Extreme heat can put stress on the grid

In preparation for this week's record-breaking heat, we encourage you to safely conserve power.

High heat means that we’re all using more electricity to cool our homes and businesses. During this time, we encourage customers to help if possible.

How you can help

Summer power use typically peaks between 5 and 10 p.m. During these periods:

  • If you have air conditioning, use your thermostat to manage temperatures carefully.

    • If temperatures cool down enough for comfort, consider turning the AC off at night and opening windows (if you can do so safely) to cool with outside air.

    • During daytime hours, run the AC only when you’re at home and keep daytime temperatures at the highest comfortable level. Cool only the rooms you’re using, and close doors to others.

  • Avoid using large electrical appliances like ovens, dishwashers and washing machines during peak times.

  • If you charge an electric vehicle at home, consider setting your car to charge during off-peak hours.

  • Turn off all unnecessary electrical equipment like home entertainment systems, computers, copiers and lights when not in use.

You can find more energy saving tips here.

What we're doing

With weather forecasts calling for a week of really hot days, we're preparing for high demand for electricity as everyone works to stay cool. Because periods of extreme heat can place extra stress on electrical equipment, our team is working to ensure systems are ready to perform during periods of peak demand. Extra cooling systems on essential distribution equipment are ready to help keep our own equipment from overheating. We also have crews at the ready so that we can quickly and effectively respond to any outages.

High demand places extra stress on electrical equipment, and that can lead to power outages.

We’re working diligently to address or prevent potential heat-related issues but encourage you to always be prepared in case of an unexpected power outage.

What you can also do

Have an outage kit

Create a summer outage kit and make sure everyone in your home knows where to find it. Below are a few basic items.

  • Flashlights or headlamps

  • Battery-powered or hand-crank radio and clock or watch

  • Battery-powered or hand-held fans

  • Extra batteries

  • Car chargers for cell phones and electronic devices

  • Bottled water for people and animals (if you rely on electricity to pump water)

  • Frozen cold packs or water frozen in bags or plastic bottles (keep ready in your freezer)

  • Emergency phone numbers, including PGE Customer Service: 503-228-6322

Stay safe during the heat

If you rely on electricity for your health, and you are not yet part of our Medical Certificate program, call us and we will enroll you.

And, be sure to have a backup plan: Know how to get to an alternate location or should you lose power. Call 211 for transportation to a cooling center.

If you’ve got an extra fan or are out buying fans, consider donating one to the Meals on Wheels People for distribution to elderly neighbors in need.

Plan to keep food safe

Consider these food safety tips from foodsafety.gov:

  • Freeze water in one-quart plastic storage bags to help keep food cool if your power goes out. Don’t fill them too full, or they might split as water expands when it freezes.

  • Use appliance thermometers in both the refrigerator and the freezer to be sure your food is safe in case of a power outage. Safe temperatures are 40°F or lower in the refrigerator, 0°F or lower in the freezer.

  • Know where you can get dry ice or block ice.

  • Have a few days’ worth of ready-to-eat foods that do not require cooking or cooling.

Stay in touch

Follow PGE on Facebook or Twitter and know how to connect with us.

Report an outage and get updates

If you're a residential or small business customer, we'll text you if your power goes out, so you shouldn't need to report it. But if you don't get a text, you can still report outages. Just download our mobile app, report online or call: