Pacific Power uses drones to monitor electrical equipment in rural Oregon and Southwest Washington
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Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Portland, Ore., (July 24, 2024) Pacific Power will use commercial drones designed for powerline inspections to take photos of Pacific Power’s assets to assist in mitigation of wildfire conditions and to improve system resilience.
The drones will help Pacific Power conduct a series of inspections on various transmission, distribution and substation facilities using commercial drones designed for powerline inspections.
Pacific Power began using the drones earlier this month in Southern Oregon and Northern California, and crews will also be using the equipment in additional locations.
Drones will be used to inspect facilities in rural areas north of Burns, Oregon, to the Idaho border, east of Roseburg, Oregon, and in the Lewis River area of Southern Washington beginning July 22 through August 16.
Drones capture high resolution photos and infrared images that help identify any potential defects or problems with equipment in need of repair.
Pacific Power uses drones to help ensure our electrical system is safe and reliable for our customers.
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About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.
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Media Contact: 503-813-6018
NOTE TO MEDIA: BROLL, INTERVIEWS AND PHOTOS ARE AVAILABLE FOR USE, DOWNLOAD VIA THIS LINK. (CREDIT: PACIFIC POWER):
B-Roll - interviews
- Parent – Dawn Harper
- Ryan Flynn – President of Pacific Power
- Jesse Cody, Hatchery Manager, Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
- Parent- Karen Pariagua
Kids with disabilities make memories at the 24th annual Merwin Day of Fishing
Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish & Wildlife create lasting memories for children with disabilities at the Merwin Fish Hatchery near Woodland, Wash.
WOODLAND, Wash., (July 13, 2024) — Today, Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife joined together to host a memorable fishing event for children with disabilities at the Merwin Fish Hatchery near Woodland, Washington. The event brought together over 200 children, who enjoyed a unique opportunity to experience the joy of fishing in a supportive and inclusive environment.
Throughout the day, children caught fish specially raised for the event, with many experiencing the excitement of fishing for the first time. When the kids arrived at the hatchery, they were given t-shirts, fishing rods, tackle and other items. Then volunteer coaches helped them catch up to five fish, which were cleaned and put on ice while families enjoyed a barbecue. The event not only provided a fun recreational activity, but also fostered connections among participants and volunteers.
Volunteers from Pacific Power, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife and several recreational fishing organizations generously contributed their time and expertise to ensure each child had a fulfilling experience. Corporate sponsors also played a crucial role in supporting the event, providing necessary equipment and resources.
For over 23 years, Pacific Power has proudly sponsored this event with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. The company provides volunteers and essential support for the event held at the hatchery near Merwin Dam, a vital source of hydroelectric power for customers in the region. Pacific Power employees take great joy in ensuring the children have a memorable day.
"It's truly remarkable to witness the joy on their faces as kids with disabilities gain access to fishing in our hatchery ponds to provide them with a memorable and inclusive outdoor experience, fostering joy and connection through the sport of fishing,” expressed Jesse Cody, hatchery manager with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife. “This is the very essence of why we're here."
"We are grateful for the collaboration with Pacific Power and other partners who helped make this event possible," said Britton Ransford, communications specialist with the Department of Fish and Wildlife. "Events like these not only introduce children to the joys of fishing but also promote outdoor recreation and environmental stewardship.”
"Fishing can be challenging for kids in terms of cost, access to rivers, and overall accessibility, which can be barriers," explained Ryan Flynn, president of Pacific Power. "Witnessing the sheer delight and astonishment on the kids' faces when they reel in sizable catches ranging from nine to 12 inches, some even weighing up to eight or nine pounds, is truly rewarding."
The event unites young patients from Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital, Kaiser Kids and other facilities, including those managing conditions such as spina bifida, cerebral palsy and cancer.
"Today is about creating cherished memories and fostering joy through the simple yet fulfilling act of fishing. Seeing the smiles and excitement on these kids' faces as they reel in their catches reminds us all of the magic and inclusivity that outdoor experiences can bring," said Diana Knous, regional business manager for Pacific Power, who volunteered at the event.
The event is a precious occasion, not just for the children and their families who create lasting memories, but also for the volunteers who joyfully arrange this unforgettable day each year and derive as much satisfaction from the event as the participants themselves.
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About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in 243 communities across Oregon, Washington and California. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, serving nearly two million customers in six western states as the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.
