FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PacifiCorp Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Park campground remains closed for construction, trailhead reopens
ENTERPRISE, Ore. (Oct. 29, 2020) — Pacific Park, located on the Wallowa River south of Wallowa Lake, remains closed to all public use due to construction work on the adjacent hydroelectric plant. The work and the closure have been ongoing since October 2018. The access trail to the Wallowa Falls Dam on the Upper East Fork Wallowa River has reopened.
PacifiCorp plans to re-open Pacific Park for the 2021 recreation season, but at this time no reservations are being taken. Details about reopening will be made public when finalized.
If you have any questions regarding the Wallowa Falls Hydroelectric Project or the closure of Pacific Park, please email ecreation@pacificorp.com">recreation@pacificorp.com or leave a message on our recreation phone line at 503-813-6666.
As always, PacifiCorp wants to emphasize safety for all visitors. Despite recent rains, anyone entering the area needs to be careful with any possible ignition sources.
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Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pacific Power media line October 25, 2020
503-813-6018
Pacific Power ends Public Safety Power Shutoff watch for Illinois Valley and northern California areas
CAVE JUNCTION, ORE. — After closely monitoring dry, windy weather conditions throughout the day, Pacific Power ended its Public Safety Power Shutoff watch early Sunday evening for high-fire risk areas in the Illinois Valley area of southern Oregon and Happy Camp, Calif. Weather conditions did not necessitate a power shutoff. The weather watch and line patrol was part of a proactive effort to provide situational awareness in the face of potentially hazardous weather conditions.
“Our top priority is the safety of our communities,” said Erik Brookhouse, vice president of system operations. “We appreciate the patience and understanding of our customers throughout this effort.”
Public Safety Power Shutoff events are part of the utility’s comprehensive wildfire prevention plan, which includes additional safety inspections, upgrades to the grid system, and weather stations to monitor for hazardous conditions.
Customers in the watch areas have been notified of the watch conclusion. For all non-emergency questions about the Public Safety Power Shutoff watch, customers and the public should call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070.
Visit pacificpower.net/psps for additional information on Public Safety Power Shutoffs, wildfire safety and emergency preparedness.
Puede hablar con un agente de servicio al cliente sobre cómo prepararse y qué medidas de seguridad tomar para los incendios forestales. Llame al 888-221-7070.
??***??"? 888-221-7070?1/4OE??'?(R)??oe???"?'~??**???(R)??--???3/4?(R)o/oo?...???~??OENLG??NLG...??,
??? 888-221-7070?1/4OE??'?(R)??oe???^?"?????(R)??--???1/2?(R)o/oo?...??^***?~???"??NLG...??,
Unsere Mitarbeiter im Kundenservice beraten Sie gerne zu Waldbrandvorsorge und -bekämpfung. Sie erreichen uns unter 888-221-7070.
Lub chaw sawv cev saib xyuas tub lag luam yuav sib tham nrog koj txog ntawm kev nyab xeeb txog hluav taws hav zoov kub thiab kev npaj txhij. Thov hu rau 888-221-7070.
Ang isang ahente ng pangangalaga sa customer ay maaaring makipag-usap sa iyo tungkol sa kaligtasan at paghahanda sa mabilis na kumakalat na sunog o wildfire. Mangyaring tumawag sa 888-221-7070.
M??(TM)t ?'?i di??***n ch?NLGm sóc khách hàng có th??NLG trao ?'??-i v??>i quý v??< v? an toàn cháy r?ng và cách chu?n b??< s?n sàng cho cháy r?ng. Vui lòng g?i 888-221-7070.
Whak nheo bene llun xhinlago nha nhelee, akre unha lkues nha bii llaxgenha dá ghapchi nhada kate xde yii lixhe. Nheo: 888 221 7070
Kui kan’ani xi na’I kaston’o sa’a ña kutua’ani te ña kui kidani ta kiño’o yuku yoton, kan’ani 888-221- 7070.
Contact: FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Pacific Power media line October 25, 2020
503-813-6018
Illinois Valley and northern California areas remain under Public Safety Power Shutoff watch
CAVE JUNCTION, ORE. — Pacific Power continues to closely monitor weather in high-fire risk areas in the Illinois Valley area and Happy Camp, Calif. The Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS) watch will remain in effect from 7 a.m. today, Sunday, October 25, until 8 p.m. The company has deployed additional line and vegetation management crews to patrol lines and address hazard trees as needed.
