You have questions, we have answers
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How does Green Future work?
Green Future makes it easy to match your home’s electricity use with renewable resources like wind and solar. You choose the level that’s right for you, and PGE purchases renewable energy sourced from Oregon and other Western states on your behalf. The cost is added to your monthly bill, so there are no separate payment statements. Your participation reduces your environmental impact and supports renewable energy projects right here in our local communities through the Green Future Renewable Development Fund!
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How much does it cost?
The cost depends on the option you choose, and the price starts at $1.88 per month. The most popular option is to go 100% renewable, which would cost about $5 more per month on average for the typical residential customer who uses 784 kilowatt-hours per month. Starting Jan. 1, 2025, when you choose this option, Green Future Choice matches 73% of your electricity use and the other 27% comes from PGE’s renewable commitment. You also have the option to match a portion of your energy use for a fixed monthly price. Use our tool to find the option that’s right for you.
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Where does my money go?
Your Green Future participation supports:
- Renewable energy: PGE purchases Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) on your behalf from facilities in Oregon and other Western states. The amount of RECs that PGE purchases depends on the participation level you select.
- Community grants: Green Future participants support the Green Future Renewable Development Fund, which provides grants to local organizations to build renewable energy projects.
- Outreach, education, and administration: Your participation enables us to keep offering this option to Oregonians throughout the state.
PGE does not make a profit from the Green Future program. For participants who add Habitat Support to their enrollment, $2.50 per month goes directly to The Nature Conservancy to restore local fish habitat.
Learn more about the impact that Green Future participants are making.
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What is a Renewable Energy Certificate?
A Renewable Energy Certificate (REC) is created every time one megawatt-hour of renewable energy is generated and added to the electric grid, and it represents the environmental benefits of this energy. Learn more about how RECs work in this video from the Center for Resource Solutions.
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If I enroll in Green Future, is renewable energy directly coming to my home?
No, renewable energy is not coming directly to your home. Once any type of energy is produced and added to the electric grid, it’s not possible to tell what source it came from. But, when you participate in Green Future, PGE purchases Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) on your behalf. These RECs represent the environmental benefit of one megawatt-hour of renewable energy being delivered to the electric grid. Adding more renewable energy to the grid reduces the need for non-renewable types of energy, which means your participation makes a positive difference for the environment.
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How is the renewable energy purchased through Green Future being verified?
Green Future Choice and Block are overseen by the Oregon Public Utility Commission and audited annually by a third-party to verify the renewable energy purchased on your behalf.
Still have questions?
We’re here to help. Here are some ways to connect with us.
Email us at [email protected] or give our Customer Service a call at 503-228-6322 or 800-542-8818.
Representatives are available from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday. We’re ready to assist you in English, Spanish and Russian. For all other languages, over-the-phone interpretation services are also available.