PGE is committed to doing its part to address the issue of global climate change. We generate electricity from a diverse range of generation resources, including natural gas, coal, hydro, renewables, long-term contracts and market purchases. Depending on the source, greenhouse gas emissions, especially carbon dioxide emissions, can occur in the process of generating electricity. According to the Natural Resource Defense Council’s 2008 air emissions benchmarking report, PGE ranks among the bottom third of utilities for total greenhouse gas emissions (67th of 100 utilities).

Working to limit greenhouse gas emissions
Currently, there are no federal requirements for existing electric generating units to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, although the Environmental Protection Agency is moving ahead with efforts to regulate greenhouse gas under the Clean Air Act. It is premature for PGE to establish specific reduction targets until we know more about the impact of future legislation and the cost and effectiveness of future carbon-reduction technologies. However, as PGE works to meet the growing energy needs of our customers and deliver safe, reliable power at an affordable cost, we are working to responsibly manage our resources and to limit our greenhouse gas emissions. This includes moving forward with the 2020 plan for our Boardman Plant, which calls for installation of new emission controls and ceasing the use of coal at the plant by the end of 2020.

Steps we’re taking
Our Boardman Plant 2020 plan will significantly reduce the greenhouse gas PGE produces. Other steps we are taking include:

• Increasing our renewable resources (now more than 11 percent of PGE generation)
• Promoting energy efficiency
• Operating generation plants as efficiently as possible
• Promoting renewable power to our customers
• Supporting the transition to electric vehicles in the Oregon (vehicle emissions are the state’s No. 1 source of greenhouse gas emissions).
• Learn more about how PGE is working to address climate change and pursue a cleaner energy future.

How PGE compares with other utilities for carbon dioxide emissions
A variety of factors can increase or decrease of greenhouse gas emissions in any given year. These include the energy demand of customers, improved snow pack that results in more hydro generation, regional economic conditions and the availability of wind. Introduction of new generation resources can also be a factor. For example, an increase in CO₂ emissions in 2007 was largely due to the opening of Port Westward, one of the most efficient gas-fired power plants in the West.

The chart below shows PGE’s historic CO₂ emissions from PGE-owned generation in Oregon and Montana. The blue line, which tracks pounds of CO₂ per MW hour, demonstrates the positive impact that the introduction of our Biglow Canyon Wind Farm and the Port Westward Plant had on our CO₂ emissions.

Emissions ranking: Total CO₂ emissions
Of the nation’s 100 largest electricity producers, PGE is ranked among the top third of utilities with the lowest CO₂ emissions.

• Chart of 100 utilities ranked by total CO₂ emissions (PDF).

The data in this chart for the industry average comes from the 2010 air emissions report of the 100 largest electric power producers in the U.S., based on 2008 generation and emissions. The report uses publicly reported data and is the product of a collaborative effort among Ceres, the Natural Resources Defense Council, Public Service Enterprise Group, Constellation Energy and Entergy. View the full report (PDF).

Emissions intensity ranking

• Chart of 100 utilities ranked by CO₂ emissions intensity (PDF)

This chart compares the top 100 companies in the U.S. for their overall efficiency or “emissions intensity” (the amount of CO₂ emissions per megawatt hour). Most efficient utilities are at right. PGE ranks among the top 50 percent of utilities (42nd) for the efficiency of its generation. The source is the same as the chart with total CO₂ emissions.