February 16, 2021  4:00 a.m. 

Governor Kate Brown has declared an abnormal market disruption as a result of the severe winter weather emergency in nine Oregon counties.

A release said the order is in response to reports of unusual increases in lodging rates for Oregonians who have sought temporary stays until power can be restored at their homes.

Brown said, “During a time when so many Oregonians have been without power for days, it is absolutely unacceptable to price gouge those who are seeking a warm, safe place to stay until power is back on in their homes”. Brown said the order empowers the Attorney General and the Oregon Department of Justice to investigate these instances and take appropriate action if businesses are found to be in violation.

Oregonians who believe they have been subjected to excessive prices for lodging or essential consumer goods and services due to this disruption, can report those instances to the ODJ through their Consumer Protection Hotline at 877-877-9392 or by going to: https://www.doj.state.or.us/consumer-protection/.