Oregon's public utilities are a mix of investor-owned companies, public utility districts (PUDs), and municipal bureaus.
* **Electricity:** The two largest investor-owned electric utilities are **Portland General Electric (PGE)** and **Pacific Power**. Many rural and coastal areas are served by consumer-owned cooperatives and PUDs. A significant portion of Oregon's electricity comes from renewable hydroelectric power (via the Bonneville Power Administration). * **Natural Gas:** **NW Natural** serves the Portland metro area, Willamette Valley, and coast. **Cascade Natural Gas** and **Avista** serve parts of central, eastern, and southern Oregon. * **Water & Sewer:** Primarily managed at the municipal level. The **Portland Water Bureau**, for instance, manages the renowned Bull Run Watershed, known for providing exceptionally pure drinking water without the need for traditional filtration. * **Waste Management:** Services are managed locally through franchises with companies like **Waste Management** and **Republic Services**, alongside strong municipal recycling and composting programs (e.g., Portland's curbside composting).
