Oregon Public Broadcasting

A record-setting heat wave has tightened its grip on Western Oregon. Temperatures in the high 90's have pushed many to seek ways to keep cool.

But Portland General Electric spokesman Steve Corson says it could be worse.

Steve Corson: "Really we are not expecting to break any records in this heat wave. Yes, the weather is hot. But it's really not nearly as hot as it was last year. We broke a new record last year when the temperature was around 106. And we're not expecting to get there this year."

PGE broke its record for summertime usage last July. But PGE's all-time record was set in the winter in 1998. The utility's customers used more than 4,000 megawatts to stay warm.

High temperatures are expected to continue through tomorrow evening.