April 23, 2008

PGE requests proposals to secure future renewable power

Portland, Ore. — Portland General Electric (PGE) (NYSE:POR) today issued a request for proposals (RFP) to prospective bidders to supply renewable power to help meet its customers’ future energy needs.

PGE is seeking to acquire up to 218 average megawatts of mid-to-long term renewable energy, including but not limited to biomass, wind, geothermal, solar and wave energy. These resources must be available to come online between 2009 and 2014.   

Acceptable proposals for renewable resources include power purchase agreements as well as equity positions in renewable resources or projects. Renewable resources must meet the requirements of Oregon’s Renewable Energy Standard, as defined in Senate Bill 838. 

PGE, an industry leader in renewable energy development and sales, plans to meet a significant amount of its projected load growth through 2012 with renewable energy. In addition to issuing the RFP, PGE is expanding its Biglow Canyon Wind Farm in Sherman County, Ore., which went online in December. By 2010, PGE expects to develop up to 450 megawatts of installed capacity at Biglow, enough electricity to power more than 100,000 homes. PGE also purchases 100 megawatts of wind power from two other wind farms in Oregon.

“By seeking proposals for new projects, PGE is expanding on our commitment to provide renewable energy for our customers,” said Jim Lobdell, PGE’s vice president for power operations and resource strategy.  “PGE sells more renewable power to residential customers than any other utility in the United States.  We hope this RFP will encourage a number of proposals from bidders, large and small, who share our concern for the environment.” 

Bidders must submit three hard copies and an electronic copy of their bids no later than 4 p.m. on June 4.  PGE expects to identify a short list of bidders later this year. PGE will hold a bidders’ workshop on April 29 at 10 a.m. at its Portland headquarters.  Information about the workshop, copies of the RFP, details for submitting bids and other news and updates can be obtained at Portland General Electric - RFP 

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