The Tigard-Tualatin School District (TTSD) has been selected by Portland General Electric’s 2022 Electric School Bus Fund to receive funding to purchase its first two electric school buses, install charging infrastructure and receive technical and training support. School districts were chosen based on their commitments to meet the needs of underserved communities and incorporate the buses more broadly into student education around climate science. The announcement was made at the District’s School Board meeting as part of a weeklong celebration of National Drive Electric Week.
“We are so pleased to receive this support from our partners at PGE,” said TTSD Superintendent Dr. Sue Rieke-Smith. “The timing is perfect as we stand up a district climate leadership committee inspired by a team of high school students who approached the School Board last spring. Thanks to their vision and leadership, the TTSD School Board passed Resolution 2122-19 calling on the District, State Legislature, and Congress to take action on climate change. PGE’s support will be foundational in our commitment to this work.”
The electric school bus program is funded by the sale of Oregon Clean Fuel Program credits, which PGE aggregates on behalf of residential customers who charge their electric vehicles at home. PGE is covering the incremental cost of the electric school buses (the difference in cost between a standard diesel bus and an electric bus) and the total installation of charging infrastructure. PGE is also providing technical assistance to school districts throughout the process, including site assessments, cost-benefit analysis, vehicle and charger selection support, and driver and mechanic support. In return, participating school districts will work with PGE to share their insights and learnings with other school districts interested in electrifying their bus fleets.
“Portland General Electric is excited to support our partners in expanding cleaner transportation systems across the state,” said Maria Pope, president, and CEO of PGE. “Transportation electrification plays an essential role in accelerating the clean energy transition. It is going to take all of us working together to achieve a cleaner and more equitable future for all Oregonians.”
Transportation is the single biggest source of greenhouse gas emissions in Oregon and a major source of other air pollutants. Benefits of the electric school buses include:
- Cleaner air
- Electric school buses reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than half compared to a diesel school bus
- Electric school buses have zero tailpipe emissions and reduce carbon monoxide emissions, nitrogen oxide emissions, and other toxic compounds — which have significant negative health impacts, especially asthma in children — by more than 80% of a diesel school bus
- Safety and comfort
- Electric school buses are quiet, reducing noise pollution in neighborhoods
- Drivers are better able to communicate with students
- Lower cost
- Electricity is less expensive than diesel, and prices are more stable over time
TTSD will begin the process of ordering the electric bus. The anticipated arrival of the vehicle is approximately 10-11 months.
About the Tigard-Tualatin School District
Tigard-Tualatin School District 23J (TTSD) is the 9th largest school district in Oregon and the 5th largest in the Portland metropolitan area. The District includes two comprehensive high schools, an options community high school, an online virtual academy for grades 6 through 12, 10 elementary schools, and a district-sponsored charter school serving Washington and Clackamas Counties. TTSD serves the cities of Durham, King City, Tigard, and Tualatin. The District is guided by a strategic plan built upon four cornerstones – Student Achievement, Equity, Talent, and Climate and Culture.
About Portland General Electric
Portland General Electric (NYSE: POR) is a fully integrated energy company based in Portland, Oregon, with operations across the state. The company serves approximately 900,000 customers with a service area population of 2 million Oregonians in 51 cities. PGE owns 16 generation plants across Oregon and other Northwestern states and maintains and operates 14 public parks and recreation areas. For over 130 years, PGE has delivered safe, affordable and reliable energy to Oregonians. Together with its customers, PGE has the No. 1 voluntary renewable energy program in the U.S. PGE and its 3,000 employees are working with customers to build a clean energy future. In 2020, PGE, employees, retirees and the PGE Foundation donated $5.6 million and volunteered 18,200 hours with more than 400 nonprofits across Oregon.
