Portland General Electric has been awarded the first EEI Corporate Citizenship Award, recognizing the company's dedication to community engagement through its signature initiative, Project Zero. The award, established by the Edison Electric Institute (EEI) in 2024, honors innovative corporate citizenship efforts that drive meaningful change within their community. PGE was selected based on the effectiveness, innovation and scope of Project Zero, which is the company’s initiative to help address critical gaps in clean energy education, environmental justice and the green economy workforce.

Launched in 2020, Project Zero was created to empower young people, especially those from underserved communities, to play an active role in shaping a sustainable future. Through partnerships with over 43 community organizations, Project Zero continues to provide educational opportunities and paid green job internships to young adults to help bridge gaps in the green economy workforce. The program has reached more than 175,000 students and engaged nearly 800 employee volunteers, with over half of its interns securing full-time positions in the green jobs sector upon completion of the program.

This recognition from EEI reflects PGE's commitment to not only powering the lives of its customers but also investing in the next generation of leaders prepared to address climate challenges. The EEI Corporate Citizenship Award was presented to PGE during its Powering Engagement Conference, followed by an announcement at the EEI CEO and Board Meeting.

Project Zero is funded in part by the PGE Foundation, the philanthropic arm of PGE. For more information about PGE’s Project Zero Internship program visit: Community Involvement (portlandgeneral.com)

About the PGE Foundation

The PGE Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Portland General Electric. Founded in 1997, the foundation was created through an endowment with the expressed purpose of improving the quality of life for Oregonians. Since its inception, the foundation has awarded more than $28 million to community organizations across the state. We champion values that embrace diversity, equity and inclusion. Working together with community members, partners and friends, we are committed to using our time and resources to help eliminate disparities and create an equitable society where all people can reach their full potential. To learn more, please visit pgefoundation.org.