At PGE, we embrace new technologies alongside tried-and-true resources. With energy demand expected to increase 45 percent in the next 20 years, we work every day to ensure that we’re able to provide customers with reliable, affordable and environmentally responsible power.
PGE is rising to meet this challenge by making our existing facilities more efficient, building renewable generation, exploring new technologies and educating and encouraging customers in energy efficiency.
Integrated planning
Our new Integrated Resource Plan reflects this potential with proposals to invest in energy efficiency, demand-side resources and renewable energy. It also proposes new, high-efficiency natural-gas fired generation and transmission to bring wind and thermal power from Central and Eastern Oregon to the Willamette Valley.
Evolving power generation
We are well on our way toward achieving 25 percent of our power come from renewable energy. Our Biglow Canyon Wind farm is complete, with 217 turbines now generating electricity for Oregon homes and businesses. Given the variability of wind, the plant produces an average of around 150 MWs — enough to power 125,000 homes. PGE has other investments in wind generation as well.
Oregon is becoming a solar hub and PGE continues to grow this resource — with more than 13 MWs of installed capacity in our operating area. Customers may also generate their own solar power by participating in our Net Metering or Solar Payment Option programs.
Both the PGE Pelton Round Butte hydro project and the Sullivan Plant now generate green power, having passed a rigorous certification process to demonstrate minimum impact on fish and wildlife. Only 53 U.S. hydro plants have earned this designation.
Two new gas plants are also being considered as part of our Integrated Resource Plan. The Carty and Port Westward Unit 2 plants would be designed for maximum flexibility, contributing to our diverse mix of resources. They will be evaluated against market options.
PGE has also received approval for a plan for its Boardman Plant. New emission control retrofits will be installed over the next ten years and the plant will cease coal-fired operations by the end of 2020.
Bringing new power to the valley
PGE is proposing Cascade Crossing, a new transmission project to help meet Oregon’s growing energy needs, enable development of more renewable power projects, and enhance reliability of the region’s electrical grid. The 200-mile, 500-kilovolt transmission line would begin in the Columbia Basin and end east of Salem, and it would follow existing transmission corridors almost the entire route.
Smart meters, smart grid
With new smart meters, PGE will be able to improve customer service, reduce costs and eventually speed outage restoration and help customers manage energy use. The meters are the cornerstone of the smart grid of the future. PGE is helping to make the grid smarter with our participation in the Salem Smart Power project, a smart grid demonstration project.
Plug in! Charge up! Drive on!
PGE is helping to pave the way with electrification of transportation. We’re partnering with state and local governments, universities and businesses to build electric vehicle charging stations in Oregon, bring new electric vehicles to market and develop new business opportunities that benefit the region. Learn more.