Outage Map
Central Electric Cooperative is dedicated to maintaining the safety and reliability of its electric system and conducts various inspections throughout the year; electric infrastructure (transformers and poles), line patrols, and meters.
Electric Infrastructure
The Oregon Public Utility Commission requires all utilities to inspect their electric infrastructure at least once every 10 years, meaning 10% of overhead and underground facilities within its territory annually.
To do this, a CEC contractor annually performs these inspections, requiring them to access the co-op’s facilities or equipment on a CEC member’s property.
The inspection process takes several months, from early spring to late fall, depending on the weather. If the contractor identifies any outstanding issues, crews repair or perform maintenance to bring them into compliance. A full view of the Inspection Map (PDF) is available.
Electrical Infrastructure Inspections FAQs
Outages will rarely if ever, be required for these inspections.
Contractors will ensure CEC infrastructure is compliant with National Electric Safety Code and the Oregon Public Utility Commission requirements. Contractors will perform overhead inspections, including poles, wires, transformers, and cross arms for damage. They also drill and test poles at and below ground level for pole structure soundness.
Underground inspections look at clearance zones around equipment, locking mechanisms, overall installation, and install new safety signage.
The contractors use an electronic device to capture all data from their inspections.
The cooperative uses the data to perform maintenance and corrective activities. If there is an immediate hazard, the contractors inform CEC, and crews address the issue. CEC will try contacting the affected members in advance if activities require an outage.
Members within the inspection area will receive notices with their bill. Additional notifications will go out to members in a later billing cycle or via electronic messaging, where the contractor has not yet inspected.
Contractors have identification badges noting they are CEC contractors, and vehicles will have a CEC contractor sign on them. In addition, contractors will be wearing CEC logoed hats.
Line Patrols
The CEC service personnel conduct line patrols throughout the year. These inspections require access to member property to complete, and they will use a CEC identified motorized vehicle or by foot as conditions require.
Meter Inspections
CEC Field Services Specialist will conduct meter verification reads and meter safety inspections throughout the year. These inspections require access to member property to complete. CEC personnel will use a CEC identified motorized vehicle or will complete the inspection by foot as conditions require.
We thank you for your patience during these inspections.
Meter Inspections FAQs
CEC strongly encourages members to sign up for SmartHub to update their notification preferences. The member can select calls, texts or emails about an upcoming meter inspection.
Members will receive notification stating CEC personnel will be present approximately 1 to 4 weeks or within 5 to 7 business days, depending on the area and inspector.
Enroll in SmartHub or call 541-548-2144.
A periodic physical inspection confirms the meter's reading accuracy and provides an opportunity for the field service specialist to check on equipment health.
Unfortunately, we are not able to schedule the inspections. The inspector chooses the best route based on efficiency.
A typical inspection only takes a few minutes, depending on the number of meters on-site. CEC personnel check seals and meter numbers and ensure the devices are appropriately secured.
Our inspectors will ensure gates are closed to keep your pets and animals safe. Should an inspector encounter an aggressive pet or animal, they may decide to forego the inspection.
Enclosures are acceptable; however CEC needs to be able to access the entire meter base without the use of tools. Below are examples that members have done in the past.
