Portland General Electric Neighborhood EV Charging Program Questions and Answers

The Neighborhood EV Charging Program is a PGE-managed project conducted in close collaboration with the City of Salem.

Abbreviations used:

EV = Electric Vehicle

kWh = Kilowatt-hour

PGE = Portland General Electric

What is the purpose of the PGE’s Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Charging Program?

The purpose of PGE’s Neighborhood Electric Vehicle Charging Program is to allow more people to have easier and more convenient access to charge their electric vehicles (EV)

Why is PGE installing EV charging systems on some of its utility poles in Salem?

Installing EV chargers on PGE-owned power poles located in the public right-of-way is a cost-effective way to help make EV charging accessible. These pole chargers provide EV drivers the ability to charge their electric vehicles regardless of where they live or work.

What kind of EV chargers are being installed?

PGE is installing Level 2 chargers on its poles. Level 2 chargers can charge a battery electric vehicle from empty to 80 percent in 4-10 hours and provide a similar charge for a Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicle in 1-2 hours.

How many pole chargers does PGE have in Salem?

PGE is currently planning on installing a total of 34 EV charging units citywide.

Which Neighborhood Associations have pole chargers in them?

There will be 34 chargers distributed at locations in eight of Salem’s 17 neighborhood association areas: Southeast Salem Neighborhood Association (SESNA), Central Area Neighborhood Development Organization (CAN-DO), Grant Neighborhood Association, Highland Neighborhood Association, Morningside Neighborhood Association, Northeast Neighbors (NEN), South Central Association of Neighbors (SCAN), and Southwest Association of Neighbors (SWAN).

How did PGE and the City determine where to install these chargers?

Locations for EV chargers are proposed by PGE and reviewed by the City based on a number of factors. These factors include: availability of street parking; proximity of multi-family housing and rental property; the age, height, and power capacity of the pole; the number of registered EVs in the area; and the median household income within the area.

How much does it cost to use these chargers?

As of January 1, 2025, PGE’s pricing is $0.12 per kWh. An additional peak time fee of $0.28 per kWh is added on weekdays between 5:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. If you remain parked after charging is completed, an “idle fee” of $0.10 per minute will be charged unless you unplug the vehicle within 10 minutes of completion of the charge.

Can I charge my vehicle overnight?

Yes, unless there are other posted parking restrictions. In Salem, you are allowed to park your vehicle overnight in the public right-of-way provided you do so legally (for example, you cannot block a driveway, you must park in the direction of traffic, and you much park within 12-inches of the curb) and unless posted otherwise (for example, handicapped parking only r residential parking permit required). However, as a courtesy to other EV drivers and to the surrounding neighbors you should relocate your vehicle after charging has been completed. Also, at the pole charging location an “idle fee” of $0.10 per minute ($6.00 per hour) will be assessed after a 10-minute grace period if your vehicle does not unplug the vehicle once charging is complete.

How are residents notified of PGE’s intention to install a charger on a pole near them?

Prior to installation, PGE sends emails and postcards to all customers within a quarter-mile radius of the proposed location.

What if I do not want people from outside my neighborhood parking on my street?

By law, any member of the public is allowed to park in the public right-of-way, regardless of the type of car they drive or where they live, provided they do not engage in illegal or dangerous activities and provided they do not violate posted parking restrictions.

How often can I expect to see cars parked in my neighborhood charging their vehicle?

Early data from PGE’s Neighborhood EV Charging Program indicate there is a wide range of visits (called “sessions” in PGE’s database) at each neighborhood location. Over a 90-day period ending in January, there were a total of 62 sessions at the then-24 active locations in Salem. The most active location had 24 sessions over the three-month period, an average of two vehicles per week. One of the least used locations had three sessions over the 90-day period, an average of one parked car per month.

Who is allowed to park in the marked EV charging space?

Any vehicle – regardless of whether it is an electric vehicle – may park in the marked EV pole charging space in Salem. [Note this is unlike many other EV charging spaces in Salem, which are exclusively limited to EVs that are actively charging.] In the case of PGE’s Neighborhood Charging Program, the City chose to not limit the parking space to only EV vehicles in order to retain existing on-street parking in neighborhoods.

I live in a Residential Parking District with a 90-minute parking time limit for vehicles without a permit. If a vehicle without the required residential parking permit is charging in my district, can it stay longer than 90 minutes?

No. Local parking restriction apply regardless of the status of charging the electric vehicle. In this case, the parking restriction of 90 minutes would apply and the EV driver must relocate the vehicle after it has been parked for 90 minutes regardless of the status of the charge unless they have an RP Parking Permit.

How can I get a pole charger installed in my neighborhood?

PGE’s funding for the Neighborhood EV Charging Program is limited. Additionally, not all of PGE’s poles have sufficient electricity to power an EV charger. However, it may be possible to have an EV charger installed on a pole in your neighborhood. If you are interested in having an EV pole charger installed in your neighborhood, please email PGE at neighborhoodcharging@pge.com for an assessment. If PGE determines that there is one or more qualifying location and funding is available, PGE will contact City staff to determine if the location is eligible based on the City’s criteria.

How can I find the locations for PGE’s pole chargers?

Visit PGE's Neighborhood Charging webpage at portlandgeneral.com/energy-choices/electric-vehicles-charging/charging-your-ev/neighborhood-charging.

Who do I contact if a charger does not work?

If the charger does not work, please send an email to neighborhoodcharging@pgn.com and PGE will get it fixed as soon as possible.

Who do I contact if I have questions or concerns?

If there are questions or concerns about the program, you may contact PGE at neighborhoodcharging@pgn.com.

Where can I find additional information on PGE’s Neighborhood EV Charging Program?

Additional information on the program is available on the internet at: portlandgeneral.com/energy-choices/electric-vehicles-charging/charging-your-ev/neighborhood-charging.