Power Outage March 31, 2026
On March 31, Canby Utility experienced a power supply issue through the incoming transmission line to its Westcott Substation that feeds approximately 7000 customers within the city of Canby. Community members experienced power issues between approximately (8AM – 9:30AM). The incoming transmission line is supplied by an outside service provider who also experienced multiple power interruptions on their distribution system outside of the City. The cause of the power failure is due to equipment failure on the incoming transmission line. Canby Utility employees responded to the emergency in the field by transferring 4 feeders out of Westcott Substation on to our Knights Bridge Substation restoring approximately 4000 Customers by approximately 8:30 AM. The outside transmission power was restored at approximately 9:30 returning most Canby customers to service. Crews investigated and resolved localized outages to approximately 300 customers after transmission was restored. Call volumes to our office were high, all available customer service and office staff were answering calls, and not all customers were able to get through due to the high volume. We apologize to our customers for the service disruption.
Power Outage May 12, 2025
The power outage that occurred at approximately 3:30 p.m. was caused by failed equipment. Power was restored at 8:07 p.m..
Power Outage September 13, 2024
The power outage that occurred at approximately 5:30 p.m. was caused by a squirrel in a primary overhead riser, 3 phase rack.
Power Outage July 30, 2024
The power outage that occurred this morning was caused by a bird at the Westcott Substation.
At approximately 8:10 Canby Utility experienced an outage related to a substation. The crew is currently investigating the cause. We are hoping power will be restored by 10 a.m. We apologize that the power outage also took down our telephone system.
Power Interruption May 16, 2024
At 5:28 p.m., Portland General Electric’s transmission system that feeds one of Canby Utility’s substations experienced a momentary power interruption. Canby Utility’s customers, whose power is served from that substation, would have experienced a short-term power interruption. This was not caused by Canby Utility’s equipment.
When Red Flag Warnings are in Effect for Wildfires
A Red Flag Warning means warm temperatures, very low humidities, and stronger winds are expected to combine to produce an increased risk of fire danger. This alert triggers Public Safety Power Shutoffs (PSPS) for utilities across Oregon when the extreme weather conditions threaten the safe operation of electrical services. To help protect the public from utility-caused wildfires, utilities implement plans to disconnect power to high-risk areas to prevent the power lines and other related equipment from causing wildfires.
Fortunately for Canby Utility customers, we have only identified one area of greater risk of wildfire. This area is located off Knights Bridge Road, from our Knights Bridge Substation located on Barlow Road to just east of the Molalla River. However, our strategic and aggressive vegetation management practices have significantly reduced the risk of a utility-caused wildfire. If a Red Flag Warning occurs we do not anticipate having to de-energize our electric feeder lines that serve power to our customers. We also have plans in place that should we have a need, we can transfer the load on that feeder to our other substation located on Redwood Street so that most customers would not be affected by a PSPS.
To ensure public safety during a Red Flag Warning event, Canby Utility will patrol its overhead power lines, have extra staff on standby, and be available 24-hours a day for receiving reports of concerns from the public.
Please note that Canby Utility is served power over the Portland General Electric’s (PGE) transmission lines. We have two separate transmission sources serving power to Canby Utility’s substations providing redundancy; however, Canby Utility has no control over PGE’s decisions to implement a PSPS on its transmission lines should the risk become too great. We do not anticipate PGE will need to this action if a Red Flag Warning occurs.
We will post updates below should there be a PSPS in our operations or if PGE’s PSPS will impact our customers. We are including a link to the PGE’s PSPS map to show you where PGE would be anticipating their service interruptions.
Click Here to View PGE’s PSPS Map.
UPDATES:
- None at this time.
In anticipation of possible power outages that can be caused by storms, accidents, or natural disasters, Canby Utility reminds and encourages our customers to call and report outages, should they occur.
- Contact our office at (503) 266-1156 to report an outage.
- For after-hours outages call (503) 266-1156 and press 1 for Emergency, or call (833) 887-0843.
(Our regular office hours are Monday through Thursday 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.)
Additional Power-Outage Tips
- Unplug sensitive electronics, like televisions and computers, and appliances like room air conditioners or space heaters. This may prevent appliances from being damaged by power variations that can occur when power is restored.
- Keep freezer and refrigerator doors closed. Food will generally stay frozen for 36 to 48 hours in a fully-loaded freezer if you keep the door closed. A half-full freezer will generally keep food frozen for 24 hours.
- As soon as power returns, check temperatures. If the food in the freezer has ice crystals and is not above 40°F, you can refreeze.
- Perishable foods in the refrigerator should not be above 40°F for more than two hours.
- Keep curtains closed and limit trips outside to maintain temperature for a longer period.
- Make sure to have flashlights, a battery-powered radio, and fresh batteries in an easily accessible area.
- Keep a battery-operated radio tuned to a local station. If the power outage is extensive or if there are rotating outages, announcements will be made on the radio.