Outage Map
Facing Another Challenging Wildfire Season
Oregon entered 2026 with 1 of its worst snowpack years on record, with federal drought analysts reporting that parts of the Cascade Range experienced the most severe snowpack deficits in the Western United States. Compounding the issue, Central Oregon also saw significantly above-average temperatures, with March running roughly 24% warmer than normal.
These factors contribute to an early, dangerous, and prolonged wildfire season.
Year-Round Wildfire Mitigation Efforts
Protecting our members, communities, and electric system remains 1 of Central Electric Cooperative’s (CEC) highest priorities, but it is a year-round effort.
Across our 5,300-square-mile service territory, CEC continues to implement proactive wildfire mitigation measures to reduce the risk and help ensure we maintain safe and reliable electric service.
Vegetation Management Reduces Risk
At the front lines of combating wildfire risk is CEC’s aggressive, robust vegetation management program. Tree trimming and hazardous tree removal reduce the risk of branches or vegetation contacting power lines during high-wind or extreme weather conditions. CEC has 4 full-time contract tree-trimming crews working throughout its service territory, including high wildfire-risk areas such as Sisters, Camp Sherman, and portions of the Ochoco National Forest.
Simultaneously, CEC continues to conduct system inspections, infrastructure maintenance, and operational improvements to enhance safety.
Enhanced Safety Measures
As we get further into wildfire season, many of our protective devices in high-risk areas will again operate under enhanced safety settings, which help quickly deenergize power lines should vegetation, wildlife, or other objects contact our equipment. While these settings can lead to more frequent outages and longer restoration times, they significantly reduce wildfire ignition risk.
PSPS: A Tool of Last Resort
CEC may also implement a Public Safety Power Shutoff, or PSPS, during extreme weather conditions to deenergize lines where appropriate as a last-resort safety measure. A PSPS may occur when the National Weather Service issues red flag warnings that include sustained high winds, low humidity, and high temperatures.
If conditions warrant, CEC notifies affected members by phone, text, email, website updates, and social media alerts in advance, if possible, and keeps you informed throughout the outages.
All Play a Role in Wildfire Prevention
Wildfire preparedness also requires partnership. Utilities, emergency agencies, local governments, homeowners, and the public all play important roles in reducing risk. Creating defensible space around homes, following fire restrictions, and staying informed through local emergency alert systems can make a meaningful difference during wildfire season.
Committed to Safety & Reliability
At CEC, we remain committed to taking proactive steps to help protect the communities we serve while continuing to provide safe and reliable electricity. Visit cec.coop to learn more about wildfire preparedness and CEC’s mitigation efforts.
President and CEO Brad Wilson