PGE crews working around the clock to repair damage and restore power from winter weather storm

PORTLAND, Ore. (January 14, 2024) — The winter storm that began on January 12 brought high winds, ice and snow to PGE’s service area and has caused widespread damage across the region. Tree limbs and debris brought down over 816 PGE distribution power lines, and damaged multiple transmission lines across our service area. Today, more than 1,100 personnel, including crews and support staff, are working to restore power and repair critical equipment with assisting resources coming from across the region to help.

As strong wind gusts continue in some areas and diminish in others, crews will continue working around the clock to assess new damage and restore power as quickly and safely as conditions allow. Even as crews work through repairs, factors like accessibility from downed trees and tangled wires can take extra time. Given the extent of the damage and the high level of outage events, restoration efforts will continue into the week and customers are encouraged to plan accordingly.

We are watching a second weather pattern, which could bring high winds and freezing rain/sleet into PGE’s service area Tuesday evening, adding additional outages and potentially extending restoration.

If customers experience a new outage, it should be reported via the PGE mobile app or online at portlandgeneral.com/outages . The latest information on outages, restoration efforts and community resources can be found at portlandgeneral.com/winter-storm-info .

Always assume that any downed line is live and extremely dangerous and should stay far back. Never touch a downed wire with your body or any object. Report any downed line immediately to PGE by calling 503-464-7777 or 800-544-1795.

Winter Weather Safety

For customers who are without power, we know it’s hard, especially in the cold. We encourage you to:

• Contact 2-1-1 for warming shelter information or additional assistance that may be needed during this winter weather event.

• If it is safe to do so, consider staying with a friend or family member who has power.

• Exercise caution when using candles as an alternative light source.

• Do not operate kerosene heaters or generators indoors. Without proper ventilation, these items can generate harmful gases and deadly carbon monoxide.

• Lock in home heat by tacking blankets over windows and doorways to keep the cold out and putting rolled towels at the bottom of doors to keep drafts out.

Always assume that any downed power line is live and extremely dangerous. Do not touch a downed power line wire with your body or any object and stay away from it. Report any downed line immediately to PGE by calling 503-464-7777 or 800-544-1795.

Generator Safety

• Prior to operation, thoroughly read the manufacturer’s instructions to safely operate the generator.

  • Always operate a portable generator outside.  

• Because it is fueled with gasoline, place it in a well-ventilated area away from doors,windows,and the garage.

• Never plug a generator into a wall outlet.  

  • Doing so may produce dangerous backfeed of electricity into utility lines.

  • Plug appliances and other electrical equipment directly into the portable generator using an indoor/outdoor, three-prong, grounded extension cord.

• Use only an outdoor-rated, grounded extension cord — one with a GFCI (ground-fault circuit interrupter) is best; always follow manufacturer’s instructions for grounding the generator.

Connect with PGE

For customers whose power is out, please contact PGE if you haven’t already. PGE offers several ways to report an outage or get an update:

• Text updates: Log into your PGE account to make sure PGE has your contact information so we can update you with outage information via text message.

• Online: Go to portlandgeneral.com/outage to view PGE’s outage map.

• App: Download the PGE app at the Google Play Store or Apple App Store . Links also available at portlandgeneral.com/app .