With soaring temperatures expected during the July Fourth weekend, Portland General Electric (PGE) is calling on its customers to reduce their power consumption in order to prevent potential power outages. The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning from Thursday through Sunday night in the area, prompting PGE to take proactive measures to protect its grid and ensure customer safety.

John Farmer, a spokesperson for PGE, emphasized that power outages are tools employed to safeguard the grid and minimize risks posed by wildfires. He stated that their primary responsibility is to serve power, not disconnect it. However, if components of the electrical grid overheat or unforeseen circumstances arise, PGE has deployed crews on standby from Friday through the weekend to address any potential issues. Farmer particularly highlighted the hours between 3 p.m. and 9 p.m. as a critical period.

PGE encourages customers who have air conditioners to raise the temperature a few degrees during the evenings, if it is safe to do so. Additionally, they advise shifting the use of major appliances, such as ovens, dishwashers, and washing machines, to the cooler hours of the day, either early in the morning or late at night. By implementing these energy-saving practices, customers can aid in alleviating the strain on the power grid and contribute to a more stable electrical supply.

During last year's extreme heatwave in August, PGE reported that customers were able to reduce the load on the power grid by 90 megawatts during peak hours in the evening. This reduction in energy consumption was equivalent to powering 70,000 to 80,000 homes for a four-hour period. The success of this conservation effort demonstrates the positive impact that individual actions can have on the overall stability of the grid.

Despite the upcoming challenges posed by the heatwave, PGE remains confident in its ability to handle the situation. Farmer expressed that as long as nighttime temperatures remain in the 60s, the system should operate adequately. The company assures customers that they have weathered numerous heat events in the past and have seen satisfactory performance from their system.

As Portland braces for scorching temperatures, PGE urges its customers to play an active role in conserving energy and maintaining a reliable power supply. By following the recommended energy-saving practices, individuals can contribute to the overall resilience and stability of the electrical grid during this challenging period.