PUC approves customer protections to avoid disconnection of utility service when extreme heat warning in effect

SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) recently approved temporary rules to protect residential customers—especially vulnerable households—from disconnection of electric utility services during extreme high temperatures.
Under the new rules, which will remain in effect through October 24, 2025, all regulated investor-owned utilities including Portland General Electric, PacifiCorp, and Idaho Power, are required to:
Not disconnect service during peak heat – Utilities are prohibited from disconnecting electric or natural gas service for 48-hours following a qualifying heat event, such as a heat advisory from the National Weather Service, ensuring households can safely cope with and recover from extreme temperatures.
Reconnect service required during heat event – Customers whose utility services were disconnected up to 7 days before a heat event can request to be reconnected without delay once the heat event begins to help prevent risk to health and safety of residents.
Waive reconnection fees – Although previous rules approved by the Commission waive select reconnection fees for any low-income customer, these temporary rules expand to waive all reconnection fees for medical certificate account holders or discount program participants earning less than 10 percent of state median income.
Improve outreach and communication – The new rules require utilities to improve customer notifications to help ensure eligible customers are informed of their rights and can quickly access reconnection when needed.
“The Commission approved these rules to help ensure customers of the utilities we regulate will not lose power during dangerous heat events,” said Letha Tawney, PUC Chair. “These are critical steps to protect our most vulnerable neighbors and are timely as Oregon is already experiencing the first heat events of the summer.”