Portland General Electric on Monday asked state utility regulators to consider a plan to let customers choose their power provider, a move PGE says will save ratepayers $108 million.

But consumer groups said PGE’s plan would lead to higher electricity bills for residential customers while boosting profits of Enron Corp., the Texas-based company that owns PGE.

The proposal, if approved by the Oregon Public Utilities Commission, would put PGE in the business of delivering electricity, not selling it. PGE, owned by Texas-based Enron Corp., would continue to operate and maintain power delivery systems, but other companies would sell the electricity to customers.

“Our proposal is on the forefront of changes in our industry, because as a regulated monopoly, we are proposing to give all of our customers, not just the large ones, a choice of their electricity supplier while we continue to deliver that electricity safely and reliably,” said Peggy Fowler, PGE’s president.

Watchdog groups quickly denounced the proposal. The Citizens’ Utility Board of Oregon called the plan a “scam” by Enron to increase profits and rates, especially for rural customers.

“It’s a great deal for Oregon and its shareholders, but it’s a lousy deal for Oregon consumers,” said Ed Finklea of the Industrial Customers of Northwest Utilities.