PGE's making a difference as we pursue a cleaner
energy future.
PGE customers tell us they are concerned about the environment and climate change. They also want reliable, reasonably priced electricity. We have a responsibility to balance all of these issues as we look for new solutions to meet the growing demand for power. PGE is working on a number of fronts to combat climate change and introduce cleaner energy options.
Use the links below to jump down this page to learn how PGE is working to reduce greenhouse gases:
Advocating state and federal legislation
PGE is working at the state, regional and national levels toward policies that will help us meet Oregon's energy needs in an increasingly sustainable way:
- PGE successfully advocated for state legislation that allows us to do more to help customers access energy-efficiency programs. Energy efficiency is the most cost-effective way to curb greenhouse gases.
- PGE supported passage of Oregon's new law that mandates that 25 percent of Oregon energy come from renewable sources by 2025.
- PGE is advocating for greenhouse gas policies that achieve meaningful reductions, while maximizing opportunities to manage costs for our customers. We believe a federal cap on greenhouse gas emissions should be one component of a broader strategy to reduce greenhouse gas emissions
- PGE was the first utility in the Northwest to publicly support a federal cap on greenhouse gas emissions. In addition, we are providing input to the Western Climate Initiative on a proposal for a cap-and-trade program in the West.
Increasing renewable resources
Expanding Oregon wind power
PGE has long-term contracts to purchase 26.5 megawatts of power from two Oregon wind farms, Klondike II and Vansycle Ridge. PGE's Biglow Canyon Wind Farm in Sherman County opened in 2007. The five-year development plan is expected to ultimately supply enough power for 100,000 homes, making it one of the region's largest wind power projects.
Seeking more renewables
In April 2008, PGE issued a Request for Proposals to acquire by 2014 up to 218 average megawatts of renewable resources, such as biomass, wind, geothermal, solar and wave energy. See our News Room for details.
Making “green” hydropower
Both the PGE Pelton Round Butte hydro project and the Sullivan Plant now generate green power, having passed a rigorous certification process to demonstrate minimum impact on fish and wildlife. Only 33 U.S. hydro plants have earned this designation.
Supporting solar power development
PGE is exploring different ways to encourage the development and adoption of solar power:
- PGE is crafting partnerships to facilitate more solar electric installations. In an initial project, the Oregon Department of Transportation will be installing solar panels in several highway “cloverleaf” areas. The electricity generated will operate highway lights, and excess power will feed into PGE's system, reducing our reliance on fossil fuels.
- PGE is investigating ways to offer solar power options to customers.
- We are also supporting growth of the alternative energy industry in the Portland area, in part by recruiting solar manufacturers here.
Promoting renewable options
Since 2001, customers enrolled in our Renewable Power Options have kept more than 1 billion pounds of carbon dioxide from entering the atmosphere, the equivalent of taking more than 92,000 cars off the road.
Encouraging energy efficiency
Energy efficiency programs provide an easy, low-cost way to reduce emissions. Our newsletters and Web site provide a wealth of energy saving information for both residential and business customers. We recently successfully advocated for state legislation that allows us to do more to help customers access energy-efficiency programs administered by Energy Trust of Oregon.
Supporting new technologies
PGE supports the research and development of new technologies aimed at combating climate change. Some of the things we're looking into include:
- Electric infrastructure access in support of plugged electric and hybrid vehicles
- Wave energy demonstration project by Oregon State University
- Carbon-capture projects for generation plants using new technologies and algae
Adopting green business practices
In our daily operations, PGE has sought out opportunities to reduce our carbon footprint:
- PGE is introducing wireless smart meters, which will eliminate 1.2 million miles of driving, save 80,000 gallons of gasoline and reduce CO2 emissions by 1.5 million pounds every year.
- In 2007, we introduced our first hybrid bucket truck, and we use B5 biodiesel in 400 utility vehicles in our fleet.
- PGE is reducing truck idling time at our line centers and implementing a new fleet fuel management system.
Supporting local sustainable initiatives
Through our community contributions, we encourage sustainable initiatives that reduce the impact on the environment and help cut greenhouse gases:
- We support Friends of Trees, SOLV, Oregon Wildlife Heritage Foundation and other organizations that plant trees.
- PGE purchases carbon offsets equal to make the PGE/SOLV Starlight Parade a carbon-neutral event. We also supply renewable wind energy for the Rose Festival Waterfront Village and The Bite of Oregon.
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