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New report shows Oregonians saved $396 million on energy bills in 2016: 700 served in Eastern Oregon

Pendleton, Ore. — July 17, 2017 — Energy Trust of Oregon announced today its 2016 annual results, including cutting $396 million from participating customers’ utility bills. In 2016, the nonprofit organization exceeded its electric and natural gas energy-efficiency goals and supported the installation of a record 1,200 customer-owned residential solar systems.

With cash incentives, information and a network of 2,400 contractors and allied professionals, Energy Trust helped homeowners, renters, businesses, manufacturers, farmers and ranchers at more than 80,000 locations across the state cut costs with affordable, energy-saving installations.

“Oregonians might be surprised to learn how much economic activity results from making smart energy choices,” said Michael Colgrove, executive director, Energy Trust. “When people spend less on energy, they can spend more on their families, homes and businesses—freeing up resources that flow into communities, creating jobs and boosting wages. By investing in energy efficiency and renewable energy, Energy Trust has spurred $5.7 billion in local economic activity since 2002.”

Energy Trust works closely with utilities to ensure customers have access to clean energy programs. Energy Trust programs are available to 1.6 million utility customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista.

Energy Trust investments have kept 20 million tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere — equal to removing 3.5 million cars from Oregon roads for a year. Since 2002, Oregonians working with Energy Trust have saved and generated enough energy to power 564,000 average Oregon homes and heat another 100,000 homes — equal the output of an entire power plant.

Eastern Oregon residents, businesses benefited from clean energy at more than 700 locations

In 2016, Eastern Oregon customers of Pacific Power, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista invested in energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades at more than 700 homes and businesses.

  • The Pendleton School District leveraged a local bond measure and cash incentives from Energy Trust to upgrade aging facilities, lower costs and improve the learning environment for students. “Energy Trust helped us develop a plan to touch every school and improve efficiency,” said Michelle Jones, director of business services, Pendleton School District. “Now we can redirect our energy cost savings into strategies that help us maintain, and even improve, services to students.”

See detailed 2016 results and more customer stories at www.energytrust.org/annualreport.

As an independent nonprofit organization, Energy Trust helps meet Oregon’s energy needs with the cheapest and cleanest options available. On-the-ground outreach, technical services, cash-back incentives and connections to local contractors help participants cut costs with affordable, clean energy solutions. Energy Trust also helps customers power their homes and businesses with renewable energy from solar, biopower, hydropower, wind and geothermal sources.

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Category: General News
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