Outage FAQs

Our electricity distribution system is protected by special devices called reclosers. When faults occur, reclosers de-energize the lines to protect customers and equipment.

Sometimes, faults are caused by falling tree limbs or other issues that resolve themselves. The reclosers will wait a few moments after de-energizing a line and then try to re-energize it. If the fault is cleared, the line will stay energized. If not, the reclosers will de-energize the line again.

When reclosers operate, you’ll see momentary interruptions in your power. If the power comes back on and stays on, you don’t need to call us. The reclosers have done their job.

Yes. Your call helps us determine the extent and location of the outage. Please call (503) 397-1844 to report outages.

We avoid giving outage restoration estimates. Many different factors influence the amount of time it takes to restore power, including weather conditions, accessibility to damaged power lines and safety issues. These factors make it difficult for us to accurately predict how long it may take to restore your power.

Probably not. If your lights blink off once or twice but then come back on, you don’t need to call us unless they are noticeably more dim when they come back on.

We know it can be frustrating and confusing to see that your neighbors have power when you don’t. There are several reasons this might happen:

• You may be on a different distribution line or transformer than your neighbors.
• There may be damage to your service line that must be repaired before your power is restored.
• There may be damage to the electrical wiring in your home that must be repaired before power is restored.

During storm restoration, our crews sometimes drive through our service area to patrol lines and assess damage, and to determine whether it is safe to restore power to customers.