Portland General Electric Company, commonly known as PGE, is a publicly traded electric utility company based in Portland, Oregon, USA. The company was founded in 1888, making it one of the oldest electric utilities in the United States. PGE serves over 900,000 customers in Oregon and is primarily engaged in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity.
PGE's history dates back to the late 19th century when it was established as the Willamette Falls Electric Company, providing electricity to Portland residents using hydroelectric power from the nearby Willamette Falls. Over the years, the company expanded its generation capacity and distribution network to meet the growing electricity demands of the region. In 1930, the company was renamed Portland Electric Power Company (PEPCO) and later adopted its current name, Portland General Electric, in 1948.
As an electric utility, PGE generates electricity through a diverse mix of sources, including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, and renewable energy. The company owns and operates several power plants and renewable energy facilities, enabling it to supply electricity to its customers reliably and efficiently. PGE's service territory covers a wide area of northwest Oregon, including the Portland metropolitan area and surrounding communities.
The company is committed to sustainable energy practices and has been steadily increasing its use of renewable resources over the years. PGE operates wind farms and solar facilities to harness clean energy, reducing its carbon footprint and contributing to Oregon's renewable energy goals. Additionally, the company offers customers the option to support renewable energy through its Green FutureSM program, allowing them to purchase renewable energy credits and support the development of clean energy projects.