Washington D.C. (December 04, 2024) — The Edison Electric Institute (EEI) today announced Portland General Electric (PGE) as the winner of the inaugural EEI Corporate Citizenship Award for its Project Zero initiative. 

Selected by a panel of executives, the award recognizes EEI member companies for their innovative programs that support the growth and development of the communities they serve. 

Project Zero is PGE’s commitment to expanding learning pathways that inspire the next generation to learn, solve, and act on clean energy challenges and solutions. PGE partners with community-based organizations to address gaps in clean energy education through hands-on classroom activities, out-of-school experiences, and internship opportunities. Since its launch in 2020, Project Zero has reached more than 175,000 students with learning and engagement opportunities related to climate, sustainability, and clean energy. 

“PGE is demonstrating its dedication to positively impacting the communities it serves through Project Zero,” said EEI interim President and CEO Pat Vincent-Collawn. “This initiative is an investment in the future energy workforce of America and is helping push our industry forward. EEI applauds the PGE team for its leadership and congratulates them for winning this inaugural award.”

Project Zero is also recognized for its impact on underserved communities that have historically been affected by climate change. The program focuses on providing opportunities for area youth to make a positive impact on their communities now and for the future. 

“This program creates vital pathways for young people from all walks of life to engage with climate solutions, develop problem-solving skills, and envision themselves as key players in the clean energy transition,” said Kregg Arntson, PGE’s Senior Manager of Corporate Social Responsibility. “We are honored to receive EEI’s Corporate Citizenship Award. This recognition would not be possible without our community partners who have supported PGE’s commitment to empowering the next generation of clean energy leaders.”