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Working for Oregonians to build our energy future
As energy costs rise, supplies diminish and concern about global warming increases, it is more important than ever to make smart choices about energy use at home and work. Energy Trust of Oregon is a nonprofit organization funded by Oregon utility customers to support energy efficiency and renewable energy generation. We began work on March 1, 2002, with a mission to change how Oregonians produce and use energy by investing in efficient technologies and renewable resources that save dollars and protect the environment. Through innovative programs, Energy Trust helps Oregonians lower their energy costs, and stimulate the economy. Energy Trust serves Oregon customers of Portland General Electric (PGE), Pacific Power, NW Natural, and Cascade Natural Gas.
Why was Energy Trust created?
A desire to provide stable, consistent and reliable funding for energy efficiency and renewable power led Oregon utility companies, businesses, industry groups and community service organizations to unite in support of Senate Bill 1149, the electric industry restructuring bill, approved by the Oregon Legislature in 1999. While historically Oregon's two largest investor-owned utilities, PGE and Pacific Power, had spent about three percent of customer revenues on renewable energy and energy efficiency, in any one year the amount spent varied widely. SB 1149 established three percent as an annual public purpose amount to be collected over 10 years. The Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) authorized Energy Trust to receive most (74 percent) of the public purpose funds. The remaining funds support energy efficiency in K-12 public schools and low-income housing. In 2003 NW Natural, followed in 2006 by Avista (for select programs) and Cascade Natural Gas, sought and received OPUC approval to establish public purpose charges and transition their energy conservation programs to Energy Trust.
What are Energy Trust's goals?
Energy Trust is working to fulfill the State of Oregon's vision to meet future energy needs through environmentally sound, clean energy sources. Our success is measured in kilowatt hours and therms saved and in renewable energy produced. By 2012, our goal is to save 300 average megawatts of electricity and 19 million annual therms of natural gas through energy efficiency investments and to help meet 10 percent of Oregon's energy requirements through renewable energy sources. These savings are expected to offset the need for one or two new large conventional power plants.
How is Energy Trust working toward these goals?
Energy Trust has created a range of innovative programs to help Oregon homeowners, businesses and industry conserve energy and generate clean renewable energy. We work with over 700 trade ally contractors across the state to deliver our programs and services. By the end of 2005, Energy Trust's energy efficiency programs helped over 300,000 households and over 3,000 businesses enjoy the benefits of clean energy.
Cumulatively, our programs saved and generated 96.4 average megawatts of electricity-enough to power 70,000 homes. Gas savings totaled 2,263,853 therms, equivalent to the heating needs of nearly 5,000 homes. Renewable energy programs supported more than 325 new grid-tied solar electric systems, two large wind farms, wastewater gas-to-electricity projects and more.
How much funding does Energy Trust receive?
Oregon customers of our affiliated utilities-PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Avista and Cascade Natural Gas-fund our programs through their utility bills. In 2006, Energy Trust expects to receive $54 million in revenue from these sources.
How are Energy Trust programs managed?
As a nonprofit, Energy Trust strives to operate efficiently. We manage our programs with minimum staff and operate our programs through contracts with service providers. Our work is overseen by a citizen board, and we take pride in being open, accessible and accountable to the public.
What programs does Energy Trust offer?
- Existing homes, Home Performance with ENERGY STAR, manufactured homes and multifamily buildings
- ENERGY STAR new homes, manufactured homes and multifamily buildings
- ENERGY STAR clothes washers, refrigerators and compact fluorescent lightbulbs
- Solar electric and water heating systems
- Existing buildings
- New buildings
- Industrial buildings and processes
- Energy from renewable sources such as solar, organic waste and wind
- Solar electric and solar water heating using the power of the sun
- Wind generation from single turbines to community scale
- Biopower from wood waste, landfill and wastewater gas, manure and other organic sources
What incentives does Energy Trust offer?
Energy Trust offers incentives for all of the programs listed above.
Why should I participate in Energy Trust programs?
Every household and business can make a difference for Oregon. Working with Energy Trust to conserve energy or generate clean, renewable electricity in your home or business can save you money and help create an energy-independent, environmentally sound future.
How do I participate?
To learn more about Energy Trust programs and how you can participate, visit our website, energytrust.org, or call 1-866-368-7878.
