PGE takes the wheel on electrifying transportation

Organizations from across the U.S. will be celebrating National Drive Electric Week to raise awareness of the many benefits all-electric and plug-in hybrid cars, trucks, e-bikes and other methods of electric transportation have.

As the country moves toward using cleaner energy, Oregon has taken a front row seat in electrifying our transportation infrastructure and Portland General Electric has a multitude of ways PGE customers can participate in the transportation electrification (TE) transition.

PGE’s Drive Change Fund (DCF) and Electric School Bus Fund (ESB) are made possible by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality’s Clean Fuels Program . Over 60 local organizations have been awarded funding through 2022 to support underserved communities in completing their electric transportation projects. The grants also help increase education, reduce air and sound pollution, and reduce the state’s greenhouse gas emissions.

“It takes all of us to create a clean energy future and we’re proud to support these organizations amplify their impact with electric transportation projects,” said Juliae Riva, PGE’s product specialist, transportation electrification.

This past June, Portland State University Bike Hub added to their fleet by including 25 Izip Brio E-bikes — bought using grant money from DCF. PSU students living three miles or more from campus have the opportunity to rent e-bikes and ride to school, enabling them to commute to school with less reliance on car travel.

“We are hoping this encourages students to take alternate transportation, to ride to campus and reduce overall carbon emissions,” said Daniel Penner, PSU Bike Hub Supervisor.

This year’s grant recipients represent organizations committed to significantly reducing their greenhouse gas emissions by doing their part in creating a clean energy future. This year’s awardees will be announced during National Drive Electric Week, September 22 - October 1, 2023 at Portlandgeneral.com.