The PSPS watch covers the communities of Selma, Dryden, Kerby, Cave Junction, Holland, O’Brien, Takilma and Happy Camp. Approximately 5,800 customers are in the PSPS watch area.
“With the combination of high, gusty winds, low humidity and elevated factors on key weather indexes, we want to take every precaution to protect these communities,” said Erik Brookhouse, vice president of system operations. “Our teams will continue to be on location throughout the day to monitor weather and power lines so we can respond quickly to any issues.”
Public Safety Power Shutoff events are part of the utility’s comprehensive wildfire prevention plan, which includes additional safety inspections, upgrades to the grid system, and weather stations to monitor for hazardous conditions.
Pacific Power encourages customers to be prepared making sure contact information is updated and the company has your correct phone number and email address on file.
Customers have been notified of the watch through phone calls, email and text messages. Customers under the PSPS watch area will receive an additional update once the PSPS watch concludes or if conditions warrant a PSPS. Customers can use the interactive map at www.pacificpower.net/psps to see if they are located in a PSPS area.
For all non-emergency questions about the PSPS, customers and the public should call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070.
Visit pacificpower.net/psps for additional information on Public Safety Power Shutoffs, wildfire safety and emergency preparedness.
Puede hablar con un agente de servicio al cliente sobre cómo prepararse y qué medidas de seguridad tomar para los incendios forestales. Llame al 888-221-7070.
??***??"? 888-221-7070?1/4OE??'?(R)??oe???"?'~??**???(R)??--???3/4?(R)o/oo?...???~??OENLG??NLG...??,
??? 888-221-7070?1/4OE??'?(R)??oe???^?"?????(R)??--???1/2?(R)o/oo?...??^***?~???"??NLG...??,
Unsere Mitarbeiter im Kundenservice beraten Sie gerne zu Waldbrandvorsorge und -bekämpfung. Sie erreichen uns unter 888-221-7070.
Lub chaw sawv cev saib xyuas tub lag luam yuav sib tham nrog koj txog ntawm kev nyab xeeb txog hluav taws hav zoov kub thiab kev npaj txhij. Thov hu rau 888-221-7070.
Ang isang ahente ng pangangalaga sa customer ay maaaring makipag-usap sa iyo tungkol sa kaligtasan at paghahanda sa mabilis na kumakalat na sunog o wildfire. Mangyaring tumawag sa 888-221-7070.
M??(TM)t ?'?i di??***n ch?NLGm sóc khách hàng có th??NLG trao ?'??-i v??>i quý v??< v? an toàn cháy r?ng và cách chu?n b??< s?n sàng cho cháy r?ng. Vui lòng g?i 888-221-7070.
Whak nheo bene llun xhinlago nha nhelee, akre unha lkues nha bii llaxgenha dá ghapchi nhada kate xde yii lixhe. Nheo: 888 221 7070
Kui kan’ani xi na’I kaston’o sa’a ña kutua’ani te ña kui kidani ta kiño’o yuku yoton, kan’ani 888-221- 7070.
Pacific Power closely monitoring Illinois Valley and northern California areas for wildfire risk and possible Public Safety Power Shutoff
Weather forecast for Sunday, October 25, is being monitored for possible de-energization of power lines in designated high-fire risk areas
CAVE JUNCTION, ORE. — Pacific Power is closely monitoring weather forecasts in high-fire risk areas in the Illinois Valley area and Happy Camp, Calif. Sunday, October 25, is when a combination of high, gusty winds, low humidity and elevated factors on key weather indexes might require a Public Safety Power Shutoff (PSPS).
The PSPS watch covers the communities of Selma, Dryden, Kerby, Cave Junction, Holland, O’Brien, Takima and Happy Camp. Approximately 5,800 customers are in the PSPS watch area. The estimated duration of the event is from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Sunday, October 25.
“We are issuing a PSPS watch for these areas so our customers can prepare,” said Erik Brookhouse, vice president of system, operations. “It’s important to have an emergency plan and kit prepared year-round. Unlike an outage caused by a winter storm, we know when the power will go out and a good estimate for when it will be safe to turn it back. We will continue to update our customers as more information is available.”
