March/April 2007

HOME ENERGY SOLUTIONS

Incentive update for 2007
Home Energy Solutions introduced incentive changes and adjusted the specifications for single-family, site-built homes effective March 1, 2007. Incentives are recalculated periodically to maximize cost effectiveness and energy savings and to help trade allies generate more business with more customers. Lists for gas and electric incentives have been combined for simplicity.

One of the most significant changes includes ceiling insulation. Home Energy Solutions will now pay $.25 per square foot, not to exceed installation cost. For floor insulation, the incentive is now $.45 per square foot, not to exceed installation cost.

New measures eligible for incentives include:

• High-efficiency natural direct vent gas fireplaces (80% AFUE or better) = $70
• Tankless water heaters (.80 EF or better) = $200
• Solar water heating systems with gas backup and OG 300 certified = up to $1,500 (average $500)
• Solar water heating systems with electric backup and OG 300 certified = up to $1,500 (average $1,000)

• Solar electric systems = up to $10,000

Four new measure packages have replaced our multi-measure bonus:

• Thermal Package—complete shell insulation measure and/or windows measure with complete air sealing: $150 bonus in addition to standard incentives.
• Heat Pump Upgrade Package—high efficiency heat pump upgrade (HSPF 8.5 EER 12 or better) with commissioning and performance-tested ducts: $300 bonus in addition to standard incentives.
• Premium Gas HVAC Package—high efficiency gas furnace (90%-94% AFUE) with performance-tested ducts: $100 bonus in addition to program incentives.
• Super Efficient Gas HVAC Package—Superior Efficiency Gas Furnace (95% or better) with performance-tested ducts: $125 bonus in addition to standard incentives.

All new incentives are in effect through February 29, 2008. For a complete list of these incentives visit the Forms section of the Energy Trust website.

Home Energy Solutions Cooperative Marketing Teleconference
Effective marketing and advertising are two major ingredients in generating new business. Energy Trust’s Home Energy Solutions is here to assist you. To kick-off 2007, the cooperative marketing department held a one-hour teleconference meeting on February 20. This meeting gave trade allies the opportunity to learn about, and make suggestions on, new cooperative marketing additions and updates. We will send a follow-up letter to trade allies with the proposed ideas for 2007. Trade allies will have the opportunity to select and vote on which updates they would like to see implemented. For questions on Home Energy Solutions cooperative marketing, please contact

Home Performance with ENERGY STAR^® resources
As of January 2007, Energy Trust’s Home Performance with ENERGY STAR has added two new Home Performance Account Managers—Walter Money in the Portland office, and Drew Edwards in the Eugene office. In addition, Sarah Helmers has moved back to the Eugene office and will work with Drew to assist southern region trade allies. Please feel free to contact any of our Home Performance account managers if you have questions about Home Performance or are interested in joining the program.

Portland Office
Rod Street – Senior Home Performance Account Manager

Direct – 503-523-4829
Mobile – 503-341-5140

Walter Money – Home Performance and QC Account Manager

Direct – 503-523-4828
Mobile – 503- 349-1925

Eugene Office
Sarah Helmers – Home Performance Account Manager

Mobile – 541-556-8322

Drew Edwards – Home Performance Account Manager 

Mobile – 541-401-7171

Multifamily Home Energy Solutions now offers more ways to save
The Home Energy Solutions—Multifamily program has entered its fourth year with an expanded program and more incentive dollars than ever before. Program staff will continue to offer technical expertise, cash incentives and application assistance for Oregon Business Energy Tax Credits for insulation, windows, exterior doors and heating and cooling systems.

On March 1, 2007, the program expanded and made the following changes:

• Added incentives for high efficiency area lighting in common areas and for high efficiency clothes washers in laundry areas and in units.
• There are no caps on incentives.
• All measures are now cost-effective for energy efficiency, so no project ranking is required.
• Incentive offers are good for one year from the date of a signed commitment.
• The program is now available to condominium homeowners associations.

These program modifications can also be found on the Multifamily Home Energy Solutions program pages.

We encourage you and your customers to attend one of four free energy efficiency seminars beginning Tuesday, March 27. Seminars are held at Jean Vollum Natural Capital Center, 721 NW 9th Avenue, Suite 350, in Portland, 5:30-6:30 pm.

Tuesday, March 27 – Optimizing HVAC systems

Tuesday, April 24 – Bottom line savings through interior and exterior lighting

Tuesday, May 29 – Energy efficiency through insulation and windows

Tuesday, June 26 – Health and comfort through green remodeling

Space is limited. For more information, or to register for a seminar, call 503-823-0231 or send an email to .

— Back to Main —