October 29, 2026
HBA production builder members have reported long delays tied to Portland General Electric’s review process and to a burdensome release process for Temporary Construction Easements (TCEs) on new subdivisions.
In late September, we convened a working group of production builders, development consultants, and representatives from PGE’s property rights and engineering teams to discuss the concerns and identify paths to address issues. The roundtable discussion covered PGE’s design review and approval processes, field staking and location verification of utility structures, and how inspections are divided among PGE, civil engineers, and local jurisdictions.
While the conversation is ongoing, we’ve received some initial solutions to the engineering and inspection concerns that the group is currently reviewing. We expect updates on the broader construction easement problems in early November. If you’re an HBA member confronting problems with a regional utility, reach out at governmentaffairs@hbapdx.org. Members can expect opportunities for more general updates and forums with PGE and NW Natural as we head into early 2027.