Commercial and Multifamily Make Ready

Adding electric vehicle charging to your multifamily property, business or commercial property can feel overwhelming and expensive to do it yourself. The PGE Commercial and Multifamily Make Ready program partners with you to provide technical and financial support to bring EV charging to your customers, employees and residents.

Start an application

Eligibility and requirements:

  • Open to non-residential commercial properties and multifamily properties in under-served communities.

  • Charging site(s) must be within the PGE service territory.

  • Charging must be on a new cost of service meter and a minimum of 8 ports at the service location.

  • Customer must purchase and install PGE-approved, networked Level 2 chargers.

  • Customer must keep chargers operational and share charging data with PGE for 10 years.

  • If customers commit to retail rate that is within 10% of schedule 50 for Level 2 charging, then they will receive the full charger rebate.

  • Customer must sign an easement covering PGE-owned infrastructure.

How Commercial and Multifamily Make Ready program works:

Its no small task building out charging infrastructure. But we are experts and we’re here to manage the process for you, from beginning to end. Look at our make ready process below so you know what to expect.

Questions? Email us: chargingmakeready@portlandgeneral.com

Frequently Asked Questions

To qualify, you’ll need be a PGE nonresidential customer operating in an underserved community as defined by House Bill 2165. You’ll also need to purchase and install at least 8 PGE-approved, network-connected Level 2 EV charging ports and share operational and charging data for 10 years.

The planning phase takes anywhere from 1 to 3 months and construction typically takes 6 to 12 months.

To get started, fill out an application and email it to chargingmakeready@pgn.com.

The Make-Ready incentive can cover some or all the costs for infrastructure needed to make the charging site ready for chargers to be installed. The incentive covers $17,000 per port with 8 ports minimum, up to 12 ports, or up to $204,000 maximum per site.

The Oregon Clean Fuels Program allows property owners to generate Clean Fuels Credits (CFC) from charging electric vehicles on their properties. The property owner can then sell those credits on the market to earn revenue every year. This is typically done through a broker registered with the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ). If the electricity used for charging is offset by onsite renewables or renewable energy credits, additional credits and therefore revenue can be generated. The property owner owns the Clean Fuel Credits, not PGE.

You’ll need to install PGE-approved, network-connected Level 2 chargers. If you have a preferred charging vendor in mind, please communicate that during the Plan phase of the program. See this link for a list of pre-approved Level 2 chargers that are eligible for PGE’s s.

You’re only required to move forward after you sign the reservation form, which is after you review the program scope and all costs associated with the project. The Application phase allows you to see the project design, costs and terms without any financial commitment.

Yes, a new meter service is required to be part of this program.

Other construction on-site needs to not interfere with the EV Make-Ready construction. If you think you’ll have construction nearby that could conflict with the EV Make-Ready construction, please contact chargingmakeready@pgn.com.

Charging station hardware rebates are available for up to $1,000 per port for all customers or $2,300 per port for multifamily properties. The additional $1,300 per port is available for multifamily properties that commit to a retail rate within 10% of Schedule 50 for Level 2 charging. Find more information about the rebate process here.

  • Take Advantage of Available Funding and Expertise: PGE’s Commercial and Multifamily Make-Ready program will design, install and pay for a significant portion of the cost of EV infrastructure for a limited number of properties.

  • Attracting Customers: Providing EV charging stations improves the overall customer experience and shows you’re forward-thinking and environmentally conscious, which can bolster your brand image and win customer loyalty.

  • Increasing Dwell Time: EV drivers often need to wait while their vehicles charge, which gives them the opportunity to spend time and money at your business while they wait. This increased dwell time can boost revenue by an average of 5% according to a Consumer Reports study.

  • Employee Benefits: Offering EV charging stations for your employees is a valuable perk! It encourages sustainable commuting options and supports employees who drive electric vehicles.

  • Future-Proofing: By providing convenient charging options, you can help create a cleaner future for everyone. Plus, you’ll be ready for any building requirements that may come your way down the road, ensuring long-term benefits and future-proofing your investment.

PGE will design, permit and install the Make-Ready infrastructure up to the chargers. This includes transformers, electrical panels, trenching, conduit, concrete pads and wiring. You’ll be responsible for installing charger hardware within 12 months of construction completion.

The Access Board recommends designing at least two EV charging spaces with accessible mobility features including larger spaces and access aisles, as well as providing accessible communication features and operable parts at all EV chargers. Spaces are designated with signage “use last” and not considered reserved. PGE follows these design recommendations for all new publicly accessible or common use charging projects.

PGE will own and maintain the Make-Ready infrastructure installed through the PGE Commercial and Multifamily Make-Ready program. To ensure PGE has access to this infrastructure for maintenance, you’ll need to sign an easement covering the area where the infrastructure is installed.

You’ll own, operate and maintain the chargers during the 10-year term. You can work with the charger supplier or an electrician to plan for maintenance and repair costs for your selected chargers.

  • Take Advantage of Available Funding and Expertise: PGE’s Commercial and Multifamily Make-Ready program will design, install and pay for a significant portion of the cost of EV infrastructure for a limited number of properties.

  • Attracting Environmentally Conscious Tenants: Demonstrate a commitment to environmental responsibility, appealing to eco-conscious renters who seek living spaces aligned with their values.

  • Staying Ahead of the Curve: Installing EV infrastructure now puts you ahead of any building requirements that may come your way down the road, ensuring long-term benefits and future-proofing your investment.

  • Tenant Retention and Satisfaction: Win long-term tenants by upgrading their experience and making charging easy.

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