MADRAS: Parr Lumber stacks up savings with high efficiency lighting

The old images of dark lumberyards are old news at Parr Lumber in Madras. A lighting upgrade to the SW Highway 97 location has transformed the store into a light, bright and energy efficient environment for selecting wood products for homes and businesses. "This store was dark during the day even though there were plenty of light fixtures," said Bob Shoyer, facilities manager, Parr Lumber. "It was a top priority for us to improve the safety and appearance of the store, and to save energy using more efficient lights."

Read more about Parr Lumber's lighting project in Madras

STATEWIDE: Hospitality industry checks in for cash back for energy saving upgrades

Rising energy costs hit lodging and foodservice establishments right on the bottom line, but now owners and managers have help holding down mounting costs. Cash incentives from Energy Trust offset some of the cost of upgrades that save energy, reduce operating costs and increase guest comfort. Nineteen properties have already upgraded their facilities with new high efficiency package terminal heat pumps.

"Owners and operators of motels, hotels and restaurants can realize substantial energy savings from lighting and equipment upgrades," said Greg Stiles, senior business sector manager, Energy Trust. "These upgrades also reduce operating costs and increase guest comfort. It's a win-win proposition for everyone."

Read more about Energy Trust's Lodging program

TRADE ALLY OF THE MONTH: TriPhase Electric Supply Co.

When Gil Newby, lighting specialist at TriPhase Electric Supply, helps customers receive Energy Trust incentives for their projects he tells them it's not too good to be true. "Working with Energy Trust gives our proposals a lot of credibility and helps our customers make the energy efficient choice," said Newby. It comes down to having the same goal in common for the customers— saving energy. TriPhase Electric Supply joined Energy Trust's Trade Ally Network in 2002 and has completed more than 80 Energy Trust-supported projects in Oregon, saving more than 4.4 million kilowatt hours of electricity.

Read TriPhase Electric Supply's page in the trade ally directory

PENDLETON: Community program targets "energy hog" refrigerators

Refrigerators are the most energy-hungry appliance in the home for a simple reason—they're always on. For a limited time, Pendleton residents with an energy hog refrigerator will be eligible to purchase a new, high efficiency refrigerator at a 60 percent discount. This offer is sponsored by Community Action Program East Central Oregon (CAPECO), Energy Trust and SEARS. Supplies of the discounted refrigerators are limited and the offer ends November 1, 2007. Participants must be Oregon customers of Pacific Power. Pendleton residents can learn more about the program and find out if their refrigerator qualifies by calling 541-278-5693, Monday through Friday, 8 am-5 pm.

Read more about the refrigerator discount program

PORTLAND: Northwest Solar Expo, September 14-16, Portland

Energy Trust is once again a sponsor of Northwest Solar Expo 2007, scheduled to run September 14-16 in Portland at the Oregon Convention Center. This is the second annual event featuring clean and efficient energy solutions available now for both homeowners and businesses. Nearly 100 classes and workshops scheduled throughout the Friday through Saturday event are designed to meet the needs and interests of homeowners, business owners and solar industry professionals.

Learn more about Northwest Solar Expo

STATEWIDE: Oregon Green and Solar Tours grow to 18 events across the state

This fall, Oregon Green and Solar Tours will include a record of 17 communities. Solar Oregon, the nonprofit organization, is organizing the tours again this year. Tours will be held in Corvallis, Eugene, Newberg, Portland (2 tours), Salem, West Linn, Hood River, Ashland, Grants Pass, Klamath Falls, Roseburg, John Day, LaGrande, Bend, Redmond, Newport and Coos Bay. Oregon Green and Solar Tours are part of the American Solar Energy Society's National Solar Tour. Energy Trust is a sponsor of Green+Solar Building Oregon, the resource-rich publication that accompanies the statewide tours.

Learn more about Oregon Green and Solar Tours

STATEWIDE: BetterBricks Award nominations open for high-performance building champions

The BetterBricks Awards are returning for the fifth year to Portland, the fourth year to Boise and the third year in Puget Sound. Nominations are now open for professionals who have taken extraordinary steps to design, build, engineer or operate a super energy-efficient commercial building. BetterBricks winners will be awarded in multiple categories, focusing on the people behind the best projects in the Northwest. To nominate someone (including yourself) for a BetterBricks Award, just fill out the online form at betterbricksawards.com

Learn more about the BetterBricks program

PROMOTIONS
Energy Trust offers special incentives throughout the year to encourage Oregonians to choose energy efficient products and install efficient and renewable features in their homes and businesses.

Savings with a Spin

Home Energy Analyzer

IN THE NEWS

ROSEBURG: Villa powers up with solar panels
Roseburg News Review

MEDFORD: Solar: Long-term gains outweigh upfront costs
Medford Mail Tribune

MULTNOMAH COUNTY: Summit: Business as usual must change
Gresham Outlook

MEDFORD: Marketing firm's digs go solar
Medford Mail Tribune