Supporting local communities toward a clean energy future

Portland, Ore. – Portland General Electric is now accepting Drive Change Fund grant applications for 2025 to support communities transitioning to a clean energy future through electric transportation.

Electrifying transportation is one of the most significant ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with nearly 35% of Oregon’s emissions coming from the transportation sector, according to the Oregon Department of Energy.

Although electric transportation is a substantial way to improve air quality, many communities do not have the resources available to switch to electric, including rural areas whose distance from larger communities may hinder access to electric charging stations. PGE encourages organizations and municipalities in rural areas to apply to expand electric capabilities in their communities.

Made possible with funding provided by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Oregon Clean Fuels Program , PGE’s Drive Change Fund supports electric transportation projects for local community organizations and governmental entities, with a focus on rural and underserved communities. In addition to funding, grant recipients receive PGE project support starting from the initial project application through its full completion.

Over the past six years, PGE’s Drive Change Fund has benefited nearly 100 electrification projects for more than 80 organizations. In 2024, the Drive Change Fund awarded grants to 27 non-profits and one municipality across PGE’s service area, including:

• Forth Mobility - The nonprofit received funding for two electrified farm vehicles that will be used in a program that lends electric farming equipment to local farmers.

• PDX Diaper Bank – The organization used funding toward an electric forklift that will be used in its warehouse operations to increase diaper distribution to families and accept more shipments of donated diapers.

• Raices de Bienestar – Providing mental health services and community programs to Latine people, the organization received funding for an electric mobile health and outreach vehicle.

The Drive Change application window runs now until March 31. For application guidelines and more information, please visit PGE’s Drive Change Fund page, or email PGEDriveChangeFund@pgn.com.

PDX Diaper Bank used the Drive Change Fund to purchase an electric forklift.

Doernbecher Children’s Hospital used Drive Change Funds to purchase an electric vehicle.

Family Building Blocks in Salem used Drive Changes Funds toward an electric bus.

About Portland General Electric

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to over 930,000 customers serving an area of 1.9 million Oregonians. For more than 130 years, Portland General Electric (PGE) has powered social progress, delivering safe, affordable, reliable and increasingly clean electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE is committed to reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. PGE is recognized by the Bloomberg Gender-Equality Index for the company’s commitment to creating a more equal, inclusive workplace. In 2023, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated nearly $4.6 million and volunteered over 23,000 volunteer hours to more than 400 nonprofit organizations. For information, visit portlandgeneral.com/news .