Fill ’er up — with watts
PGE is helping pave the way
for zero-emission vehicles.

Do you own or dream about owning an electric vehicle (EV)? PGE is making it easier to plug in. To promote zero-emission vehicles, PGE recently joined a partnership with the state of Oregon and auto manufacturers Nissan and Mitsubishi to develop an EV-charging network. Both auto manufacturers are targeting Oregon as an introductory market for new EV models.

Read more.

The ductless heat pump solution
Beaverton couple loves
their mini-split heat pump.

For 36 years, Edward and Donna Davis wished they had heating ductwork so they could install central air conditioning. But their 1960s-era Beaverton home featured baseboard heating instead.

To learn how a mini-split heat pump was the solution to their problem, read on.

You can also enter our heat pump sweepstakes! We’re giving away two different high-efficiency heat pump packages — win the type that’s best for your home.

Spring electrical safety essentials
Check these tips before
heading out to your yard.

With temperatures finally warming up, many of us are making beelines for the backyard. There are plants to be planted, protruding branches to prune, balls to be tossed. But before you charge outside, we have some information to help keep you and your family safe.

Take a moment to check our outdoor electrical safety tips.

How to choose the right CFLs
PGE expert answers common questions
about the energy-saving lights.

Have you seen the light yet? Making the switch to compact fluorescent lights is an easy, relatively affordable way to save energy. But maybe you’re not convinced because you’ve read media stories about environmental concerns. Or maybe you’re worried your home will end up with harsh lighting that gives it all the ambiance of a warehouse. Or perhaps you just need a little help figuring out which styles of CFLs will work best for different fixtures. Relax. For expert answers, we turned to PGE Lighting Specialist Mark Whitney.

To learn our expert’s advice for choosing the right CFLs, read on.

Greener living
Solar milestone reached; recycling answers

Have you ever thought about harnessing the sun’s energy to power your home? A growing number of people are going solar. In fact, our solar customers have just hit a new milestone. We have some tips to get you started if you’re interested in exploring solar electric systems or solar water-heating systems.

If you’re not ready to make the leap to solar power, but you’re still looking for more ways to live a greener life, we also have some ideas on how to amp up your recycling efforts.

To learn more about going solar and recycling hard-to-recycle items, read on.

With unemployment reaching new heights, you might know a friend or relative who is having a hard time making ends meet. You can lend a hand by purchasing a PGE gift card for him or her. The card can be used to help pay a PGE bill. Learn more about PGE gift cards on our Web site. Or, if you find yourself in a position where you are having trouble paying your own electric bill, call PGE Customer Service. We have a variety of options to help.

If you were a PGE customer anytime between Oct. 1, 2000, and Sept. 30, 2001, you may be eligible for a refund. The Oregon Public Utility Commission has revised the amount that customers should have paid for the Trojan power plant, so PGE is refunding the difference of $33.1 million. If you believe you’re eligible for a refund, you must apply by Sept. 18, 2009, to be considered. Learn more about the Trojan Refund on our Web site.

Join us for the PGE/SOLV Starlight Parade on Saturday, May 30, in downtown Portland. PGE volunteers work hard to make this the cleanest parade in America.

Watch for the PGE float in the Grand Floral Parade, too, on Saturday, June 6, also in downtown Portland.

One volunteer from the community who wins the PGE Take Care of Oregon Days Sweepstakes will get to ride on our float. It’s not too late to sign up to volunteer and be entered in the sweepstakes!

Reservations are now being accepted for picnic spots and campsites at PGE parks and campgrounds in Oregon. Find an overview map showing all PGE parks and campgrounds, a park photo tour and reservation information on our Web site.

Congratulations to Pamela Fowler of Milwaukie who won the PGE Fisher & Paykel washer sweepstakes. Pamela received an energy-efficient AquaSmart White top-loading washer and AeroSmart electric dryer.

Even if you didn’t win, you can still clean up on laundry savings with our energy tips for washers and dryers, as well as shopping advice for choosing a premium-efficiency washer. Be sure to also check out the information on cash-back incentives and tax credits on qualifying washers in our Energy Savings section.