Coos Head Food Co-op reaps the rewards of energy efficiency
Community leaders celebrate Coos Head Food Co-op’s new energy-efficient store in a downtown undergoing revitalization
COOS BAY, Ore. — April 14, 2017 — Community leaders helped celebrate Coos Head Food Co-op’s new energy-efficient store today with Coos County Commissioner Melissa Cribbins, Coos Bay Mayor Joe Benetti and Energy Trust of Oregon Executive Director Michael Colgrove attending.
The Coos Head Food Co-op has been a part of the Coos Bay business community for more than 40 years. Last fall, the co-op made the move to downtown Coos Bay into a much larger building with modern equipment, triple the shelf space and a great deal more freezer and refrigerator space. By making energy efficiency a priority and working with Energy Trust to invest in energy-saving equipment, the co-op kept its energy bills the same as the previous, smaller space.
“By saving energy, we’re able to redirect more funds to our core mission: contributing to the health and well-being of our community,” said Deb Krough, manager, Coos Head Food Co-op. “We appreciated the technical assistance and guidance from Energy Trust that helped make this happen. Membership is growing and we’re proud to be a part of our community’s ongoing downtown revitalization efforts.”
The energy-efficient features of the new store include LED lighting, smart refrigeration systems, ductless heat pumps and a water heating recovery system. These features are expected to cut the co-op’s annual energy expenses by more than $6,500. The co-op is served by Pacific Power.
Energy Trust presented the Coos Head Food Co-op with an incentive check of $18,792 for its commitment to energy efficiency at the event.
“Coos Head Food Co-op is a perfect example of how teamwork and a strong vision can make ambitious energy-efficiency goals achievable,” said Michael Colgrove, executive director, Energy Trust, who made remarks at the event. “Energy Trust helps similar organizations like the co-op throughout the state invest in energy efficiency to improve their bottom line.”
For more information on Energy Trust’s work with small businesses, go to www.energytrust.org/commercial/lets-get-started/.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista save $2.3 billion on energy bills. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.
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