Turning off power during a Public Safety Power Shutoff is done to prevent wind-blown or falling debris from making contact with energized power lines. Pacific Power crews will actively patrol and remove debris from lines and make repairs if needed. Once line inspections are complete and extreme weather conditions have subsided, Pacific Power will re-energize the lines.
Customers have been notified of the watch through phone calls, email and text messages. Customers under the PSPS watch area will continue to receive updates through ongoing communications. Customers can use the interactive map at www.pacificpower.net/psps to see if they are located in a PSPS area.
Customers will receive a status update on the PSPS watch tomorrow, Saturday, October 24 at 7 a.m.
For all non-emergency questions about the PSPS, customers and the public should call Pacific Power at 1-888-221-7070.
Visit pacificpower.net/psps for additional information on Public Safety Power Shutoffs, wildfire safety and emergency preparedness.
Puede hablar con un agente de servicio al cliente sobre cómo prepararse y qué medidas de seguridad tomar para los incendios forestales. Llame al 888-221-7070.
??***??"? 888-221-7070?1/4OE??'?(R)??oe???"?'~??**???(R)??--???3/4?(R)o/oo?...???~??OENLG??NLG...??,
??? 888-221-7070?1/4OE??'?(R)??oe???^?"?????(R)??--???1/2?(R)o/oo?...??^***?~???"??NLG...??,
Unsere Mitarbeiter im Kundenservice beraten Sie gerne zu Waldbrandvorsorge und -bekämpfung. Sie erreichen uns unter 888-221-7070.
Lub chaw sawv cev saib xyuas tub lag luam yuav sib tham nrog koj txog ntawm kev nyab xeeb txog hluav taws hav zoov kub thiab kev npaj txhij. Thov hu rau 888-221-7070.
Ang isang ahente ng pangangalaga sa customer ay maaaring makipag-usap sa iyo tungkol sa kaligtasan at paghahanda sa mabilis na kumakalat na sunog o wildfire. Mangyaring tumawag sa 888-221-7070.
M??(TM)t ?'?i di??***n ch?NLGm sóc khách hàng có th??NLG trao ?'??-i v??>i quý v??< v? an toàn cháy r?ng và cách chu?n b??< s?n sàng cho cháy r?ng. Vui lòng g?i 888-221-7070.
Whak nheo bene llun xhinlago nha nhelee, akre unha lkues nha bii llaxgenha dá ghapchi nhada kate xde yii lixhe. Nheo: 888 221 7070
Kui kan’ani xi na’I kaston’o sa’a ña kutua’ani te ña kui kidani ta kiño’o yuku yoton, kan’ani 888-221- 7070.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Safety crops up as priority during busy fall harvest season
Pacific Power helps farmers and ranchers keep safety first and avoid potential electrical hazards
PORTLAND, Ore. (Oct. 15, 2020) — Harvests of many kinds are well underway in the many rural communities Pacific Power serves, from apples and pears to peas and pumpkins. The busy fall harvest season is the most highly productive yet most dangerous time of the year for farmers, ranchers and their work crews, according to the National Agricultural Safety Database.
“As the Northwest’s largest rural power supplier, we know that fall harvest is a critical time of year. This is when the year’s investment pays off, but only if you take the time to stay safe, which is why we are focused on this season as much as you are,” said Joe Cissna, director of safety for Pacific Power. “Electricity helps with the harvest, but if you take it for granted and try to cut corners, tragedy could result.”
Customers and the public can get important safety materials, including Pacific Power’s “Electrical Safety on Your Farm or Ranch” brochure, or “Alerta! Fuera de Casa” brochure in Spanish, and “Look Up and Live” irrigation safety stickers in both English and Spanish – or schedule a free safety presentation – by calling Pacific Power toll free at 1-800-375-7085 or by visiting pacificpower.net/safety.
There are three main areas in which to concentrate safety efforts:
Power Line Safety
Electrical Safety
If a line has fallen on the ground or on some other object or piece of equipment, always assume it’s hot, live or energized. Stay clear, keep others away and call 911 and Pacific Power toll free at 1-888-221-7070.
Another great source for safety information is the National Agricultural Safety Database. Visit nasdonline.org to find out more.
“By being extra careful and refreshing everyone on safety, especially with an expanded workforce on hand, we can all work together and enjoy a safe and bountiful harvest,” said Cissna.
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About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides electric service to more than 770,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company works to 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 2 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.
