Oregon emergency officials are telling residents to prepare for possible power outages lasting up to two weeks as a severe heat wave and wildfires push the state's electric grid to its limits. Portland General Electric has warned of potential blackouts and brownouts during peak demand hours between 5 and 9 p.m., asking customers to set thermostats at 78 degrees and avoid running large appliances. Pacific Power has already cut electricity in parts of southern and northeastern Oregon to help fire crews contain multiple wildfires that have burned over 400,000 acres. The article includes practical advice for households: stock two weeks of food and medical supplies, unplug appliances to avoid surge damage, use flashlights instead of candles, and operate generators outdoors only to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. It also notes that livestock owners need backup water sources and evacuation plans. The story highlights how extreme weather events are directly testing grid reliability and public preparedness in the Pacific Northwest.
