Thieves working new scam targeting utility customers - 11/05/19

Media inquiries: Media Hotline 800-570-5838

Thieves working new scam targeting utility customers

GRANTS PASS, Ore.—Nov. 5, 2019--Pacific Power is aware of a particularly deceptive scam targeting utility customers in southern Oregon.

In recent days, a handful of customers in the Grants Pass area have reported receiving fraudulent emails and texts from scammers posing as utility representatives. The scamsters insist that the customer is behind on payments or needs to pay for a meter change. They even send a mocked up, fake bill. They then threaten that, without an immediate payment, service will be disconnected.

Calling the number listed on the fake bill connects the customer to someone who attempts to get an immediate payment.

“This illegal activity seeks to erode the trust our customers have in us,” said Barb Coughlin, vice president of customer service for Pacific Power. “We want to protect our customers from this fraudulent activity in any way we can.”

Customers can protect themselves from these types of schemes by being aware of the following signs that indicate deceitful calls or emails:

If the caller says he is with the “Pacific Power Disconnection Department.” No such department exists. Two of the emails use the title “Pacific Power Corp” which is not the company’s name.
Don’t be deceived. Even if the Caller ID on your phone reads out 888-221-7070, our customer service line, don’t be deceived. The scammers are technically sophisticated and able to put out false numbers on caller ID in order to make their call seem more credible.
If the caller asks for your credit card number or advises you to purchase a pre-paid card from a store and to call back with the code. Pacific Power will not ask for this information. We can facilitate credit card payments through our vendor upon request, but our employees don’t handle these payments directly. Pacific Power offers a wide variety of ways to pay and will not direct on which option to use.
If the caller claims your electric service will be disconnected if you don’t make a payment immediately, particularly if you haven’t received any prior notice about late payments or a potential disconnection. We don’t threaten our customers. Instead, we work with customers who are behind on their payments to help them get back on track. Generally, notices about past due bills are sent to customers in the mail or delivered to their home, or they receive an automated phone message.

If you receive one of these scam calls, ask the caller to state your account number and compare it with the number listed on your bill. Be careful not to give your account number to them. Pacific Power customer service employees will always have your account number.

Remember, if you still have concerns about the legitimacy of a call or an email, you can always hang up on the suspected scammer and call Pacific Power at our published customer service number, 1-888-221-7070. It’s a toll free call and we have customer service employees available around the clock.

If you receive a suspicious call or email, take note of the phone number the person is calling from and any information that may help to track down the crooks. Please call and let us know at 1-888-221-7070.

###

Triple Your Impact: Pacific Power Will Match Your Contribution to Oregon Energy Fund 2-for-1 - 10/31/19

Media Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tom Gauntt, Pacific Power Oct. 31, 2019

503-813-7291

Triple Your Impact: Pacific Power Will Match Your Contribution to Oregon Energy Fund 2-for-1

PORTLAND, Ore — Helping your neighbors and their families stay warm just got easier. Pacific Power will match every dollar you donate to the Oregon Energy Fund with $2 more.

Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find it includes an Oregon Energy Fund contribution envelope in November. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program.

This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power. To enroll in the fixed donation program call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070.

Donations may be tax-deductible and are forwarded directly to the Oregon Energy Fund, which verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in need from the same county in which the donor resides.

“As we celebrate 30 years of providing energy assistance to Oregonians in need, Pacific Power has been a partner in compassion, collaboration, and innovation since the beginning,” said Brian Allbritton, executive director of the Oregon Energy Fund. “Studies have shown that more than a quarter of Oregonians struggle to pay their bills each year. Pacific Power’s commitment to our mission helps ensure that our neighbors don’t have to sacrifice food, rent, medicine, or childcare to make ends meet.”

Last year, donations from Pacific Power’s customers, employees, and the company helped 589 households in need throughout Oregon. These households included 455 children, 215 seniors, and 245 people with disabilities. This year, Pacific Power will match up to $144,000 in donations.

Customers who need bill assistance themselves can talk with Pacific Power representatives who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs and direct them to agencies that may be able to help. Pacific Power's customer service number is 1-888-221-7070.

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to affordably and reliably meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity providers in the United States, with almost 1.9 million customers in six western states. Information about Pacific Power is available on the company’s website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed via pacificpower.net.

Triple Your Impact: Pacific Power Will Match Your Contribution to Project Help 2-for-1 - 10/31/19

Media Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tom Gauntt, Pacific Power Oct. 31, 2019

503-813-7291

Triple Your Impact: Pacific Power Will Match Your Contribution to Project Help 2-for-1

YREKA,Calif.. — Helping your neighbors and their families stay warm just got easier. Pacific Power will match every dollar you donate to the Project HELP with $2 more.

Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find it includes a Project HELP contribution envelope in November. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program. This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power. To enroll in the fixed donation program call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070.

Donations may be tax-deductible and will be forwarded directly to Project HELP, which is administered by The Salvation Army, and verifies eligibility and allocates funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in Northern California.

Customers who need bill assistance themselves can talk with Pacific Power representatives who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs and direct them to agencies that may be able to help. Pacific Power's customer service number is 1-888-221-7070.

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to affordably and reliably meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity providers in the United States, with almost 1.9 million customers in six western states. Information about Pacific Power is available on the company’s website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed via pacificpower.net.

Triple Your Impact: Pacific Power Will Match Your Contribution to Project Help 2-for-1 - 10/31/19

Media Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Tom Gauntt, Pacific Power Oct. 31, 2019

503-813-7291

Triple Your Impact: Pacific Power Will Match Your Contribution to Project Help 2-for-1

YAKIMA, Wash. — Helping your neighbors and their families stay warm just got easier. Pacific Power will match every dollar you donate to the Project HELP with $2 more.

Pacific Power customers who receive their bills by mail will find it includes a Project HELP contribution envelope in November. Customers who pay their bills electronically can send a check or enroll in the fixed donation program. This program allows customers to donate any dollar amount, starting at $1 per month, which is then incorporated into their monthly bill. Fixed donations will also be matched 2-for-1 by Pacific Power. To enroll in the fixed donation program call Pacific Power toll-free at 1-888-221-7070.

Donations may be tax-deductible and will be forwarded directly to Project HELP, which is administered by The Salvation Army in the Walla Walla, Yakima and Grandview areas, and Northwest Community Action Center in the Toppenish and Sunnyside areas. They verify eligibility and allocate funds to those in need. All funds donated are used to assist families in need from the same county in which the donor resides.

Customers who need bill assistance themselves can talk with Pacific Power representatives who can help with payment plans that work for their individual needs and direct them to agencies that may be able to help. Pacific Power's customer service number is 1-888-221-7070.

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to affordably and reliably meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity providers in the United States, with almost 1.9 million customers in six western states. Information about Pacific Power is available on the company’s website, Twitter, Facebook and YouTube pages, which can be accessed via pacificpower.net.

Preparing your yard for winter - 10/15/19

Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

News media hotline: 800-570-5838 Oct. 15, 2019

Preparing your yard for winter

Pacific Power offers seasonal safety tips for homeowners

PORTLAND, Ore. -- As the leaves turn, winter weather preparation begins. For some homeowners, this means trimming trees and taming overgrown gardens, for others it means cleaning the gutters or painting the house. Many outdoor projects like these can be hazardous if you don’t put safety first.

“People often assume they know enough about electricity to keep themselves safe. However, accidents happen all of the time,” said Steve Harkin, Pacific Power safety director. “Being alert and aware can keep you, your family and your home out of danger.”

Coming into contact with electricity, whether it is through a power line, power equipment or even an extension cord, can result in serious injury or death. Put safety on your fall clean-up list by following these tips to keep you and your family out of harm’s way:

Treat all electric lines with caution. Even low-voltage lines and extension cords can be dangerous.
Use only wooden and fiberglass ladders. Metal ladders conduct electricity.
Inspect electric cords for fraying or broken plugs. Do not use cords or tools that are damaged.
Never use electrical equipment or tools near a pool or other wet areas. Additionally, make sure outlets are equipped with a ground fault circuit interrupter, designed to automatically disconnect if the tool comes into contact with water.
Be aware and steer clear of overhead electrical wires when installing, removing, cleaning or repairing gutters.
Have help when installing or adjusting a satellite dish or antenna. Make sure you’re working at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines.
Use caution when trimming trees. If power lines run through or near the tree, do not attempt to trim it. Instead, call Pacific Power toll free at 888-221-7070.
Underground power lines are just as dangerous as overhead ones. If your project involves digging, make sure the locations of underground power lines are marked. Call 811 to have underground utilities located and marked for free.

For more safety tips or to order free Pacific Power safety materials, call toll free at 800-375-7085 or visit pacificpower.net/safety.

-30-

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power is headquartered in Portland, and provides electric service to more than 740,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. It is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, providing 1.9 million customers with value for their energy dollar and safe, reliable electricity. For more information, visit pacificpower.net.