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New report shows Oregon Coast customers saved $6.6 million with Energy Trust

Oregonians have saved $3.2 billion through clean energy upgrades since 2002, including Clatsop Community College and Owens Adair Apartments

Astoria, 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 Oregon Coast customers save $6.6 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.

1,100 Oregon Coast residents, businesses made smart energy choices in 2017

In 2017, Energy Trust provided $1.4 million in incentives to help North and Central Coast customers of Pacific Power and NW Natural invest in energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades at 1,100 homes and businesses.

A customer of Pacific Power and NW Natural, Clatsop Community College redeveloped its Patriot Hall building into a community centerpiece that is 70 percent more efficient than the national standard for buildings of its type. The reimagined space features a multipurpose gymnasium, classrooms, community space, fitness center and an indoor track overlooking the Columbia. Energy Trust’s technical assistance and cash incentives helped the college incorporate daylighting, natural ventilation and low-speed ceiling fans that cut annual energy costs by $25,000—money that can be invested back into students and the community.

Residents at Owens Adair, an affordable-housing complex in downtown Astoria, couldn’t be more pleased with the new LED lighting that brightens up the historic property. With guidance and cash incentives from Energy Trust, LEDs, new steam traps, thermostatic radiator valves and energy- and water-saving showerheads and shower wands helped keep residents comfortable and reduced the building’s annual energy costs by $8,400.

Other North and Central Coast customers benefitting from energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades include the Newport Aquatic Center, Chinook Winds Casino Resort in Lincoln City and Suzanne Elise Assisted Living in Seaside.

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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Category: General News
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