Media hotline: 503-813-6018
NOTE TO MEDIA: Images showing local Labor Day Windstorm response are available for use, via this link. Photo credit: Pacific Power
Pacific Power supports Umpqua Valley rebuilding efforts following the historic Labor Day storm
Funding and volunteer support are underway to support communities in need
ROSEBURG, Ore. (October 14, 2020) — With the nearly 1,200 Douglas County customers impacted by the historic Labor Day windstorm now fully restored, Pacific Power is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with community members to rebuild and help those with the greatest needs in the coming months.
“We know it’s going to be a long journey ahead to repair and rebuild and we are here for our communities,” said Sam Carter, regional business manager for Douglas County. “There’s a lot to learn moving forward as we fully understand the impact of one of the biggest wind storms we’ve seen in our 110-year history. Our focus right now is to provide immediate support around basic needs and necessities, and we are committed to additional funding for frontline organizations serving those who are most impacted.”
In the past few weeks, Pacific Power has contributed $120,000 to regional efforts and local funds across Oregon and Northern California. In the Umpqua Valley, these dollars have been put to good use to support wildfire relief funds developed by Douglas Timber Operators and Roseburg Rotary. Support has also been provided to Red Cross, North Umpqua Bible Fellowship in Glide to provide housing and meals for displaced residents, and to Saving Grace Pet Adoption Center, for the care of pets displaced by the fires.
Pacific Power employees have also rolled up their sleeves to deliver food to the 138 Grill in Glide to support those in our community most in need. For customers in the process of rebuilding, Pacific Power is helping to install temporary power at properties free of charge.
In addition to these immediate actions, PacifiCorp Foundation, a nonprofit arm for Pacific Power, is prioritizing over $2 million to organizations across the six states it serves, dedicated to helping communities with the greatest needs this year. A new round of funding will be announced in the coming weeks. Organizations can also apply for funding to help the most at-risk members of our communities with masks, shields, food or other essential needs. The deadline for the next round of funding will close on December 15; applications are available here.
Rebuilding and planning for the future
To support long-term planning, Pacific Power is participating on Governor Brown's Wildfire Economic Recovery Council to evaluate Oregonians' economic and community needs as a result of the 2020 wildfire season. The council will work to help counties implement economic recovery solutions, bring together federal, state, and local resources to support communities impacted by wildfires.
“Protecting the communities we serve while providing safe, reliable power is our highest priority,” adds Carter. “This has never been truer than during the historic Labor Day wind storm our communities recently experienced. We will be here in the coming weeks and months as we continue to support our customers and continue investing in efforts that help our communities rebuild stronger.”
Pacific Power is planning for continued collaboration around Oregon’s system-wide response following the recent storm. This includes ongoing and active participation on Governor Brown’s Wildfire Response Council formed in January 2019. Two years ago, Pacific Power developed a comprehensive, multi-aspect, multi-state wildfire mitigation plan that invests several million dollars in hardening its system in fire high consequence areas and leveraging technology, such as weather monitoring stations, to improve situational awareness and operational capabilities. For more information about Wildfire Mitigation Planning efforts, visit www.PacificPower.net/wildfiresafety.
Customer care agents are available to help customers impacted by the storm. They can be reached at 1-888-221-7070 any time of day.
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Media hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power supports Lincoln County rebuilding efforts following the historic Labor Day storm
Funding and volunteer support and underway to support communities in need
LINCOLN CITY, Ore. (October 14, 2020) — With the more than 13,000 Lincoln County customers impacted by the historic Labor Day windstorm now fully restored, Pacific Power is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with community members to rebuild and help those with the greatest needs in the coming months.
“We know it’s going to be a long journey ahead to repair and rebuild and we are here for our communities,” said Alisa Dunlap, regional business manager for the northern coast. “There’s a lot to learn moving forward as we fully understand the impact of one of the biggest wind storms we’ve seen in our 110-year history. Our focus right now is to provide immediate support around basic needs and necessities, and we are committed to additional funding for frontline organizations serving those who are most impacted.”
In the past few weeks, Pacific Power has contributed $120,000 to regional efforts and local funds across Oregon and Northern California. In the Lincoln County area, these dollars have been put to good use to support Red Cross, United Way of Linn, Benton and Lincoln Counties and the Angels Anonymous Echo Mountain Fire Relief fund.
