Electric vehicle adoption continues to accelerate across Oregon, and utilities are playing a growing role in supporting the infrastructure needed to keep pace. For commercial property owners and businesses in Portland General Electric’s service territory, that support now comes in the form of substantial incentives for installing Level 2 EV charging stations.

PGE’s current rebate program is designed to reduce the upfront cost of EV charging by offsetting both equipment and installation expenses. For qualifying projects, total incentives can reach up to $25,500 per charging port, making this one of the most impactful EV charging programs currently available in the region.

For property owners and businesses evaluating EV charging—whether as a tenant amenity, workplace benefit, or long-term infrastructure investment—understanding how these incentives work is a critical first step.

EV Charging Is Becoming a Tenant Expectation

For commercial property owners and property managers, tenant expectations are shifting fast. Electric vehicles are no longer niche, and access to on-site charging is increasingly viewed as a standard amenity—not a nice-to-have.

The challenge is cost. Electrical upgrades, trenching, and installation can quickly turn EV charging into a complex capital project.

That’s where Portland General Electric (PGE) steps in.

PGE Is Offering Significant Incentives for Level 2 EV Charging

PGE’s rebate program offers some of the most generous incentives available in the Pacific Northwest for commercial and multifamily properties. When combined, charger and installation rebates can total up to $25,500 per charging port, depending on site conditions and eligibility.

This program is available exclusively to PGE customers and is intended to accelerate EV adoption across workplaces, commercial properties, and residential communities.

Available Rebate Opportunities

1. Nonresidential Charger Rebate

Designed for commercial buildings, office parks, and workplace charging:

• Up to $2,000 per charging port
• Maximum $50,000 per site
• Supports employee, customer, and fleet charging

2. Multifamily Charger Rebate

Intended for properties providing EV charging access to residents:

• Up to $3,500 per charging port
• Maximum $50,000 per site
• Recognizes EV charging as a growing residential amenity

3. Installation Rebate for Underserved Communities

This is where the program delivers the largest financial impact.

For eligible sites located in PGE-designated underserved communities:

• Up to $22,000 per port
• Maximum $176,000 per site
• Can cover major installation costs, including:
  • Electrical service upgrades
  • Trenching and conduit
  • Panels and infrastructure improvements

When combined with charger rebates, total incentives can reach:

• Up to $24,000 per port for nonresidential projects
• Up to $25,500 per port for multifamily projects

Actual incentive amounts depend on the number of chargers installed, electrical scope, and site-specific conditions.

Why This Matters for Commercial Properties

Installing Level 2 EV charging typically costs between $3,000 and $15,000 per port, and can be higher for properties requiring service upgrades or long trenching runs.

PGE’s rebates can offset a significant portion of those costs—and in some cases, nearly all of them—turning EV charging from a capital-intensive project into a more practical building upgrade.

Beyond incentives, EV charging can help properties:

• Attract and retain tenants
• Future-proof buildings as EV adoption increases
• Support tenant sustainability initiatives
• Differentiate properties in competitive leasing markets
• Create optional revenue through paid charging

Underserved Communities: A Critical Eligibility Check

The enhanced installation rebate is limited to properties located within PGE-identified underserved communities. Eligibility is determined using PGE’s interactive map and should be confirmed early in the planning process.

This designation can significantly impact project economics—particularly for sites requiring substantial electrical infrastructure upgrades.

Important Note: Material rebates (chargers) are open to any PGE customer who wants to install chargers, regardless of the underserved community status.

Application Process: What to Expect

PGE uses the PowerClerk platform for rebate applications. Submissions are made after installation is complete, as this is a rebate program rather than a pre-approval grant.

Required documentation includes:

• Itemized invoice dated after January 1, 2026
• Photos of installed equipment with visible serial numbers
• IRS Form W-9
• Commercial Charger Registration form
• Commercial Charging Station Data Release form

Because incentives are reimbursed post-installation, proper planning and coordination are essential.

Incentive Timing Considerations

With PGE rebates currently available and federal tax incentives still in effect—such as the 30% Alternative Fuel Vehicle Refueling Property Credit for qualifying commercial installations—the economics of EV charging are particularly favorable.

Incentive programs may change, funding levels can shift, and eligibility requirements can evolve. Evaluating opportunities early helps avoid missed incentives.

How PEC Helps Simplify EV Charging Projects

PEC provides turnkey design-build EV charging solutions for commercial properties, supported by a dedicated Energy Programs team that manages the incentive process from start to finish.

We support clients with:

• Incentive and eligibility evaluation
• Electrical capacity and infrastructure assessments
• Complete EV charging design and installation
• Utility coordination and rebate documentation
• Incentive submission and follow-up

Our approach is designed to reduce complexity, minimize risk, and streamline project execution.

Discuss Your EV Charging Project

The incentives available for your project depend on how many chargers you plan to install, your electrical infrastructure, and whether your site qualifies for enhanced installation rebates.

A brief conversation with a PEC sales engineer can help you:

• Understand potential incentive ranges
• Evaluate feasibility and scope
• Determine next steps, including a site assessment

Contact PEC today to discuss your EV charging project.