12-4-07 Pacific Power FlashNews Update 7:30 p.m.

Progress continues as Pacific Power crews work to restore electricity to hard-hit coastal communities.

Partial transmission service to Lincoln City was restored at approximately 4 p.m., and service to customers will be restored in stages through the night. As of 7:30 p.m., power to 9,963 customers has been restored, with approximately 1,772 still without power compared to 11,735 customers Tuesday morning. Today’s restorations include the hospital and wastewater and freshwater plants.

Progress also is being made in Coos County, where 1,277 customers were without power as of 7 p.m. A Bandon transmission line was energized at approximately 6 p.m., and approximately 700 Bandon-area customers who had been without electricity now are in the process of being restored in stages. These customers are being urged to limit electricity use to very minimal levels for now, to assist in restoration efforts for the entire Bandon area. If too much load is brought on too quickly it could cause the line to trip off.

As in other areas still experiencing outages, customers without electricity should unplug appliances, television, stereos and other electrical equipment around their homes to reduce demand on the system as power is brought back on. Turning ON porch lights will help patrolling crews confirm when power is restored to particular areas.

Clatsop County still has 22,960 customers without power as of 7 p.m. tonight. Significant progress is expected beginning Wednesday, though it could continue into late Thursday or even Friday before restoration is complete. Two portable generators, capable of providing power to approximately 1,000 homes, are being transported from Springfield, Ore., and should arrive late tonight. They will be based at the Cannon Beach substation and will be used to help bring some critical circuits back in service beginning Wednesday morning.

Helicopter patrols today verified the extensive damage to the system, particularly in Clatsop County, where acres of trees are down, 16 additional transmission towers were found to be damaged and, in some cases, wire was blown far beyond the regular transmission line pathway.

Pacific Power currently has 700 people working on restoration, and continues to bring in new resources and crews. Pacific Power community managers continue work with local officials, community leaders and emergency assistance organizations to assist residents.

Pat Reiten, Pacific Power president, and Greg Abel, PacifiCorp chairman and chief executive officer, and the president and chief operating officer of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company, will be in the coastal communities Wednesday, meeting with local leaders and surveying the ongoing restoration work.

Please remind customers without electricity to c heck the meter and electric service line to the outside of their homes, as storm damage to the electrical service connection may require inspection and repair by a licensed electrician before Pacific Power can safely reconnect service to the home.

Pacific Power also reminds its customers to please stay safe during power outages. Taking these precautions during an outage is very important.

• Candles should never be left unattended or used for extended periods. Use a flashlight or other battery-powered lighting source.
• Use a fireplace or wood stove to keep warm. Pay careful attention to fire hazards. Never use kerosene or propane heaters inside without proper ventilation. They create dangerous fumes. Also, don't use charcoal in your house or garage.
• Never use a barbecue grill indoors. Cook over sterno cans.
• Dress warmly and in layers to insulate yourself. Don't forget to wear a hat. Blankets and towels around windows and doors help keep heat in.
• Check on your neighbors, especially those who may need special assistance. Also, check with others who may have electricity, to see if you can visit.
• Always assume downed lines are energized and deadly. Never go near them. Instead, call Pacific Power.

Report outages and downed lines immediately by calling 1-877-LITES OUT (1-877-548-3768).