PORTLAND, OR -- Power companies are asking Oregonians to do their part to reduce strain on the electric grid during this heatwave. 

"If the heat is too much, you could see outages," says PGE’s John Farmer. But everyone can do a little to help relieve pressure on the grid and keep the power on, like relying less on your air conditioner - within reason, "As safe and healthy as it is for you to do so, bump it up a few degrees. Maybe you’ll be a little less comfortable, but reducing the amount of AC that you use is a big help." Also, try to run major appliances during off-peak hours. Peak electricity usage is typically 5-10 p.m. "Everybody is using their AC and other things, people are home from work, they’re cooking dinner," says Farmer, "So, if you can run the dishwasher right before you go to bed or prep your laundry the night before and then run it first thing in the morning, those are simple ways to shift your energy usage outside that peak demand window." Electric vehicle owners can also help, "Maybe put a sticky note on the mirror to, right before you go to bed, go plug in your car so that it charges overnight, not right when you get home from work."

Despite the extremely hot and dry conditions Farmer doesn’t think Public Safety Power Shut-offs - to prevent lines from sparking a wildfire - will be necessary, "Based on current forecasts and current conditions, we do not anticipate calling a PSPS over the next several days."

And, have a plan so if there is an outage, you're prepared. "If your power goes out and it’s really hot, where are you going to go? Do you have friends or family? Do you know where the local county-sponsored cooling shelters are? Things like that." He also suggests making sure your power company has your contact information, so you're notified of a current or impending outage. And, pack an emergency kit with basic necessities like non-perishable food and medications.