Portland General Electric Rate Plans: Finding Your Best Option

Portland General Electric Rate Plans: Finding Your Best Option

Portland General Electric (PGE) serves over 900,000 customers across 51 cities in Oregon. With multiple rate plan options available, choosing the right one can significantly impact your monthly electricity costs.

Understanding PGE's Rate Structure

PGE offers several rate plans for residential customers:

1. Basic Service (Schedule 7)
2. Time of Use (Schedule 7)
3. Smart Hours pilot program

Basic Service Rate

The standard residential rate features:

• Basic Charge: Approximately $11/month
• Energy Charge: Approximately $0.12/kWh (all hours)

This plan works best for customers with consistent usage throughout the day.

Time of Use Rate

PGE's Time of Use rate offers different prices based on when you use electricity:

Peak Hours (3 PM - 8 PM weekdays)

• Higher rate: Approximately $0.18/kWh

Off-Peak Hours (All other times)

• Lower rate: Approximately $0.09/kWh

Who Should Choose Time of Use

This plan benefits customers who can:

• Run major appliances before 3 PM or after 8 PM
• Charge electric vehicles overnight
• Use programmable thermostats

PGE's Clean Energy Programs

Green Future Choice

• Additional cost: Approximately $0.01/kWh
• Supports new renewable energy projects in Oregon

Community Solar

• Subscribe to a portion of a local solar farm
• Receive bill credits for solar production

Tips for Lowering Your PGE Bill

1. Optimize for Time of Use: Run dishwasher after 8 PM, do laundry on weekends
2. Take Advantage of Rebates: Smart thermostats, heat pump water heaters, ductless heat pumps
3. Use Energy Tracker: Monitor daily usage online
4. Consider Budget Billing: Equal monthly payments through Equal Pay program

Comparing PGE to Other Oregon Utilities

| Utility | Average Residential Rate |

|---------|-------------------------|

| Portland General Electric | $0.12/kWh |

| Pacific Power | $0.11/kWh |

| Eugene Water & Electric | $0.09/kWh |

| Salem Electric | $0.08/kWh |