PGE, Pacific Power pause disconnections for some customers amid government shutdown

PORTLAND, Ore. — Two Oregon power providers are enacting temporary protections for people as the government shutdown continues to impact finances.

Portland General Electric and Pacific Power say they’re not going to suspend anyone’s power for the remainder of the year.

On Friday, State Senator Deb Patterson sent a letter to Oregon’s Public Utility Commission, urging action so people won’t face shutoff if they are behind on their bills.

In the letter signed by 17 other elected leaders, Sen. Patterson asked them to adopt policies to prevent utility disconnections during the shutdown.

“No family should face the impossible choice between putting food on the table or heating their home in cold weather. Disconnecting people from their utilities in this extraordinarily difficult time will make it even tougher for families to stay afloat,” Sen. Patterson said.

A PGE spokesperson said the new protections are on top of the utility’s existing winter protections, which prevent disconnection during extreme weather events.

Both companies also offer income-based discounts and energy assistance programs for their customers. PGE customers can go here to find out more, while Pacific Power has more information here.