Prepare now for winter storms: PGE shares simple steps to stay safe and ready

PORTLAND, Ore. — Winter storms can bring strong winds, snow and ice that damage trees and power lines and cause outages. Portland General Electric is preparing its system for severe weather and encouraging customers to take a few simple steps now to help keep themselves, their families and their neighbors safe if the power goes out.  

Being ready doesn’t have to mean spending a lot of money or stocking up on expensive supplies. Knowing who to call, where to get information and assistance, and how you will stay safe during an outage can make a meaningful difference when severe weather arrives.  

PGE works year-round to keep power flowing and reduce the impact of storms. Crews trim trees near power lines, incorporate weather forecasts into operational planning and monitor changing conditions using tools including weather stations and AI-powered cameras.  

Simple steps customers can take now 

• Make a plan. Think through what your household will do if the power is out for an extended period. A good emergency plan doesn’t have to cost money or take up much space. 

• Check in with family and friends. Connect with neighbors, friends or family and agree to check on one another during an outage, especially people who are older, have a disability or rely on medical equipment. 

• Know where to get help. Identify nearby food pantries, warming centers and community organizations that may be available during severe weather. Call 211 or visit 211info.org for utility assistance and other local resources. 

• Plan for medical needs. If someone in your household depends on electricity for medical equipment, talk with their health care provider about a backup plan. 

• Keep important phone numbers handy. Write them down in case your cell phone battery runs low. 

• Know how to open your garage door manually if you have an electric garage door opener. 

 Build an outage kit over time 

An emergency kit doesn’t have to be expensive or assembled all at once. Start with items you already have and add supplies as you can. Even a small bag or box can help. Consider including: 

• Flashlights or headlamps 

• A battery-powered or hand-crank radio 

• A car charger or backup power source for phones and other devices 

• A 72-hour supply of ready-to-eat food and water 

• Required medications 

• Extra blankets 

• Water for people and pets 

 Customers should also understand safe cooking, heating and lighting practices during an outage, particularly when using generators. More information about generator use and other precautions is available at portlandgeneral.com/safety. Additional winter preparedness tips are available at portlandgeneral.com/beprepared.   

What to do if the power goes out 

PGE provides several ways for customers to report an outage and get updates: 

• Text updates: Make sure PGE has your current contact information so you can receive outage information by text. Outage texts are currently available for residential and small business customers with fewer than six accounts. 

• Online: Visit portlandgeneral.com/outage to report an outage and view PGE’s outage map for real-time information. 

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

• Phone: Call 503-464-7777 or 800-544-1795 to report an outage or downed power line through PGE’s automated system. Customers can also request a call when power is restored. 

 Downed power line safety information 

If you see a downed power line, stay far away and never touch it or anything it's touching, such as a fence, a puddle or a vehicle. Always assume the line is live and extremely dangerous. It doesn't have to spark or sizzle to be live, so stay at least 50 feet back (that's a little longer than a city bus). Call 911 first, then report it to PGE at 503-464-7777.  

More outdoor safety information is available at portlandgeneral.com/outages-safety/safety/outdoor-safety  

About Portland General Electric Company

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to nearly 960,000 customers serving an area of approximately 2 million Oregonians. Since 1889, Portland General Electric (PGE) has been powering economies, delivering safe, affordable and reliable electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE continues to make progress toward emissions reduction targets, and customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE is ranked a top ten utility in the 2025 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index. In 2025, PGE employees and retirees volunteered over 18,300 hours to more than 400 nonprofit organizations. Through the PGE Foundation, along with corporate contributions and the employee matching gift program, more than $5 million was directed to charitable organizations supporting economic growth and community resilience across our service area. For information: portlandgeneral.com/news