Polk County Power Outage History
2014–2025 · Oregon
Worse than average — more frequent or longer outages than most counties. How grades are calculated
Outages by year
Outages by month (seasonality)
Worst outage events on record
| Date | Duration | Customers affected | Cause |
|---|---|---|---|
| Feb 12, 2021 | 138 hrs | 23,943 (57%) | Unnamed event |
| Mar 2, 2021 | 0 hrs | 15,920 (38%) | Unnamed event |
| Jun 10, 2022 | 5 hrs | 15,895 (38%) | Unnamed event |
| Feb 3, 2024 | 9 hrs | 10,951 (26%) | Flood |
| Jun 16, 2020 | 9 hrs | 10,496 (25%) | Unnamed event |
Over the 12 years from 2014 to 2025, Polk County recorded 366 distinct power outage events, averaging 4.9 hours per event.
The single worst outage on record in Polk County started February 12, 2021, lasting 138 hours and leaving up to 23,943 customers without power (57% of the county) at its peak.
August has historically been the worst month for outages in Polk County, with 44 events recorded during that month across the dataset.
Based on this history, Polk County earns a Reliability Grade of D, placing it in the 37th percentile nationally for grid reliability (higher percentile = more reliable).
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Similar counties in Oregon
Counties with the closest reliability grade and national percentile to Polk County.
| County | Grade | National percentile |
|---|---|---|
| Josephine County | D | 38th |
| Douglas County | D | 35th |
| Yamhill County | D | 32nd |
| Multnomah County | D | 29th |
| Linn County | C | 46th |
FAQ
How often does power go out in Polk County?
Between 2014 and 2025, Polk County recorded 366 outage events, averaging 4.9 hours each.
What is Polk County's reliability grade?
Polk County has a Reliability Grade of D, in the 37th national percentile.
What was the worst power outage in Polk County?
The worst outage on record started February 12, 2021, lasting 138 hours and affecting up to 23,943 customers.

