Gov. Kotek declares extreme heat emergency, warns of energy grid strain

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – Oregon Governor Tina Kotek declared a statewide extreme heat emergency Friday afternoon, warning the state's energy grid could be impacted by high temps anticipated through Tuesday.

The emergency declaration comes as the National Weather Service out of Portland is keeping an Excessive Heat Warning in place for the Willamette Valley and much of western Oregon and southwest Washington through the start of next week, with record heat likely in the triple digits.

“Extreme weather events are now the new normal for Oregon. Right now, state and local governments are on a path to strengthen our preparedness and response, not only this year but for the years to come,” Gov. Kotek said.

“The need for emergency declarations should decrease over time if we continue on this path – including ensuring more Oregonians have air conditioning in the summer months and heat in the winter months, that our electrical grid is modern and resilient, that communities have public spaces and green places that provide relief, and where families have a plan to stay safe and help others to do the same in severe weather."
 
“However, gaps exist today. In the interest of safety and human life over the next several days, I am declaring an emergency due to extreme heat. Both the record-breaking temperatures and the duration of heat present a clear and present danger, particularly for children, elders, people with disabilities, and people who work outside. I am urging Oregonians to take every precaution and check on your family and neighbors," the governor said.

The strain on Oregon’s energy grid and infrastructure could mean utility outages and some transportation disruptions, according to Kotek.

Officials urge Oregonians to conserve energy and reduce consumption as much as possible to avoid power disruptions. This includes avoiding using major appliances during peak morning and evening energy demand times.

The governor’s office also encourages Oregonians to take precautions to reduce the risk of human-caused wildfires as the NWS issued a Fire Weather Watch for central and southwest Oregon Friday afternoon and evening. That’s where wind gusts could near 20-35 mph with low relative humidity values, posing a risk for wildfires to ignite.

Officials said state, local, and tribal agencies will continue to respond to requests for emergency cooling shelters, transportation assistance, and distributing life-sustaining supplies such as water and medical services.

The Oregon Department of Justice is also asking community members to report any concerns of excessive prices for bottled water or other essential goods and lodging during the heat wave.