When a winter storm knocks out your power, will you have heat, safe food, working communication, and a plan to keep your household comfortable? Across Oregon and Southwest Washington, windstorms, ice, and heavy snow can cause outages that last hours or days. Knowing how to prepare for a power outage ahead of time can make it safer and easier to manage. A qualified electrician can assess your home’s electrical system, identify problems before a storm hits, and recommend safe solutions.
https://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/how-to-prepare-for-power-outage.png9001920ppnwhttps://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PPNW-Green-cropped-300x97.pngppnw2026-11-05 10:30:112026-11-03 21:38:38How to Prepare for a Power Outage This Winter
Imagine you’re halfway through making dinner. The oven is preheating, a pot is simmering on the stove, and your countertops are crowded with appliances and phone chargers. Then you plug in your electric hand mixer and the outlet won’t turn on. When a GFCI outlet stops working just when you need it, it can put a real wrench in your plans.
The good news is, most GFCI issues are quick fixes that you may be able to handle on your own. We’ll also share a few situations where repeated tripping is your outlet trying to tell you something bigger is wrong. In these instances, you should call a licensed electrician to assess your electrical system.
https://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/oct-GFCI-outlet-not-working-header.png9001920ppnwhttps://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PPNW-Green-cropped-300x97.pngppnw2026-10-20 10:15:322026-10-01 19:05:05GFCI Outlet Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
Knob-and-tube wiring can turn a Pacific Northwest home sale sideways fast. In pre-1960s homes, knob-and-tube wiring is more common than you might think, and it affects more than just the sale. An inspector’s report can trigger a rewiring demand, and an insurer’s renewal letter can come with a premium hike or a coverage decline attached.
We’ll explore knob-and-tube wiring in older homes and what it means for your sale, policy, and next move.
https://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/oct-knob-and-tube-wiring-and-home-resale-header.png9001920ppnwhttps://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PPNW-Green-cropped-300x97.pngppnw2026-10-15 10:15:382026-10-01 18:57:43Knob-and-Tube Wiring & Home Resale: What Buyers, Sellers, and Insurers Need to Know
Older Oregon and Southwest Washington homes commonly have knob-and-tube wiring, which was most popular in the early to mid 1900s. Originally designed as an open-air system, it is now frequently considered a fire risk. If you suspect you may have knob-and-tube wiring, this blog post is for you. We’ll explain why knob-and-tube wiring is dangerous, what it looks like, and what to do if you have it in your home. Let’s explore this type of home wiring and what it means for Pacific Northwest homeowners.
In the Pacific Northwest, installing commercial solar panels can be an excellent move for business owners, offering several important benefits worth considering, especially a significant reduction in energy costs.
In this guide, we’ll share how solar panel systems work, the top benefits for business owners, and current commercial solar incentives, and we’ll help you decide whether solar is a smart investment for your business.
https://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/commercial-solar-installation-for-pnw-businesses-header.png9001920ppnwhttps://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PPNW-Green-cropped-300x97.pngppnw2026-09-24 10:00:082026-08-27 21:57:50Commercial Solar Installation: How Pacific Northwest Businesses Are Cutting Energy Costs
When planning a remodel, finishing a basement, or buying an older home, you may wonder how many electrical outlets you should have per room. The number of outlets in a room makes a difference when planning the layout of a space.
https://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/how-many-electrical-outlets-are-standard-header.png9001920ppnwhttps://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PPNW-Green-cropped-300x97.pngppnw2026-09-17 10:00:002026-08-27 21:59:31How Many Electrical Outlets Per Room Is Standard?
During the colder months, you may wonder how effective space heaters are for heating your home compared to central heating systems. Space heaters may seem like an appealing option for localized warmth, especially if you spend the bulk of your time at home in only a few rooms. Are they truly helpful, or do they just consume extra energy and raise your utility bill?
We’re going to compare space heater and central heat costs, and explain when zone heating with space heaters makes sense. We’ll also cover how to run space heaters safely to prevent fire hazards at home.
https://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/space-heater-vs-central-heat-header.png9001920ppnwhttps://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PPNW-Green-cropped-300x97.pngppnw2026-09-08 10:00:352026-08-27 21:56:50Space Heater vs. Central Heat Cost Comparison for Homeowners
Whether you own a data center, warehouse, restaurant, retail shop, investment property, or healthcare facility, efficient lighting is important to daily operations. When commercial lighting isn’t up to par, you may notice higher utility bills that slowly eat up your revenue.
How do you know it’s time to upgrade your commercial lighting system? There are a handful of warning signs to watch for as a property owner. We’re going to share why commercial lighting upgrades matter, the signs you should call an electrician, and the benefits of modern lighting systems.
https://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/commercial-office-lighting-electrical-installatio.png9001920ppnwhttps://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PPNW-Green-cropped-300x97.pngppnw2026-08-20 10:00:202026-07-27 16:40:12Is It Time for a Commercial Lighting Upgrade?
How many things can you really plug into one outlet?
It’s easy to take our outlets for granted. Between phone chargers, laptops, TVs, appliances, and all the other devices we use every day, a single outlet can quickly become the center of a lot of activity.
But how much is too much? Understanding how to use outlets, power strips, and extension cords safely can help prevent problems before they happen.
In this article, we’ll look at how to use power strips and extension cords safely, the signs that a circuit may be overloaded, and when it’s time to call an electrician.
https://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/plugging-cord-into-power-strip-electrical-safety.png9001920ppnwhttps://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PPNW-Green-cropped-300x97.pngppnw2026-08-11 10:00:532026-07-27 16:31:48How Many Devices Can Go Safely Into One Outlet?
