Before you hand over a key
How to hire an emergency electrician here
This directory lists crews. It does not employ, bond, or guarantee them. You call them. Ask these yourself.
Emergency or scheduled?
Ask if they take night and weekend calls, and what the after-hours rate is in writing.
License and insurance?
Ask for the OR electrical contractor license number and a certificate of insurance. Confirm them yourself.
Panel, circuit, or whole-house?
Name the job. Get a scope and a not-to-exceed number before they open a wall or pull a meter.
What happens if they cannot finish today?
Ask about temporary power, return windows, and who pays for parts already ordered.
Watch-outs
- No public phone — only a form.
- Will not name a license number.
- Vague about after-hours rates.
Problems: No power · Breaker tripped · Sparking outlet
Verify the license before anyone starts
Oregon electrical contractors need two things: an active Construction Contractors Board license (Oregon Construction Contractors Board — License search) and an Oregon Building Codes Division electrical license (Oregon Building Codes Division — License holder search). Check both. One without the other is not enough for electrical work.
Portland power out: utility or electrician?
Portland General Electric
Outage line: 503-464-7777. (Portland General Electric — Outages & safety)
Pacific Power
Some Portland-area addresses are served by Pacific Power. Their outage line is 1-877-508-5088. (Pacific Power — Outages & safety)
If only your home is dark
Check your panel for a tripped main breaker before you call anyone. If neighbors have power and your breaker will not reset, call an electrician from the list.
Oregon licensing and permits
Oregon electrical contractors need two things: an active Construction Contractors Board license (Oregon Construction Contractors Board — License search) and an Oregon Building Codes Division electrical license (Oregon Building Codes Division — License holder search). Check both. One without the other is not enough for electrical work. Inside Portland city limits, permits go through Portland Permitting & Development.
Checked against the official pages linked above on 2026-10-08. Numbers change, so confirm on the utility’s site.