Nov. 15, 2012

Milwaukie, Ore. — With days to go, the City of Milwaukie’s Green Power Challenge has already exceeded its goal of signing up 200 new green power customers. As of October 30 more than 213 customers, including at least 18 businesses, had signed up for renewable energy from Portland General Electric.  The goal, set by the Milwaukie City Council, was 200 customers by Nov. 19. The three-month challenge, which officially began Sept. 18, is the first of its kind in Milwaukie and is designed to promote environmental stewardship.

 “We’ve seen proof in recent months that this is a community that takes taking care of our environment very seriously,” said Jeremy Ferguson, mayor of the City of Milwaukie.  “I’m not surprised, and I’m really proud, to be a part of a town that has stepped up like it has.”

 “Milwaukie residents’ and businesses’ commitment to renewable energy speaks volumes,” said Thor Hinckley, project manager for PGE’s renewable power program. “The strong response to the Milwaukie Green Power Challenge firmly establishes Milwaukie as a community that understands how to protect its environment while supporting healthy, diverse economy.” 

Milwaukie businesses that have signed up during the challenge include: Ace Denture Dental, American Warehouse Inc., Belfus and Otness Insurance Agencies, Bernard’s Garage, Cedar Chiropractic, Christina Blatchford DMD, Concentrates Inc. Organic Agriculture Specialists, Dave’s Killer Bread, Evolution Plumbing, Green Scene, Hair Etc., Kemps Windows and Siding, Milwaukie Home & Auto Insurance, Oak Grove Acupuncture, Painted Lady Coffee House, Rocco’s Cannoli Café, Sellwood Dog Supply, and Sully’s Café.

“Purchasing Green Power is a very cost-effective and quick change that every business can make to contribute to a more sustainable tomorrow,” said Dave’s Killer Bread CEO Shobi Dahl, “Our customers have reacted very well to our dedication to making the world a better place, one loaf of bread at a time.”

How to sign up for the challenge
Milwaukie residential and small business customers who want to participate in the challenge and buy renewable power from PGE can enroll by visiting www.PortlandGeneral.com/Renewables. Medium and large business customers should visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/CleanWind. All customers can call (503) 228-6322.  

PGE’s renewable power options
PGE offers renewable power options* for all residential and business customers:

• Green Source^SM — Residential and small-medium businesses buy 100 percent new renewable power equal to 100 percent of their consumption from sources such as wind, geothermal and biomass generation.
• Clean Wind^SM — Residential and small business customers pay a set fee for a fixed amount of new wind power each month. Medium and large businesses can buy varying amounts of Clean Wind, up to 100 percent of their needs. The wind power comes from wind farms in the West and helps build new renewable resources in Oregon.

In addition, PGE’s residential and small business renewable power customers have the option of improving salmon and other fish habitat in Oregon by supplementing their renewable choice with Habitat Support^SM, a contribution that goes directly to a program administered by The Nature Conservancy of Oregon.

 * Customers will not have electricity from a specific generation facility delivered directly to their house or business. Their purchase causes renewable power to be delivered to the regional power grid equal to their household’s annual electricity use or a portion thereof, depending on the product they choose.