By Joseph Baker, May 10, 2011

According to the U.S. Department of Energy’s National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), Portland General Electric(NYSE: POR) has the largest number of customers purchasing renewable energy compared to any other utility in the United States.

In the United States, on average 2% of utility's eligible customer base participate in renewable power programs.  For PGE the story is much different.  Collectively, 78,000 business and residential customers participate in PGE renewable power programs. With a customer base of 821,000, renewable energy program participants represent just over 12%.

These numbers have earned the company its second consecutive number one ranking as the nation's top utility green pricing program by the NREL. The NREL 2010 rankings also marked PGE as the top utility for residential renewable energy sales for the sixth year in a row.

“Our customers again have proven Oregon continues to be a leader in renewable energy and sustainability,” said Carol Dillin, vice president, customers and economic development, PGE.

“Our customers tell us every day they want choices when deciding how to power their homes and businesses and many choose renewable power. We are very proud of that.”

Image Credit: MattBerggren via Flickr

This is a cross-post from EnergyBoom.com.

EnergyBoom is a global leader in energy news information, offering expert analysis on the world economy’s transition to cleaner, more efficient and more secure sources of energy. 

Original Post: http://www.energyboom.com/emerging/united-states-portland-general-electric-has-nations-most-renewable-power-customers