New report shows Oregonians saved $362 million on energy bills in 2015
Energy Trust of Oregon helped 1,500 Northwest Oregon homeowners and businesses benefit from clean energy innovations
ASTORIA, Ore. — June 29, 2016 — Energy Trust of Oregon announced today its 2015 annual results, including utility bill savings of $362 million for participating customers. Energy Trust is a nonprofit helping utility customers save energy in their homes and businesses, and invest in renewable energy systems that power Oregon with clean energy.
Energy Trust exceeded its 2015 goals for electric savings, natural gas savings and renewable generation, and achieved all Oregon Public Utility Commission annual minimum performance measures, including keeping program and administrative costs low at 5.5 percent of annual revenues.
“I am proud to see us performing at our best, and delivering the cleanest, lowest-cost energy we can buy for 1.5 million utility customers,” said Margie Harris, executive director, Energy Trust.
“In 2015, Energy Trust continued its legacy of innovation, adapting to a dynamic market and creating new opportunities for customers to participate and reap lasting clean energy benefits,” said Harris. “Not only did we exceed 2015 goals, we are well on our way to meeting our aggressive 2015-2019 Strategic Plan goals.”
Working with utilities, trade ally contractors, green energy professionals and customers in 2015, Energy Trust drove adoption of advancing clean energy technologies like LEDs, engaged designers and builders in adding more efficiency and solar features to residential and commercial construction, and delivered benefits in addition to energy savings and generation — from water savings to rural economic development to environmental health.
“When customers have lower energy bills, it frees up resources that flow into the economy, expanding purchasing power and creating jobs, higher wages and new business income,” said Debbie Kitchin, president of the board of directors, Energy Trust. “Since 2002, Energy Trust has added $4.8 billion to Oregon’s economy, including $1.5 billion in wages and $266 million in small business income. Energy Trust’s investments led to employment equivalent to 3,900 jobs lasting a decade.”
Northwest Oregon residents, businesses benefited from clean energy at 1,500 locations
In 2015, Northwest Oregon customers of Pacific Power and NW Natural invested in energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades at 1,500 homes and businesses:
* Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City, owned by the Confederated Tribes of Siletz Indians of Oregon, cut annual energy costs by $130,000 by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment and LED lighting with help from Energy Trust. “LEDs have freed us
to focus more on preventative maintenance because we spend less time on reactive maintenance,” said Sean Sheridan, director of facilities, Chinook Winds Casino Resort. “They’re also brighter and safer for customers.”
* As an Energy Trust trade ally contractor, Groth-Gates Heating and Sheet Metal installed energy-efficient heating and cooling systems for residential and commercial customers in Lincoln City and Newport. “Working as a team with Energy Trust and customers, we can help lower the cost of new equipment and help people save money over time by upgrading to energy-efficient systems,” said Ryan Gates, manager, Groth-Gates Heating and Sheet Metal.
See detailed 2015 results and more customer stories at www.energytrust.org/annualreport.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization guided by a non-stakeholder board of directors and dedicated to providing utility customers with affordable, clean energy solutions. Energy Trust investments accelerate economic benefits throughout Oregon and have added $4.8 billion to the state’s economy. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Energy Trust is funded by and serves Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas, and Oregon and Washington customers of NW Natural.