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Public Safety Power Shutoff

Ruralite

Threats of Wildfire & Extreme Weather in Oregon Are Real

In 2020, extreme windstorms instigated catastrophic wildfires, which burned more than 1,500,000 acres in Oregon, taking human life and thousands of homes.

Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) must prepare its members for the threat of wildfires and power outages during times of extreme weather. CEC may need to shut off or de-energize its transmission and distribution lines to minimize potential wildfire ignition to help protect members and their communities. This is called a Public Safety Power Shutoff.

What You Can Expect

If a Public Safety Power Shutoff is needed due to extreme conditions, you can expect:

  • Early Warning Notification - CEC will aim to send members alerts in advance of the shutdown of power.
  • Ongoing Updates - CEC will provide ongoing updates through social media, website, and robocalls.
  • Safety Inspections - After extreme weather has passed, CEC will inspect the lines in affected areas before power is safely restored.
  • Power Restoration - Power outages could last hours or days, depending on the severity of the weather and other factors. You and your family should have an emergency preparedness plan in place.