UPDATE: Crews make progress repairing the damage caused by the historic snow and ice storm.
While crews have been working nonstop to restore power across the region, thousands still remained powerless more than a week after a winter storm brought snow, ice and freezing rain to Oregon.
After restoring power to more than 14,000 customers on Saturday alone, PGE said 29,025 customers in eight counties remained without power as of 1 p.m. Sunday. The company added that about 3,000 people will continue working 24/7 to restore power to the remaining customers.
PGE improved its website to offer customers a better idea of where crews are working and added a new online map for customers to get more information on estimated restoration times. Maria Pope, PGE president and CEO, said the site now shows more accurate estimation times.
February 19 2021
The Oregon governor believes existing state agencies can look into the roles of the state-franchised utility companies.
Oregon Gov. Kate Brown does not believe any special investigations are needed into the roles of the state-authorized electric companies in last summer s wildfires and this year s severe winter weather storm.
The unprecedented dual disasters cost lives, damaged properties and upended the daily routines of countless Oregonians. Officially-franchised utility companies like Portland General Electric and Pacific Power & Light were on the front lines, suspected of unintentionally starting at least one fire with failed power line and admittedly struggling to restore service during and after the winter storm. PGE reports 331 miles of transmission lines, 240 feeder lines, 20 substations and up to 1,600 were damaged by heavy ice since Feb. 11.