Learn about the charges and adjustments on your bill and when to notify us before a move.
Basic Charge
The Basic Charge supports fixed costs such as meter reading, equipment, maintenance and billing necessary to serve customers, regardless of the energy used. This is a charge for having service available and is billed even if no electricity is used.
Energy Use Charge
The Energy Use Charge is the amount of electricity used multiplied by the cost for energy as stated in your rate schedule. For residential customers, kilowatt-hour (kWh) charges are on a tiered rate structure. The first 250 kWh of energy used will be at a lower price per kWh than energy used above that amount. Energy charges for Time of Use customers will be broken out into different rate periods.
Transmission and distribution charges
Transmission and distribution charges cover the cost of bringing power to you, including the cost of maintaining utility poles, lines, substations, transmission towers and other equipment.
Renewable Energy
If you opt to choose either Green SourceSM or Clean WindSM renewable power, a separate charge for that option will appear on your bill. If you choose to add Habitat Support that charge will also appear as a separate line item.
Adjustments
Adjustments are listed separately from your energy costs for transparency and because they often change. Adjustments may be added, expire or change from charges to credits or credits to charges. To learn about an adjustment, see the adjustment schedules or call PGE Customer Service at 503-228-6322 or 800-542-8818. (TTY Relay for the hearing impaired 800-735-2900).
Low Income Assistance
This fee, mandated by state law, provides funding for low-income customers who are unable pay their electric bills. PGE does not keep these funds; they are distributed to organizations with energy-efficiency programs, including the Energy Trust of Oregon.
Public Purpose Charge (3 percent)
This charge funds energy efficiency, renewable resources, energy efficiency in schools and low-income energy efficiency and housing programs. Mandated by state law, this is a 10-year fee expiring March 1, 2011. PGE does not keep these funds; they are distributed to organizations with energy-efficiency programs, including the Energy Trust of Oregon.
Late payment charge
A late payment charge of 1.5 percent may be applied to past-due billings.
Other important information
- When you move
Please call PGE at least five days before you move. This will allow us to get a final meter reading and ensure that service is available at your new location if you move within the PGE service area.
- Past due payments and returned checks
If you have enrolled in an E-bill program, you are paying your bill electronically. However, if your payment is past due, you will receive a notice through the mail. If you receive a past-due notice, please call PGE at 800-542-8818 or 503-228-6322. You may have to make your payment at a PGE office or Express Pay location.
If your check is returned unpaid due to insufficient or uncollectible funds, we may resubmit it to your bank electronically and assess a fee for the transaction.
- Employee identification
Our employees carry PGE identification with a photograph. Don’t hesitate to ask for identification before admitting a PGE employee onto your premises.
- Know your rights and responsibilities
Learn more about your rights and responsibilities as an Oregon utility customer.