June 03, 2009

PORTLAND, Ore. — Portland General Electric employees are nearly 5,000 pounds lighter this week after participating in the company’s first-ever “Lighten Up for Good” 12-week weight loss challenge benefiting local nonprofits.

The recently wrapped-up challenge included 75 teams averaging four to eight employees for a total of 540 participants across PGE’s service area. All teams strived to reach a seven percent weight loss goal. Teams composed of PGE employees from all corners of the company with names like Belly Bust’n Coyotes and Mind Over Platter met their goal. Participating teams that met a minimum weight loss goal are being “rewarded” by the company with a donation of up to $250 per team to their favorite nonprofit organization.    

“Helping our community is part of our mission at PGE. To pair this value with encouraging employees to make healthy lifestyle changes has been a great success,” said Arleen Barnett, vice president of administration, PGE.

Lighten Up for Good is part of PGE’s annual wellness program, Energy For Life. In its sixth year, the program encourages PGE employees to take a proactive interest in healthy living and staying active. Employees can take a confidential online health risk assessment, join executive-led Power Breaks during the workday and take part in employee-led activities like climbing Mt. St. Helens or dragon boat racing. Employees can also get partial reimbursement for their health club dues or weight loss program each year. PGE offers tobacco cessation programs, a monthly “Stall Talk” poster with health information placed in bathroom stalls each month and free flu shots.