Oregonians Protected from Electricity Disconnection During Heatwave
Posted on August 21, 2025 by Charlotte Shuff
Tags, Press Releases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 2025
Oregonians Protected from Electricity Disconnection During Heatwave
New rules for utilities allow many to stay connected to electricity as temperatures rise in the Willamette Valley this weekend, increasing safety
PORTLAND, OR — During this weekend’s extreme heat watch, new temporary rules passed by the Oregon Public Utility Commission prevent for-profit electric utilities from disconnecting Oregon utility customers. Households that have been disconnected by Portland General Electric and Pacific Power as recently as Tuesday, August 19, can call their utility to request that their power be turned back on with no upfront costs. Additional protections are available to some customers with medical conditions and very low incomes.
The National Weather Service has issued an extreme heat watch for parts of the Willamette Valley from Friday morning through late Sunday night. Temperatures are projected to reach up to 100°F. In July 2024, triple-digit temperatures led to at least 16 heat-related deaths in Oregon. In 2021, Oregon saw at least 100 heat-related deaths. This summer’s disconnection rules aim to keep more Oregonians safe from extreme heat by maintaining crucial access to electricity.
“Preventing these power-shutoffs saves lives. This summer’s expanded disconnection protections will keep more Oregon households safely connected to power during a heat wave or when a wildfire makes the air dangerous to breathe,” said Sarah Wochele, Equity Analyst & Advocate, Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board. “Customers need to know that they should call their utility and ask to be reconnected during this weekend’s extreme heat.”
Through the end of October, Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, and Idaho Power customers are protected from utility disconnection on days during an extreme heat watch or warning, during a local heat advisory, or when the Air Quality Index (AQI) is 100 or above. These electric utilities cannot disconnect a customer for nonpayment for 48 hours following a qualifying heat event and 24 hours after an air quality event is in effect.
Oregon customers are also protected if they were disconnected before a qualifying heat or air event and remain disconnected once the extreme weather arrives.
Customers disconnected up to 72 hours before an event can call their utility and request to be reconnected. Additionally, utilities cannot charge customers any upfront costs to be reconnected during an event, helping to remove financial barriers to staying connected during dangerous weather.
“Extreme heat is the deadliest type of weather,” said Multnomah County Sustainability Director John Wasiutynski. “The climate crisis requires us to put more protective measures in place, and in this kind of heat people need a place to cool off to stay safe, ideally that’s at home, but if anyone needs help finding a place to stay cool they should call 211.”
Customers on electricity bill discount programs and medical certificate holders have greater protections now, too. These groups of customers who were disconnected from power up to seven days before a qualifying heat or air event, and remain disconnected during the event, can request that their power be restored, with no up-front costs.
“In times when the climate is unpredictable and everyday stressors stack up, these measures remind us that our greatest strength lies in supporting one another,” says Anahi Segovia Rodriguez, Energy Justice Coordinator at Verde. “With these protections, we’re ensuring families can weather challenges with dignity and resilience.”
Energy advocates, including the Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board, Multnomah County Office of Sustainability, NW Energy Coalition, Community Action Partnership of Oregon, Coalition of Communities of Color, Community Energy Project, and Verde, advocated for these protections. The Public Utility Commission adopted the temporary rules in May. Stronger permanent year-round disconnection protections are expected to be in place by the end of 2025.
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MEDIA CONTACT:
Charlotte Shuff
Oregon Citizens’ Utility Board
503.719.8744 | .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
