Portland on Track for Success in Nation’s Largest Green Power Challenge
August 31, 2010
PORTLAND, Ore. — With one month to go, the City of Portland’s Green Power Challenge is close to reaching its goal of signing up 1,000 new green power customers by the end of September.
As of Aug. 31, more than 725 residential customers and 25 business customers had signed up for renewable energy from Portland General Electric or Pacific Power. The goal, set by Portland City Council, is 1,000 customers by the end of September.
The two-month challenge, which officially began Aug 1, is the largest attempted nationally and the first to involve both of the state’s major utilities.
"Portland's residents and entrepreneurs answer the call to action when it comes to our environment and our economy," said Portland Mayor Sam Adams. "The success of the Green Power Challenge so far shows just one more reason why we should be proud to call Portland our home."
Carol Dillin, PGE’s vice president of customers and economic development agreed. “It’s great to see so many Portland residents and businesses signing up for renewable power and furthering their commitment to sustainable living,” Dillin said. “Portland is well on its way to meeting the challenge goal and furthering its reputation as one of the greenest cities in the world.”
“We see this effort as solidifying Portland’s position as the nation’s leader in clean energy,” said Pat Egan, Pacific Power’s vice president of customer and community affairs. “Portland has always been green, and now we are putting that reputation into black and white with this ambitious challenge.”
More than 25 Portland businesses have signed up for renewable power during the challenge including: Music Millenium, The Tao of Tea, Flying Cat Coffee, A Better Cycle, Natural Choices Health Clinic, Village Frame & Gallery, Multnomah Cleaners, Kaos Softwear, Hairport of Portland, and St. Johns Veterinary Clinic.
Pacific Power and PGE are promoting this renewable energy challenge in Portland through various grassroots efforts and events, including neighborhood canvassing and stations at the Portland Farmer’s Markets as well as major retail outlets.
The utilities also will have representatives at various local events to help get the word out about the challenge and how it dovetails with the region’s sustainability goals. Portland residents and businesses can learn more about the challenge and how to sign up at PortlandOnline.com/PortlandChallenge.
About Pacific Power
In 2010, Pacific Power celebrates 100 years serving customers and communities. From our beginnings -- serving 7,000 customers in four Northwest communities -- Pacific Power now provides electric service to almost 730,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California.
About PGE
PGE, headquartered in Portland, is a fully integrated electric utility that serves more than 822,000 residential, commercial and industrial customers in Oregon. Visit PGE on the web at www.PortlandGeneral.com.
* Customers will not have electricity from a specific generation facility delivered directly to their house or business.