U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy
Green Power Network
News
Environmental and Market-Based Options for Portland General Electric and Pacific Power Customers
PORTLAND, OR — January 7, 2002 — If you're a homeowner, renter or small business served by Portland General Electric or Pacific Power, you can now choose from a number of new power options.
Some options provide electricity from wind, geothermal and other resources that are better for the environment than coal or nuclear. Other options can save you money if you significantly reduce the electricity you use during on-peak hours or during months of the year when electricity use is highest.
Environmental Options:
Fixed Renewable - You can choose to buy a fixed amount of new wind generation each month from Portland General Electric's Clean Wind program or Pacific Power's Blue Sky program.
Renewable Usage - You can get 100% of your electricity from Green Mountain Energy Company's geothermal and new wind sources, brought to you by your utility.
Habitat - You can get 100% of your electricity from sources that are not harmful to fish while you help rebuild native fish habitat. Electricity is from Green Mountain Energy Company's geothermal and new wind sources, brought to you by your utility. For the Sake of the Salmon, a nonprofit conservation group, will manage habitat restoration funds.
Market-Based Options*:
Time of Use - If you sign up for this option, your rates will vary by time of day, day of week and season. You can save money if you significantly reduce your electricity use during on-peak hours. There's a conditional price guarantee, but you must enroll for 12 months. A small monthly fee helps pay for the special meter that your utility will install. This option is open to all Portland General Electric customers; Pacific Power is limiting this option to 3,500 customers.
Seasonal Flux (Pacific Power only) - Your electricity rate will vary each month to follow projected market costs. You must sign up by Feb. 26, 2002, and stay on this rate plan for 10 months.
*Business customers also may choose to buy power from other suppliers approved by the Public Utility Commission, but must do so by certain deadlines.
Basic Service:
The Basic Service rate you have now will continue to be available. You'll stay on this rate unless you enroll in a different option.
Still Regulated, Still Reliable
The Oregon Public Utility Commission regulates all these electricity options, which were developed by an advisory group set up by the Commission. The group included representatives of the Oregon Office of Energy, Citizens Utility Board, Associated Oregon Industries, AARP, Fair and Clean Energy Coalition, Renewable Northwest Project, League of Oregon Cities, City of Portland, the Public Utility Commission, Pacific Power and Portland General Electric.
No matter which option you choose, you'll continue to get reliable power to your home or business. Your utility will continue to maintain the poles and wires that deliver your electricity. And your utility will continue to provide customer service, billing and meter reading.
When to Choose
These electricity options are available starting March 1. Portland General Electric and Pacific Power customers will receive enrollment materials in January or February. To have your choices start March 1, you can sign up right away on your utility's Web site, or mail or fax the enrollment form. Or you can enroll anytime (except for Pacific Power's Seasonal Flux option). You also can change options at any time, except market-based options have minimum terms.
Contacts:
Portland General Electric, (800) 542-8818
Pacific Power, (800) 769-3717
Green Mountain Energy Company, (866) GMTN-633
For the Sake of the Salmon, (503) 223-8511
Public Utility Commission, (800) 522-2404
|
