As we work to secure Oregon’s energy future, PGE is committed to finding sustainable and affordable options to meet our customers’ electricity needs. Energy efficiency plays a key role in our plans.
President Obama has called energy efficiency the “cheapest, cleanest, energy source.” In other words, the more energy we save all across the country, the fewer new power plants need to be built. Energy efficiency is essentially a “virtual power plant” with no environmental impact.
To encourage energy efficiency, PGE is providing our customers with energy-saving information and programs. These measures help customers save money and reduce their carbon footprint. From 2009 to 2012, our efforts are also expected to reduce PGE power needs by 85 megawatts.
How we’re encouraging energy efficiency
- Connecting customers with Energy Trust of Oregon cash incentives, as well as state and federal tax credits for energy-efficiency improvements.
- Providing in-depth energy-saving information in newsletters, over the phone and on the Web. See our online energy-efficiency resources for residential and business customers.
- Offering free energy consultations for businesses, as well as free energy-efficiency classes presented in cooperation with Energy Trust of Oregon, the Northwest Energy Efficiency Alliance and Better Bricks.
- Launching Save More, Matter MoreTM, an annual community-based business energy campaign. Hundreds of businesses committed to energy-saving actions that will help them manage costs, help keep Oregon’s business community strong and help the environment. As part of the Save More, Matter More campaign, PGE committed to a number of energy-efficiency improvements at our own facilities — including lighting retrofits and an energy recovery system — that are estimated to save more than 252,000 kilowatt-hours annually.
- Laying the groundwork with the next generation of energy consumers by helping with energy education at the K-12 level.
- Upgrading to smart meters, which track energy use electronically. Smart meters are the foundation for future “smart grid” and “smart home” technology.