PGE takes company-wide steps to address the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and support customers and communities

Portland, Ore. — Today, PGE shared the steps that it is taking in response to the recent global pandemic to reduce the chances of the virus potentially affecting the community and the company’s ability to provide reliable and safe service to customers.

“As an essential service provider, it is our responsibility to ensure safe and reliable electric service to hospitals, first responders, clinics and our most vulnerable citizens, and we are taking action to minimize any disruption,” said Maria Pope, president and CEO of PGE. “While we have already implemented precautionary measures, we are taking additional actions to make sure our employees, customers and communities are safe and supported in a rapidly evolving situation.”

At the outset of the virus, PGE activated its business continuity and emergency management protocols and partnered with local, state and federal emergency groups to assess and respond effectively, to protect employees and support operational continuity.

Minimizing impacts to service

Customers rely on PGE to deliver safe and reliable electric service to their homes, businesses, health care facilities and first responders. To ensure operations continue as planned, PGE is:

• Accelerating flexible work capabilities to reduce potential employee exposure and the chances the virus will affect those in critical frontline roles;

• Updating and ensuring effective staffing plans in operational areas that are most vital to serving customers;

• Implementing CDC guidelines for cleaning and sanitizing our worksites.

Supporting customers and communities

There is nothing more important than the safety of our customers and employees. PGE is taking the following steps to help ease the brunt of the pandemic’s impact:

• We are temporarily suspending service disconnections and late payment fees;

• To help customers stay safe and practice social distancing, our community offices will be closed March 16 to April 1. During that time, we are urging customers to use our self service options  to pay their bill through the PGE app or online at portlandgeneral.com .

• We encourage customers to contact us as soon as possible by calling 503-228-6322 if they need help making payment arrangements.

Ensuring the safety of employees

From the outset, PGE shared guidance from the Center for Disease Control and Oregon Health Authority on preventing the spread of germs and implemented additional precautionary measures, including:

• Banning all non-essential business travel and all travel to CDC Level 3 countries;

• Requiring any employee to stay home for 14 days if they have traveled to or through a CDC Level 3 country in the previous 14 days, or if they’d been in contact with someone who had either traveled to a CDC Level 3 country or had the virus;

• Restricting access to PGE locations if vendors or suppliers have traveled to or through a CDC Level 3 country in the last 14 days, or if they’ve been in close contact with someone who has;

• Evaluating the necessity of meetings and cancelling events that would gather large numbers of employees;

• Maintaining close contact with the Oregon Health Authority and the Oregon Public Utility Commission to learn and share information;

• Establishing a channel for employees to ask questions about COVID-19 at PGE.

PGE cares deeply about the health and safety of employees, customers and the communities where it works, lives and serves and will provide updates as the pandemic continues to evolve.