Take Action to Combat Extreme Summer Weather
Posted on August 19, 2025 by Cassie Allen
Tags, Oregon Utilities 101, Energy, General Interest
Climate change is making Oregon’s summers hotter, drier, and longer. Sadly, our new reality in the Pacific Northwest is higher temperatures, frequent heat waves, and wildfire-driven bad air quality events. We need to do more to protect our communities from the impacts of extreme summer weather and advocate for long-term solutions to climate change. Will you take action by sharing your extreme summer weather story?
Share Your Extreme Summer Weather Story
Electricity is Necessary as Oregonians Endure Extreme Heat
Our summers are getting hotter. Just a few decades ago, it was rare for Oregon temperatures to break 90 degrees for more than a few days a year. With new record highs come new challenges for Oregonians. Having air conditioning is becoming a necessity for many people. We also see higher electricity usage each summer, while energy rates continue to increase.
Heat Waves in Oregon
This month, the National Weather Service issued multiple extreme heat watches for parts of Oregon. Temperatures reached up to 100°F, threatening the health and safety of thousands of Oregonians. Unfortunately, heat waves have become an expected part of our summers.
In 2021, Oregon saw at least 100 heat-related deaths from a heat dome that grew over the Pacific Northwest. This tragic heat event reached an all-time record-breaking temperature of 116 degrees on June 28, 2021. No one should be dying because of heat-related illness in Oregon, yet Oregonians continue to be at risk due to climate change-fueled high temperatures and unequal access to cooling devices.
As our climate changes, Oregonians need more robust and equitable protections from rising temperatures, especially households with limited access to cooling equipment. Prolonged heat exposure has deadly consequences. Keeping people connected to cool devices saves lives.
Preventing Disconnections During Extreme Summer Weather
It’s crucial to the health and safety of all Oregonians that people’s power isn’t shut off during heat waves or other extreme summer weather events. Thankfully, this year, the Oregon Public Utility Commission expanded disconnection protections that limit and reduce shut-offs, protecting customers during extreme summer weather events. In the words of Sarah Wochele, CIB’s Equity Analyst & Advocate, “Preventing these power-shutoffs saves lives.”
Starting June 1, 2025, through the end of October, new rules limit disconnections during extreme heat and air quality events, expand support for those with medical certificates, and more. These rules offer stronger protections for households by making it easier to stay safe and cool this summer. The new rules protect you on days with an extreme heat watch or warning, local heat advisory, or when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is above 100.
Customers also cannot be disconnected for nonpayment for 48 hours following a qualifying heat event and 24 hours after an air quality event is in effect. CUB and our partners successfully advocated for the new protections, keeping more Oregonians connected to life-saving cooling equipment.
Learn More: New Protections Against Summer Power Shut-Offs
Share Your Heat Wave Story
During heat waves, people are at risk of heat exhaustion, stroke, or even death. Our staff cares deeply about how Oregonians across the state are being impacted by extreme heat. That’s why we’re asking Oregonians to share their extreme heat story with us. Have you or someone you care about been affected by a heat wave or poor air quality event? CUB wants to hear from you!
Take action today by sharing your extreme summer weather story so that we can better understand and advocate for your utility needs during these events. We will share these stories with the public and with decision-makers in upcoming cases to ensure that the human impacts of extreme heat are made a priority.
Share Your Extreme Summer Weather Story
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08/28/25 | 0 Comments | Take Action to Combat Extreme Summer Weather