Bend, Ore. — June 21, 2018 — Energy Trust of Oregon announced today its 2017 annual results, including cutting $3.2 billion from participating customers’ utility bills since 2002. In 2017, the nonprofit organization saved more electricity than ever before, maintained record natural gas savings and supported the installation of a record 1,800 solar systems—at even lower costs than the year before.

With cash incentives, information and a network of 2,300 contractors and allied professionals, Energy Trust helped homeowners, renters, businesses, manufacturers, farmers and ranchers at more than 56,500 locations across the state cut costs with affordable, energy-saving installations in 2017.

“Energy Trust helped Central Oregon customers save $23 million on utility bills in 2017,” 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.”

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. In 2017, the organization exceeded all performance measures set by the Oregon Public Utility Commission, including maintaining low administrative and program support costs to ensure funds flow directly to customers.

3,800 Central Oregon residents, businesses made smart energy choices in 2017

In 2017, Energy Trust provided $5.1 million in incentives to help Central Oregon customers of Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas invest in energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades at 3,800 homes and businesses.

For example, a customer of Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas, the City of Redmond gave new purpose to a 95-year-old gem—the former Evergreen Elementary school building—transforming 35,000 square feet into a city hall that’s a model of historic preservation and energy efficiency. The city installed high-performance insulation, a variable refrigerant flow heating and cooling system, old-fashioned schoolhouse lights with LED lamps, programmable lighting controls and high-performance windows that fit into the original frames.

“Energy Trust’s help made a huge difference in this project penciling out and freed up general fund dollars we can use for services like public safety or road maintenance,” said Jason Neff, budget and financial planning director, Redmond City Hall.

Other Central Oregon customers benefitting from energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades include Prineville’s IronHorse Lodge, which provides affordable housing for seniors, Fox Hollow Ranch in Madras, Three Sisters Irrigation District in Bend, and Bend breweries Worthy Brewing and Deschutes Brewery.

See detailed 2017 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. Energy Trust has spurred $6.3 billion in local economic activity since 2002. 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, hydropower, biopower, geothermal and wind sources. Learn more at www.energytrust.org.

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