Pacific Power employees have also rolled up their sleeves to provide donations and volunteer their time to support the Lincoln City Community Distribution Center, which is providing clothing and tolietries for those in need. For customers in the process of rebuilding, Pacific Power is helping to install temporary power at properties free of charge.
In addition to these immediate actions, PacifiCorp Foundation, a nonprofit arm for Pacific Power, is prioritizing over $2 million to organizations across the six states it serves, dedicated to helping communities with the greatest needs this year. A new round of funding will be announced in the coming weeks. Organizations can also apply for funding to help the most at-risk members of our communities with masks, shields, food or other essential needs. The deadline for the next round of funding will close on December 15; applications are available here.
Rebuilding and planning for the future
To support long-term planning, Pacific Power is participating on Governor Brown's Wildfire Economic Recovery Council to evaluate Oregonians' economic and community needs as a result of the 2020 wildfire season. The council will work to help counties implement economic recovery solutions, bring together federal, state, and local resources to support communities impacted by wildfires.
“Protecting the communities we serve while providing safe, reliable power is our highest priority,” adds Dunlap. “This has never been truer than during the historic Labor Day wind storm our communities recently experienced. We will be here in the coming weeks and months as we continue to support our customers and continue investing in efforts that help our communities rebuild stronger.”
Pacific Power is planning for continued collaboration around Oregon’s system-wide response following the recent storm. This includes ongoing and active participation on Governor Brown’s Wildfire Response Council formed in January 2019. Two years ago, Pacific Power developed a comprehensive, multi-aspect, multi-state wildfire mitigation plan that invests several million dollars in hardening its system in fire high consequence areas and leveraging technology, such as weather monitoring stations, to improve situational awareness and operational capabilities. For more information about Wildfire Mitigation Planning efforts, visit www.PacificPower.net/wildfiresafety.
Customer care agents are available to help customers impacted by the storm. They can be reached at 1-888-221-7070 any time of day.
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Media hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power supports northern California rebuilding efforts following the historic Labor Day storm
Funding and volunteer support are underway to support communities in need
YREKA, Calif., (October 14, 2020) — With the more than 800 Happy Camp area customers impacted by the historic Labor Day wind storm now fully restored, Pacific Power is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with community members to rebuild and help those with the greatest needs in the coming months.
“We know it’s going to be a long journey ahead to repair and rebuild and we are here for our communities,” said Todd Andres, regional business manager for northern California. “There’s a lot to learn moving forward as we fully understand the impact of one of the biggest wind storms we’ve seen in our 110-year history. Our focus right now is to provide immediate support around basic needs and necessities, and we are committed to additional funding for frontline organizations serving those who are most impacted.”
In the past few weeks, Pacific Power has contributed $120,000 to regional efforts and local funds across Oregon and Northern California. In the Siskiyou and Shasta County areas, dollars have been put to good use to support Siskiyou Food Bank and Hope for Happy Camp, as well as Siskiyou United Way to help with basic needs, gas cards, and cash support for those who were evacuated from their homes. Funds were also given to support the local wildfire relief fund created by the Klamath Tribe.
In addition to these immediate actions, PacifiCorp Foundation, a nonprofit arm for Pacific Power, is prioritizing over $2 million to organizations across the six states it serves, dedicated to helping communities with the greatest needs this year. A new round of funding will be announced in the coming weeks. Organizations can also apply for funding to help the most at-risk members of our communities with masks, shields, food or other essential needs. The deadline for the next round of funding will close on December 15; applications are available here.
“Protecting the communities we serve while providing safe, reliable power is our highest priority,” adds Andres. “This has never been truer than during the historic Labor Day wind storm our communities recently experienced. We will be here in the coming weeks and months as we continue to support our customers and continue investing in efforts that help our communities rebuild stronger.”
Pacific Power is planning for continued collaboration around Northern California’s system-wide response following the recent storm. Two years ago, Pacific Power developed a comprehensive, multi-aspect, multi-state wildfire mitigation plan that invests several million dollars in hardening its system in fire high consequence areas and leveraging technology, such as weather monitoring stations, to improve situational awareness and operational capabilities. For more information about Wildfire Mitigation Planning efforts, visit www.PacificPower.net/wildfiresafety.
Customer care agents are available to help customers impacted by the storm. They can be reached at 1-888-221-7070 any time of day.
