curt Mansfield, Pacific Power senior vice president of power delivery. “We encourage customers to take steps to manage their energy use and take advantage of incentives to increase energy efficiency at home.”

 

Pacific Power relies on a diverse mix of available energy resources to meet peak hour needs during warmer weather, and the company is well positioned to meet customer demand.

 

During hot weather, Pacific Power also takes steps each day to keep electric service reliable for its customers through daily monitoring of substations and circuits that have the highest use and addressing any issues immediately.

 

The demand for electricity typically reaches its highest point on a hot weekday afternoon, generally from about 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. when power is needed to operate irrigation systems and air conditioners.

 

Customers can save on power bills by taking some simple steps to reduce energy usage:

  • Switch energy usage to early morning or late evening whenever possible.
  • Set the thermostat on central air conditioning at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.
  • Turn off lights, computers, televisions and appliances when you are not using them.
  • Open windows in the cool of the evening and again in early morning to let in cool air. Use the intake setting on window fans to help bring in even more cool air.
  • Keep air moving inside your home with ceiling, window, attic and portable fans.

 

For more information about energy efficiency and outage preparedness, visit PacificPower.net/Prepare

 

###

 

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, thermal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.

Pacific Power Prepares For High Temperatures - 06/12/26

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  

Media hotline: 503-813-6018

 

 

Pacific Power prepares for high temperatures

 

With high temperatures expected across parts of Oregon and Washington this weekend and early next week, Pacific Power is encouraging customers to prepare for warmer weather.

 

“More electricity is used by our customers during the summer season than at any other time of the year,” said Curt Mansfield, Pacific Power senior vice president of power delivery. “We encourage customers to take steps to manage their energy use and take advantage of incentives to increase energy efficiency at home.”

 

Pacific Power relies on a diverse mix of available energy resources to meet peak hour needs during warmer weather, and the company is well positioned to meet customer demand.

 

During hot weather, Pacific Power also takes steps each day to keep electric service reliable for its customers through daily monitoring of substations and circuits that have the highest use and addressing any issues immediately.

 

The demand for electricity typically reaches its highest point on a hot weekday afternoon, generally from about 4 p.m. to 9 p.m. when power is needed to operate irrigation systems and air conditioners.

 

Customers can save on power bills by taking some simple steps to reduce energy usage:

  • Switch energy usage to early morning or late evening whenever possible.
  • Set the thermostat on central air conditioning at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.
  • Turn off lights, computers, televisions and appliances when you are not using them.
  • Open windows in the cool of the evening and again in early morning to let in cool air. Use the intake setting on window fans to help bring in even more cool air.
  • Keep air moving inside your home with ceiling, window, attic and portable fans.

 

For more information about energy efficiency and outage preparedness, visit PacificPower.net/Prepare

 

###

 

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, thermal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with 2 million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.