Transmission
1860s - 1930s
First Long Distance AC & DC Transmission
PGE’s predecessors were responsible for many notable achievements. Some of the companies that became part of PGE ran steamships on the Willamette and the Columbia rivers, moving goods and people to Portland. Others built the locks at Willamette Falls, generated the first electricity in the state, and by 1910 had developed an electric-powered trolley and interurban transportation system that was considered among the finest in America.
PGE is rightly proud of its electric generation history in Oregon and the numerous “firsts” for which the company may take credit. None, perhaps, is as notable as the creation of the first in the nation long-distance transmission that made it all possible.
1889 - First Long Distance Transmission from Willamette Falls
In 1889, PGE's story begins with the formation of the Willamette Falls Electric Company, which brought direct current (DC) electricity the 14 miles from the Willamette Falls at Oregon City to light Portland's streetlights, creating the nation's first long-distance transmission of electricity.
One year after providing long-distance transmission of electricity was possible, PGE achieved another milestone in 1890 with a rebuilt Station A. At the time, company engineers convinced a reluctant Westinghouse to design and build higher voltage generators and in September 1890, PGE was the first company in the nation to provide long distance transmission of high voltage alternating current (AC) for commercial purposes.
Additional Resources:
The First Long Distance Transmission of Electricity In America?
PGE’s predecessors were responsible for many notable achievements. Companies that became part of PGE ran steamships on the Willamette and the Columbia rivers, moving goods and people to Portland. Others built the locks at Willamette Falls, generated the first electricity in the state, and by 1910 had developed an electric-powered trolley and interurban transportation system that was considered among the finest in America. PGE is rightly proud of its long generation history in Oregon and numerous “firsts” for which the company may take credit. None, perhaps, is as notable as PGE’s connection with the long-distance transmission creation that made it all possible.
1889 - First Long Distance Transmission from Willamette Falls
In 1889, PGE's story begins with the formation of the Willamette Falls Electric Company, which brings Direct Current (DC) Electricity 14 miles from the Willamette Falls at Oregon City to light Portland's streetlights-the nation's first long-distance transmission of electricity.
In 1890, just one year after providing long-distance transmission of electricity was possible, PGE achieved another milestone in a rebuilt Station A. Early company engineers convinced a reluctant Westinghouse to design and build higher voltage generators. As a result, in September 1890, PGE was the first company in the nation to provide long distance transmission of high voltage alternating current (AC) for commercial purposes.
T.W. Sullivan Powerhouse
Station B
1895-Present
Additional Resources:
PGE Three Lynx Village State Level Documentation
History of PGE
Electrifying Oregon
Powering Progress
A Thoughtful Transition
History of PGE
Electrifying Oregon
Powering Progress
A Thoughtful Transition
History of PGE
Electrifying Oregon
Powering Progress
A Thoughtful Transition
Forever Evolving
Powering the Future
A Thoughtful Transition
Clackamas Project Expansion
Building Reliable Power Plants
Powering Progress
Willamette Falls
Clackamas River Construction
Electrifying Oregon
History of PGE