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Media hotline: 503-813-6018
NOTE TO MEDIA: Images showing local Labor Day Windstorm response are available for use, via this link. Photo credit: Pacific Power
Pacific Power supports Rogue Valley rebuilding efforts following the historic Labor Day storm
Funding and volunteer support are underway to support communities in need
MEDFORD, Ore. (October 14, 2020) — With the more than 31,000 Jackson and Josephine County customers impacted by the historic Labor Day windstorm now fully restored, Pacific Power is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with community members to rebuild and help those with the greatest needs in the coming months.
“We know it’s going to be a long journey ahead to repair and rebuild and we are here for our communities,” said Christina Kruger, regional business manager for the Medford area. “There’s a lot to learn moving forward as we fully understand the impact of one of the biggest wind storms we’ve seen in our 110-year history. Our focus right now is to provide immediate support around basic needs and necessities, and we are committed to additional funding for frontline organizations serving those who are most impacted.”
In the past few weeks, Pacific Power has contributed $120,000 to regional efforts and local funds across Oregon and Northern California. In the Rogue Valley area, these dollars have been put to good use to support Boys & Girls Club of the Greater Rogue Valley, NW Seasonal Workers Association, Trail Christian Fellowship, Redemption Ridge, and the Phoenix-Talent Fire Relief Fund.
Pacific Power employees have also rolled up their sleeves to deliver toiletries, N95 masks, sleeping bags and other supplies, including a generator, to emergency centers at Jackson County Expo, City of Phoenix and City of Talent. In addition, the company also provided 1,200 meals to local firefighters and community members.
For customers in the process of rebuilding, Pacific Power is helping to install temporary power at properties free of charge.
In addition to these immediate actions, PacifiCorp Foundation, a nonprofit arm for Pacific Power, is prioritizing over $2 million to organizations across the six states it serves, dedicated to helping communities with the greatest needs this year. A new round of funding will be announced in the coming weeks. Organizations can also apply for funding to help the most at-risk members of our communities with masks, shields, food or other essential needs. The deadline for the next round of funding will close on December 15; applications are available here.
Rebuilding and planning for the future
To support long-term planning, Pacific Power is participating on Governor Brown's Wildfire Economic Recovery Council to evaluate Oregonians' economic and community needs as a result of the 2020 wildfire season. The council will work to help counties implement economic recovery solutions, bring together federal, state, and local resources to support communities impacted by wildfires.
“Protecting the communities we serve while providing safe, reliable power is our highest priority,” adds Kruger. “This has never been truer than during the historic Labor Day wind storm our communities recently experienced. We will be here in the coming weeks and months as we continue to support our customers and continue investing in efforts that help our communities rebuild stronger.”
Pacific Power is planning for continued collaboration around Oregon’s system-wide response following the recent storm. This includes ongoing and active participation on Governor Brown’s Wildfire Response Council formed in January 2019. Two years ago, Pacific Power developed a comprehensive, multi-aspect, multi-state wildfire mitigation plan that invests several million dollars in hardening its system in fire high consequence areas and leveraging technology, such as weather monitoring stations, to improve situational awareness and operational capabilities. For more information about Wildfire Mitigation Planning efforts, visit www.PacificPower.net/wildfiresafety.
Customer care agents are available to help customers impacted by the storm. They can be reached at 1-888-221-7070 any time of day.
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Media hotline: 503-813-6018
NOTE TO MEDIA: Images showing local Labor Day Windstorm response are available for use, via this link. Photo credit: Pacific Power
Pacific Power supports North Santiam Canyon rebuilding efforts following the historic Labor Day storm
Funding and volunteer support are underway to support communities in need
STAYTON, Ore. (October 14, 2020) — With the more than 1,400 North Santiam Canyon customers impacted by the historic Labor Day windstorm now fully restored, Pacific Power is committed to working shoulder to shoulder with community members to rebuild and help those with the greatest needs in the coming months.
“We know it’s going to be a long journey ahead to repair and rebuild and we are here for our communities,” said Cooper Whitman, regional business manager for North Santiam Canyon. “There’s a lot to learn moving forward as we fully understand the impact of one of the biggest windstorms we’ve seen in our 110-year history. Our focus right now is to provide immediate support around basic needs and necessities, and we are committed to additional funding for frontline organizations serving those who are most impacted.”
