Portland General Electric on track to achieve 80 percent emissions reduction by 2030
According to its 2021 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Report, released this week, Portland General Electric’s (PGE) decarbonization efforts are proceeding smoothly, making an 80 percent emissions reduction by 2030 possible even as it expands clean energy options.
The annual ESG reports demonstrate progress toward sustainability and the advancement of equity for customers, staff, and affected communities. In this case, the updated progress toward the sustainability portion leaves PGE on a path to achieving entirely emissions free energy by 2040.
“Sustainability is core to our business at PGE and we view it is a long-term approach to our decarbonization strategy and decision-making that reflects our economic, environmental, and social responsibilities,” Kristen Sheeran, PGE’s director of Sustainability Strategy, said. “PGE is committed to creating an Oregon in which all our customers, employees, and communities can thrive, and this year’s report shows the progress we have made and the impact we have had. We have ambitious goals but are well on our way to meet them.”
While pushing forward on decarbonization, the company has expanded and intends to continue growing its electrification and clean energy efforts, offering more green options for customers and building up its corporate renewable energy partnerships. As of 2021, just over a third of PGE’s energy served to retail customers came from clean energy sources. Drawing from funds provided by the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, PGE also awarded $2.25 million to 11 local nonprofits to expand access to electric transportation throughout Oregon.
Internally, PGE cited increased community commitment, as well as greater equitability for its hiring, training, and retention practices. In 2010, Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC) employees accounted for just 16 percent of its workforce, as of 2021, they made up a quarter of its staff. They also have gained an increased presence in its leadership, representing 23.4 percent. For women, leadership representation stands at 33.8 percent, with a similar presence in the overall workforce, at 33 percent.