PGE opens 2026 Drive Change Fund: Powering Oregon’s electric transportation future

Portland General Electric is now accepting applications for its 2026 Drive Change Fund, in support of reliable, emission-free electric transportation across Oregon.

The Drive Change Fund is made possible by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Fuels Program. Since its inception in 2019, the fund has supported 128 local organizations and municipalities with 135 electrification projects, from electric vans to e-bikes, tractors and more, totaling more than $23 million.

According to the Oregon Department of Energy, electric 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. The Drive Change Fund addresses this issue by investing in projects that improve climate resilience in communities across its service area.

While electric transportation is a feasible way for organizations to reduce emissions and support a healthy environment, electric vehicles can also help shift maintenance and fuel cost-savings back into their communities.

For many organizations, the initial cost of an electric vehicle can be a hindrance. The Drive Change Fund covers upfront costs associated with an electric vehicle, including charging infrastructure, and full project support from PGE. Long-term, electric vehicles require less maintenance, and are powered with regulated electricity prices, unlike gasoline prices.

“For the organizations we support, mobility means possibility. Whether they’re traveling from community to community or serving people where they live, new, modern electric vehicles help reduce emissions while expanding their outreach and strengthening their mission,” said Kregg Arntson, PGE Director of Community Impact.

Drive Change Fund application period closes March 31, 2026. To apply or to learn more, click here.

Check out previous Drive Change Fund awardees and their missions below:

About Portland General Electric

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to over 950,000 customers serving an area of 1.9 million Oregonians. Since 1889, Portland General Electric (PGE) has been powering 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 was ranked the No. 1 utility in the 2024 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index and is committed to reducing emissions from its retail power supply by 80% by 2030 and 100% by 2040. In 2024, PGE employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.5 million and volunteered nearly 23,000 hours to more than 480 nonprofit organizations. For more information visit www.PortlandGeneral.com/news