Significant media coverage of the power shutoffs in California has raised some community concern about the possibility for similar impacts in Ashland. 

The City of Ashland Electric Utility has no plans to initiate power shutoffs currently. Furthermore, we have received no information from any of our regional partners at Bonneville Power Administration, Pacific Power or the Oregon Department of Forestry that weather conditions or transmission infrastructure vulnerabilities in our region raise any concern for the determination of the need for a shutoff. The Electric Utility has been and continues to be involved in regional dialogue and evaluation of regional system plans to address wildfire risks associated with the transmission of electricity.

Ashland is fortunate that our electric supply can be served from the north or from the south. This flexibility decreases the likelihood of problems in a neighboring jurisdiction creating a significant impact on electric service in Ashland.

Ashland Electric will continue our inspection, maintenance and vegetation management programs as part of our commitment to provide our customers with safe and reliable electric service. In the event that electric service needs to be interrupted for any reason, we will always strive to give our customers as much advanced notice as possible and any available details about the expected duration.