MEDIA ADVISORY:
Get hooked on fishing at the 24th annual Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids With Disabilities
WHAT: | Once a year, Pacific Power and the Washington Fish and Wildlife Department open the Merwin Fish hatchery to special guests – more than 200 children from local hospitals and rehabilitation facilities, dozens of good-hearted volunteers and 3,000 fish teeming in two ponds. Fun is guaranteed when the Merwin Fish Hatchery opens its accessible ponds to kids with disabilities for the annual Merwin Day of Fishing for Kids With Disabilities. Sponsored by Pacific Power and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, the event brings to the hatchery young patients – including those with spina bifida, cerebral palsy, cancer or other conditions – from Doernbecher Children's Hospital, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Legacy Emanuel Children's Hospital, Kaiser Kids and other institutions. Fish hatchery operators work year-round to cultivate fish especially for this event, ranging in size from one to nine pounds each. Dozens of local businesses donate food, beverages and prizes, with sponsors and Woodland, Washington, community members providing volunteer support. |
WHEN: | Saturday, July 13, 2024 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. |
WHERE: | Merwin Fish Hatchery, 10 miles east of Woodland, Washington Take I-5 to the Woodland/Cougar exit. Go east on Highway 503 for 10 miles. Turn right at the Merwin Dam/Pacific Power sign. Go one-half mile down the hill and follow the signs. |
CONTACT:
| Pampi Chowdhury 503-349-5679 Pampi.Chowdhury@pacificorp.com Calling ahead is appreciated, but not necessary. Media can check in at the registration booth and will be directed to someone who can provide escort and show the event. |
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Media hotline: 503-813-6018
COUGAR, WA (July 10, 2024) - Beginning September 2, 2024, Swift Reservoir will be drawn down between 1 and 3 feet per day to accommodate work on the Swift Dam. As a result of the draw-down, the boat ramp at Swift Forest Camp on the Lewis River in southwest Washington will be out of service starting in early September.
The Swift Forest Camp boat ramp goes out of service at an elevation of 972 feet and will remain out of service through the remainder of Swift Forest Camp’s open season (site closes for the season Nov. 30, 2024).
Once the reservoir level has reached an approximate elevation of 955 feet, project work will commence and the 955-foot reservoir level will need to be maintained as the work proceeds. Project work includes the construction of a bulkhead system in conjunction with spillway gate retrofit work. The new bulkheads will provide PacifiCorp with flexibility in the timing of future spillway gate maintenance and allow maintenance to be conducted without drawing down Swift reservoir. The work is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to safety in dam operations.
PacifiCorp is notifying recreationists who have already reserved campsites at Swift Forest Camp and at the dispersed shoreline campsites about the closure. Anyone now seeking to make a reservation at the campground after September 2, 2024, will be advised of the boat ramp closure. In addition, private property owners along the shores of the reservoir have also been notified.
PacifiCorp appreciates the patience of the people who enjoy Swift Reservoir. This short period of closure at the end of the summer recreation season will make it possible to perform future spillway work without affecting the reservoir level.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
Pacific Power will use drones to monitor electrical equipment
Portland, OR (July 8, 2024) – As part of our ongoing efforts to ensure our electrical system is safe and reliable, Pacific Power will conduct a series of inspections on various transmission, distribution, and substation facilities using commercial drones designed for powerline inspections.
Crews will use the drones to inspect facilities in Medford and Grants Pass along with Weed and Yreka, Calif., from July 5 to July 31.
Drones capture high resolution photos, and infrared images that help identify any potential defects or problems with equipment in need of repair.
About PacifiCorp
PacifiCorp is one of the lowest-cost electrical providers in the United States, serving more than 2 million customers. The company operates as Rocky Mountain Power in Idaho, Utah and Wyoming and as Pacific Power in California, Oregon and Washington. PacifiCorp provides safe and reliable service through a vast, integrated system of generation and transmission that connects communities with the largest regulated utility owner of wind power in the West. For more information, visit www.pacificorp.com.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Hotline: 503-813-6018
The company is encouraging customers to take steps to conserve energy during peak usage
PORTLAND, OR (July 3, 2024) — As Oregon heads into the first heatwave of the season this week, Pacific Power is encouraging customers to prepare for seasonal temperatures.
“More electricity is used by our customers during the summer season than at any other time of the year,” said Curt Mansfield, Pacific Power senior vice president of power delivery. “We encourage customers to take steps now to manage their energy use and take advantage of incentives to increase energy efficiency at home.”
Pacific Power relies on a diverse mix of available energy resources to meet peak hour needs during the summer, and the company is well positioned to meet summer customer demand.
During hot weather, Pacific Power also takes steps each day to keep electric service reliable for its customers by monitoring daily which substations and circuits have the highest use and addressing any issues immediately.
The demand for electricity typically reaches its highest point on a hot summer weekday afternoon, generally from about 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. when power is needed to operate the summertime irrigation systems and air conditioners.
Customers can help decrease the strain on the electrical grid and save on power bills by taking some simple steps to reduce energy usage.
- Limit energy usage between 5 and 9 pm whenever possible.
- Set the thermostat on central air conditioning at 78 degrees or higher, health permitting.
- Turn off lights, computers, televisions, and appliances when you are not using them.
- Open windows in the cool of the evening and again in early morning to let in cool air. Use the intake setting on window fans to help bring in even more cool air.
- Keep air moving inside your home with ceiling, window, attic and portable fans.
For more information about energy efficiency and outage preparedness, visit PacificPower.net/Prepare
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About Pacific Power
Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit www.pacificpower.net.