PGE shares ways to keep cool, reduce energy costs as hotter summer temperatures settle in

Portland, Ore. — The National Weather Service has issued an excessive heat warning from Tuesday to Wednesday that affects the Portland General Electric (PGE) service area. With near-record high temperatures in the forecast, customers may be looking to stay cool and keep energy costs low.

WHAT: Media availability - PGE spokesperson discussing ways customers can stay cool during summer heat.

WHEN: Tuesday, August 4, 11 a.m.

WHERE: 1 World Trade Center, 121 SW Salmon Street, Portland – Plaza

Ways to help keep your home cool

• Run appliances such as ovens, stovetops, dishwashers and clothes dryers at night or in the early morning.

• Close curtains on sun-facing windows or use awnings during the day and when running AC units.

Check your thermostat

• Set central air thermostats to 76 degrees, rather than 70 degrees.

• Upgrade to a programmable or smart thermostat to help you save season after season.

Weatherize your home

• Keep the heat out by making sure ducts are sealed or insulated. Use weather-stripping or caulking around doors, windows, pipes and cracks.

• Community action agencies offer income-qualified PGE customers Weatherization Assistance (even for renters). If you’re a DIY-er, Community Energy Project has free workshops and other weatherization resources.

Sign-up for Flex Power programs that help you save energy and reduce strain on the power grid during times of high demand

• Peak Time Rebates rewards customers for shifting energy use during peak times – when electricity demand and prices are highest.

• When you’re enrolled in the Smart Thermostat program, your thermostat automatically adjusts a few degrees to shift your electricity use away from peak times.

• Do less between 5-9 p.m. weekdays and save with Time of Day – our unique option that offers you lower energy prices for using less energy during high demand hours.

• Smart Charging rewards you for allowing PGE to pause your EV charging for a few hours every weekday when energy demand is high.

The PGE Customer Dashboard can help

• PGE customers can sign in to their online account or create one to access their account dashboard where they can take steps to maximize energy savings, gain insight into their bill, and get personalized recommendations for Flex Power programs.

• Set up text or email notifications to get weekly estimated bill amounts.

For more ways to use energy more efficiently and participate in energy-saving programs, visit our website.

About Portland General Electric Company

Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is an integrated energy company that generates, transmits and distributes electricity to nearly 960,000 customers serving an area of approximately 2 million Oregonians. Since 1889, Portland General Electric (PGE) has been powering economies, delivering safe, affordable and reliable electricity while working to transform energy systems to meet evolving customer needs. PGE continues to make progress toward emissions reduction targets, and customers have set the standard for prioritizing clean energy with the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the country. PGE is ranked a top ten utility in the 2025 Forrester U.S. Customer Experience Index. In 2025, PGE employees and retirees volunteered over 18,300 hours to more than 400 nonprofit organizations. Through the PGE Foundation, along with corporate contributions and the employee matching gift program, more than $5 million was directed to charitable organizations supporting economic growth and community resilience across our service area. For information: portlandgeneral.com/news