Salem, 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 customers throughout the Willamette Valley save $176 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.

11,100 Willamette Valley residents, businesses made smart energy choices in 2017

In 2017, Energy Trust provided $17 million in incentives to help Willamette Valley customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and NW Natural invest in energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades at 11,100 homes and businesses.

With consumers increasingly interested in the sustainability of their food, PGE customer Northwest Hazelnut Company saw an opportunity to gain a competitive advantage. By replacing inefficient halogen lighting with LEDs and installing 1,000 solar electric panels, the company produces all of its own energy from a clean, renewable source.

“We’ve begun highlighting sustainability efforts in our marketing and have seen a big increase in sales,” said Larry George, vice president, Northwest Hazelnut Company. “Hazelnuts could become a $300-million Oregon industry in the next few years. Sustainability will help ensure Oregon nuts are highly sought after worldwide and command a premium price.”

Other Willamette Valley customers benefitting from energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades include Pam’s Sunnyside Greenhouse in Cottage Grove, Portland Community College Newberg Center, City of Albany Water Reclamation Facility, and Gilgamesh Brewing and Kettle Foods in Salem.

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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