Powering Oregon’s Economy
Portland General Electric plays a major role in the economic health and prosperity of Oregon. For more than 130 years, we’ve pushed for new and innovative ways to deliver reliable energy to our fellow Oregonians.
The value Portland General Electric brings to our region
As the state’s largest supplier of electricity in Oregon, we provide reliable, affordable electricity to more than 2 million Oregonians across seven counties and 51 municipalities. These operations allowed PGE to create $4.6 billion in economic impact in Oregon in 2024, which supported more than 9,400 jobs while powering Oregon’s economic engine — more than two-thirds of the state’s commercial and industrial activity occurs within our service area.
Our role goes far beyond energy supply. As a major employer, infrastructure operator, taxpayer and community partner, PGE powers impact that makes Oregon the ideal place to work, play and raise a family. To measure the company’s impact on the people and communities we serve, we worked with a trusted, independent local research group, ECOnorthwest.
Supporting and strengthening the region’s economy
PGE’s operations, infrastructure investments and employees generate jobs across the construction, professional services, retail and healthcare industries.
PGE’s economic impact in Oregon
We power more than two-thirds of the state’s commercial and industrial activity and almost half of the state’s population.
PGE directly and indirectly drives economic growth through operations, infrastructure investments and by enabling key industries.
Since 2020, PGE has reinvested approximately $400 million of earnings to directly benefit customers and support Oregon’s economy. Source: PGE internal data.
As part of a stable, locally rooted industry, our employees build their careers and raise their families in Oregon while forming strong community connections. PGE jobs pay 77 percent higher than the Oregon statewide average wage.
Supporting Oregon’s small business spirit
Small businesses are a driving force behind the region’s economy and a vital part of its creative spirit. PGE helps power small businesses with competitive rates, reliable service and energy saving programs.
Tens of thousands of small businesses rely on PGE for power
Above: PGE customers and small business owners of The Lucky Horseshoe Lounge, Natural Hair and Extensions and Lovejoy Workshop.
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Saving money and energy
PGE offers programs and consultations to small businesses to help them save money and use less energy:
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Competitive rates
*Calculated using 1,500 kWh monthly usage | Effective 7/1/2025 | Source: Edison Electric Institute
PGE’s broad regional impact
Our impact extends far beyond Oregon. We support jobs and economic activity across the West and help attract investments from around the world.
PGE's operations across the west
Our operations extend across Oregon, Washington and Montana. We support jobs and economic activity throughout the region by generating, storing and transmitting power.
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To keep costs as low as possible For our customers, we are maximizing federal grants and tax credits — securing approximately $252 million in grants and capturing more than $1 billion in production and investment tax credits from our own clean energy portfolio, and we estimate as much as another $1 billion from third-party energy contracts. These financial benefits are passed on to customers when the credits are realized.
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PGE’s essential role in Oregon’s future economic security
In addition to powering cities and counties, hospitals and the Port of Portland, PGE provides the backbone infrastructure for high-tech companies, semiconductor manufacturing and data centers that are critical to Oregon’s economic development, supporting employment, investment and tax revenue.
Economic opportunity in industrial sector growth
Maintaining Oregon’s comparative advantage for specific high-tech industries will require a significant investment in grid modernization, new transmission infrastructure, renewable energy generation and storage, and unprecedented investments to prevent wildfires and keep communities safe, all of which requires partnership with Oregon legislators and regulators.
Energy use in the Pacific Northwest is expected to double by 2046, going from 22,000 average megawatts to 44,000 average megawatts, according to the Northwest Power and Conservation Council.
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Growth pays for growth
Oregon’s POWER Act (HB 3546) will ensure that new growth pays for new growth. PGE was proud to support the legislation and will work with regulators to ensure that new large load customers pay their share for renewable resources, transmission lines, substations and other infrastructure that is added to the grid, while all customers benefit from those investments.
Taxes and charges
PGE supports public services across Oregon through the payment of taxes and fees. In total, PGE supports $352.8 million in taxes, passthroughs and transfers to state and local governments or appointed third parties. Since 2016, PGE’s state and local taxes have increased by 72%.
Charitable giving
PGE is deeply rooted in the communities we serve and where we operate facilities and produce power. PGE and our employees invest in Oregon communities through education, volunteering and charitable giving.
In 2024, PGE — as a corporation and the PGE Foundation — donated or granted $4.7 million and offered over 20,000 hours of PGE employee volunteer time to charities and non-profits across the state. Sixty-six percent of our employees participated in charitable giving and/or volunteerism.
Below: PGE employees volunteering for Schoolhouse Supplies, H.O.P.E. (Honoring Our Precious Elders), and We Believe in Portland.
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