By 1901, the electric energy demand had grown to the extent that an additional type of generation in Portland was needed beyond what was being provided by the Willamette Falls Hydroelectric Plant. As storms had caused numerous outages of the transmission lines from Station B at Willamette Falls, the first PGE steam generating plant, known as Station C, was built at Front Avenue and Nicolai Street in Portland near a lumber company that provided a source of cheap wood waste that was used as a fuel.
In 1902, PGE was planning for the Lewis and Clark Exposition, and the decision was made to feature electric lighting of the buildings and grounds as a way to attract people to Portland. PGE began construction on several additional steam turbine generating stations to meet the electric load from lighting and the expected exposition-generated increase in trolley car traffic. Subsequent steam engine generation plants during the first half of the 20th century included Stations D, E, F, H, I, K, L, and N. These steam engine generation plants were all unique, burning a combination of wood, hog fuel or even oil, and provided the essential electricity needed by PGE customers for over 50 years.
Station L, 50-years of Steam-Powered Generation in Portland
Station L is a group of six industrial buildings designed and constructed between 1910-1929 by Portland General Electric. This station played a significant role in the early growth of the electric power industry in Portland and delivered electrical service for the most continuous length of time of all steam-powered generation plants. Station L is the best example of an industrial generation type and was the last wood-fired steam-powered generating station in the Pacific Northwest. PGE put the station into standby in 1964 and shut it completely in 1975, but not before it provided power for over 50 years.
In 1986, PGE donated Station L and associated land to Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). The Station L turbine is a central feature of OMSI's Turbine Hall and PGE remains as a partner in celebrating the industrial history of Oregon.
By 1901, the electric energy demand had grown to the extent that an additional type of generation in Portland was needed beyond what was being provided by the Willamette Falls Hydroelectric Plant. As storms had caused numerous outages of the transmission lines from Station B at Willamette Falls, the first PGE steam generating plant, known as Station C, was built at Front Avenue and Nicolai Street in Portland near a lumber company that provided a source of cheap wood waste that was used as a fuel.
In 1902, PGE was planning for the Lewis and Clark Exposition, and the decision was made to feature electric lighting of the buildings and grounds as a way to attract people to Portland. PGE began construction on several additional steam turbine generating stations to meet the electric load from lighting and the expected exposition-generated increase in trolley car traffic. Subsequent steam engine generation plants during the first half of the 20th century included Stations D, E, F, H, I, K, L, and N. These steam engine generation plants were all unique, burning a combination of wood, hog fuel or even oil, and provided the essential electricity needed by PGE customers for over 50 years.
The Growth of Three Lynx Village
Station L is a group of six industrial buildings designed and constructed between 1910-1929 by Portland General Electric. This station played a significant role in the early growth of the electric power industry in Portland and delivered electrical service for the most continuous length of time of all steam-powered generation plants. Station L is the best example of an industrial generation type and was the last wood-fired steam-powered generating station in the Pacific Northwest.
PGE put the station into standby in 1964 and shut it completely in 1975, but not before it provided power for over 50 years.
In 1986, PGE donated Station L and associated land to Oregon Museum of Science and Industry (OMSI). The Station L turbine is a central feature of OMSI's Turbine Hall and PGE remains as a partner in celebrating the industrial history of Oregon.
Station C - 21st & Sherlock, Portland, 1901 - 1911
Station D - Chapman St., Portland, 1905 - Unknown
Station E - Adjoining “C”, Portland, 1904 - Unknown
Station F - Lincoln St., Portland, 1906 - 1911
Station H - Salem, 1906 - Unknown
Station K - Boring, 1903 - 1917
First Steel Tower Transmission Line in Oregon
Transmission
1860s - 1930s
Historic Photo- Camp 8, Looking North, February 1923 (PGE Archives)
Station C - 21st & Sherlock, Portland, 1901 - 1911
Station C - 21st & Sherlock, Portland, 1901 - 1911
Station C - 21st & Sherlock, Portland, 1901 - 1911
Station H - Salem, 1906 - Unknown
Station F - Lincoln St., Portland, 1906 - 1911
First Steam Engine Generators
Steam Engine Generation
1900 - 1930
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
