PGE, PGE Foundation commit $225,000 to local nonprofits assisting customers in counties hit hardest by destructive winter storm
Feb. 25, 2021
Portland, Ore. – Portland General Electric (PGE) and the PGE Foundation, the corporate foundation of Portland General Electric, announced today they are committing $225,000 to local nonprofit organizations to directly assist impacted customers in five of the hardest hit counties impacted by the historic February ice storm, including Clackamas, Marion, Multnomah, Yamhill and Washington Counties. PGE will work in collaboration with each county to determine which organizations will receive the funds, with an emphasis on supporting nonprofits that helped customers during the storm and those serving low-income residents, seniors, veterans and others needing assistance with basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, household items and emergency preparedness supplies. “We know you rely on us to provide reliable power and losing power for many days can be frustrating and challenging,” said Dave Robertson, PGE Vice President of Public Affairs and vice chair of the PGE Foundation. “We appreciate the ongoing partnerships with county and local response organizations to help people during the storm and now that the ice has melted, we’ll continue to work with each community to target assistance to those who need it most.”
Taking into consideration the counties most impacted by power outages, contributions to local nonprofits in each county will total:
Clackamas County: $75,000
Marion County: $75,000
Multnomah County: $35,000
Yamhill County: $25,000
Washington County: $15,000
The February ice, wind and snow storm was the worst in more than 40 years, causing catastrophic damage to communities and to the electrical system, resulting in extended power outages for many customers. Throughout the storm, PGE collaborated with county emergency management agencies and community organizations to supply warming centers with flashlights, batteries, battery pack chargers, and other essentials. PGE also partnered with local officials to reach out and respond to the needs of customers with critical medical equipment. Customers needing help paying their electric bills should call PGE customer service at 503-228-6322 or 800-542-8818, or visit PGE's website to learn about bill payment assistance programs.