Do you use electricity to meet your medical or disability needs?

Temporary Power Outage Planned for Downtown Portland, March 10 and March 24 2019

Portland General Electric (PGE) is planning temporary power outages in downtown Portland at 4 am on March 10 and on March 24. Both outages are expected to last approximately one hour but in the event of unforeseen circumstances they could last up to five hours.

Please follow this link for details on the outages, including the specific areas affected. (The PDF map found at the link is not accessible to screen reader users.)

You can find a partial text description of the outage area at this FAQ, under "What areas are affected?" If you have questions about if your residence will be affected, contact PGE at 503-612-3730.

This power outage is part of a necessary upgrade to the electrical grid, and it will shut off power in most of the outage area.

If the power being shut off could significantly affect your health or well-being, it is especially important to prepare for this power outage. Here are some resources that may assist you in preparing:

Powering Medical Equipment: Have a plan in place from PGE

Power Outage Preparedness Checklist (PDF) from PGE

PGE encourages anyone who may have difficulty accessing necessary batteries or generators for life-sustaining equipment to please contact: Tyler Richardson Portland General Electric, Customer Services 503-612-3758 He may be able to refer you to local resources to borrow or obtain the equipment you need.

If you are experiencing an immediate life-threatening situation due to a lack of power, call 9-1-1. Emergency responders are aware of this planned outage and will assist you.

Portland General Electric, Multnomah County, and the City of Portland Disability Program also acknowledge that power outages can and do happen without warning.

Power outages can occur due to a variety of uncontrollable circumstances, like weather, animals, and vehicle accidents. Once an unplanned outage has occurred, it is difficult to predict when power will be restored. We urge you to take this opportunity to prepare for an unplanned outage.

Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

If you rely on power to meet medical needs, you may be eligible for PGE’s Medical Certificate Program.

This program offers additional financial flexibility to pay your electric bill. Medical Certificate program members may also receive additional outreach in the event an outage is planned for their area. Customers interested in the program can contact the Medical Certificate Department at 503-612-3838. This program does not prioritize members for restoration in the event of a power outage.

Be Prepared and Stay Safe!

Sincerely,

City of Portland Disability Program

Portland General Electric

Multnomah County Emergency Management