In the past few weeks, Pacific Power has contributed $120,000 to regional efforts and local funds across Oregon and Northern California. In the North Santiam Canyon area, these dollars have been put to good use to support United Way of Linn and Benton Counties, Red Cross, and local fire relief funds. This includes the Linn County Wildfire Relief Fund to provide lodgings and other necessities for evacuees housed at the Linn County Fairgrounds and the Santiam Canyon Wildfire Relief Fund to assist evacuees from Gates, Mill City and Lyons.
Pacific Power employees have also rolled up their sleeves to deliver supplies to the Lyons Rural Fire District to support those in our community most in need. For customers in the process of rebuilding, Pacific Power is helping to install temporary power at properties free of charge.
In addition to these immediate actions, PacifiCorp Foundation, a nonprofit arm for Pacific Power, is prioritizing over $2 million to organizations across the six states it serves, dedicated to helping communities with the greatest needs this year. A new round of funding will be announced in the coming weeks. Organizations can also apply for funding to help the most at-risk members of our communities with masks, shields, food or other essential needs. The deadline for the next round of funding will close on December 15; applications are available here.
Rebuilding and planning for the future
To support long-term planning, Pacific Power is participating on Governor Brown's Wildfire Economic Recovery Council to evaluate Oregonians' economic and community needs as a result of the 2020 wildfire season. The council will work to help counties implement economic recovery solutions, bring together federal, state, and local resources to support communities impacted by wildfires.
“Protecting the communities we serve while providing safe, reliable power is our highest priority,” adds Whitman. “This has never been truer than during the historic Labor Day wind storm our communities recently experienced. We will be here in the coming weeks and months as we continue to support our customers and continue investing in efforts that help our communities rebuild stronger.”
Pacific Power is planning for continued collaboration around Oregon’s system-wide response following the recent storm. This includes ongoing and active participation on Governor Brown’s Wildfire Response Council formed in January 2019. Two years ago, Pacific Power developed a comprehensive, multi-aspect, multi-state wildfire mitigation plan that invests several million dollars in hardening its system in fire high consequence areas and leveraging technology, such as weather monitoring stations, to improve situational awareness and operational capabilities. For more information about Wildfire Mitigation Planning efforts, visit www.PacificPower.net/wildfiresafety.
Customer care agents are available to help customers impacted by the storm. They can be reached at 1-888-221-7070 any time of day.
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Stay safe while working in the yard
Pacific Power offers safety tips for homeowners preparing for fall
PORTLAND, Ore. (Oct. 13, 2020) — As the leaves turn, fall weather arrives in the Pacific Northwest. For some homeowners, this means pruning 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.
“Now is a great time to prune any trees that could cause trouble once the storms start coming in,” said Joe Cissna, Pacific Power safety director. “Winter storms bringing down branches is a big cause of power outages. Check around your property if any trees or branches could harm power lines if they fell. Some preventive work now could save more headaches and power outages later.”
Use caution when pruning trees. Don't use pruning tools or ladders near power lines. Always keep yourself and anything you're handling at least 10 feet away from overhead power lines. Never try to remove a branch that is tangled or lying across a power line. Instead, call us at 1-888-221-7070. We'll be happy to remove it for you.
For more safety tips or to order free Pacific Power safety materials, call toll free at 800-375-7085 or visit pacificpower.net/safety.
# # #
About Pacific Power
Pacific Power is headquartered in Portland and provides electric service to more than 770,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. It is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, providing nearly two million customers with value for their energy dollar and safe, reliable electricity. For more information, visit pacificpower.net.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PacifiCorp Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
PacifiCorp reopening 15,000 acres of managed wildlife habitat near Lewis River as fire danger eases
COUGAR, Wash. (Oct. 1, 2020) — With the area’s major fires no longer posing a threat, PacifiCorp has reopened the 15,000 acres of land adjacent to the company’s Lewis River reservoirs that are managed for wildlife habitat and are usually open for hunting in the fall.
Last week, PacifiCorp re-opened several of the recreational facilities it maintains along the Lewis River reservoirs. Some facilities are closed for the season and others are temporarily closed due to construction. If you have any questions, please call our recreation line at 503-813-6666.
As always, PacifiCorp wants to emphasize safety for all visitors. Despite recent rains, anyone entering the area needs to be careful with any possible ignition sources.
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