Wondering why your electric bill has skyrocketed recently? Sometimes hidden electrical problems can quietly drive bills up over time. If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my electric bill so high?” keep reading. We’re going to share the top hidden electrical problems and tips for saving on energy consumption in both summer and winter.
https://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/homeowner-budgeting-electrical-costs.png9001920ppnwhttps://poweringpacificnw.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/PPNW-Green-cropped-300x97.pngppnw2026-08-06 10:00:412026-07-27 16:27:10Why Is My Electric Bill So High? Hidden Electrical Problems Could Be the Cause.
How to Prepare for a Power Outage This Winter
/in ResidentialWhen a winter storm knocks out your power, will you have heat, safe food, working communication, and a plan to keep your household comfortable? Across Oregon and Southwest Washington, windstorms, ice, and heavy snow can cause outages that last hours or days. Knowing how to prepare for a power outage ahead of time can make it safer and easier to manage. A qualified electrician can assess your home’s electrical system, identify problems before a storm hits, and recommend safe solutions.
Read more
GFCI Outlet Not Working? A Troubleshooting Guide
/in ResidentialImagine you’re halfway through making dinner. The oven is preheating, a pot is simmering on the stove, and your countertops are crowded with appliances and phone chargers. Then you plug in your electric hand mixer and the outlet won’t turn on. When a GFCI outlet stops working just when you need it, it can put a real wrench in your plans.
The good news is, most GFCI issues are quick fixes that you may be able to handle on your own. We’ll also share a few situations where repeated tripping is your outlet trying to tell you something bigger is wrong. In these instances, you should call a licensed electrician to assess your electrical system.
Read more
Knob-and-Tube Wiring & Home Resale: What Buyers, Sellers, and Insurers Need to Know
/in ResidentialKnob-and-tube wiring can turn a Pacific Northwest home sale sideways fast. In pre-1960s homes, knob-and-tube wiring is more common than you might think, and it affects more than just the sale. An inspector’s report can trigger a rewiring demand, and an insurer’s renewal letter can come with a premium hike or a coverage decline attached.
We’ll explore knob-and-tube wiring in older homes and what it means for your sale, policy, and next move.
Read more
What Is Knob-and-Tube Wiring? An Identification & Safety Guide
/in ResidentialOlder Oregon and Southwest Washington homes commonly have knob-and-tube wiring, which was most popular in the early to mid 1900s. Originally designed as an open-air system, it is now frequently considered a fire risk. If you suspect you may have knob-and-tube wiring, this blog post is for you. We’ll explain why knob-and-tube wiring is dangerous, what it looks like, and what to do if you have it in your home. Let’s explore this type of home wiring and what it means for Pacific Northwest homeowners.
Read more
Commercial Solar Installation: How Pacific Northwest Businesses Are Cutting Energy Costs
/in CommercialIn the Pacific Northwest, installing commercial solar panels can be an excellent move for business owners, offering several important benefits worth considering, especially a significant reduction in energy costs.
In this guide, we’ll share how solar panel systems work, the top benefits for business owners, and current commercial solar incentives, and we’ll help you decide whether solar is a smart investment for your business.
Read more
How Many Electrical Outlets Per Room Is Standard?
/in ResidentialWhen planning a remodel, finishing a basement, or buying an older home, you may wonder how many electrical outlets you should have per room. The number of outlets in a room makes a difference when planning the layout of a space.
Read more
Space Heater vs. Central Heat Cost Comparison for Homeowners
/in ResidentialDuring the colder months, you may wonder how effective space heaters are for heating your home compared to central heating systems. Space heaters may seem like an appealing option for localized warmth, especially if you spend the bulk of your time at home in only a few rooms. Are they truly helpful, or do they just consume extra energy and raise your utility bill?
We’re going to compare space heater and central heat costs, and explain when zone heating with space heaters makes sense. We’ll also cover how to run space heaters safely to prevent fire hazards at home.
Read more
Is It Time for a Commercial Lighting Upgrade?
/in CommercialWhether you own a data center, warehouse, restaurant, retail shop, investment property, or healthcare facility, efficient lighting is important to daily operations. When commercial lighting isn’t up to par, you may notice higher utility bills that slowly eat up your revenue.
How do you know it’s time to upgrade your commercial lighting system? There are a handful of warning signs to watch for as a property owner. We’re going to share why commercial lighting upgrades matter, the signs you should call an electrician, and the benefits of modern lighting systems.
Read more
How Many Devices Can Go Safely Into One Outlet?
/in ResidentialHow many things can you really plug into one outlet?
It’s easy to take our outlets for granted. Between phone chargers, laptops, TVs, appliances, and all the other devices we use every day, a single outlet can quickly become the center of a lot of activity.
But how much is too much? Understanding how to use outlets, power strips, and extension cords safely can help prevent problems before they happen.
In this article, we’ll look at how to use power strips and extension cords safely, the signs that a circuit may be overloaded, and when it’s time to call an electrician.
Read more
Why Is My Electric Bill So High? Hidden Electrical Problems Could Be the Cause.
/in ResidentialWondering why your electric bill has skyrocketed recently? Sometimes hidden electrical problems can quietly drive bills up over time. If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my electric bill so high?” keep reading. We’re going to share the top hidden electrical problems and tips for saving on energy consumption in both summer and winter.
Read more