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Energy Trust of Oregon releases 2018 annual report

Statewide, Energy Trust’s customers saved $418 million on their utility bills in 2018

PORTLAND, Ore. — July 15, 2019 — Today Energy Trust of Oregon released its 2018 annual report highlighting the organization’s work over the last year to help utility customers save energy and support their investments in clean, renewable power.

Read the full annual report online here.

In 2018, Energy Trust supported energy-efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations at more than 48,000 Oregon and Southwest Washington homes, businesses, factories and farms through a network of more than 2,300 trade ally contractors.

In total, Energy Trust delivered $94.3 million in cash incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments to customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista.

“When we save energy, utilities do not need to generate, purchase or distribute it to meet the needs of their customers,” said Michael Colgrove, executive director, Energy Trust. “This saves customers money and more. The benefits of energy efficiency and renewable power also include a healthier environment from fewer carbon dioxide emissions, stronger local economies and more resilient communities.”

From residents to business owners, Oregonians achieved significant clean energy results last year through energy-efficiency upgrades and solar system installations—receiving incentives and technical resources from Energy Trust to make the investments easier and more affordable. For example, J&J Snack Foods in Weston, Ore., slashed annual energy costs by an estimated $70,000 and joined Energy Trust’s Strategic Energy Management initiative to deliver additional long-term savings.

In Woodburn, Success High School became the first high school enrolled in Energy Trust’s Path to Net Zero initiative, saving the newly constructed school an estimated $33,000 annually and meeting most of the campus’ energy needs through a 250-kilowatt solar system.

Woodburn School District said, “This enables us to focus more of our attention on our mission as an alternative education program to help students reach their full potential rather than day-to-day operations.”

In 2018, Energy Trust also developed 10 diversity, equity and inclusion goals to reach new customers and better reflect the communities it serves through new program designs and deeper relationships with local organizations. Among these new goals, Energy Trust has pledged to expand participation of minority- and women-owned businesses in its Trade Ally Network by 50 percent, and to increase the number of projects completed with these businesses by 15 percent.

“Just as emerging technologies and changing energy policy and regulations are transforming our industry, our state’s shifting demographics are opening up new needs and opportunities,” said Colgrove. “To maximize energy efficiency and renewable energy investments, we must be inclusive in our program offerings for the benefit of all utility customers.”

These new diversity, equity and inclusion goals have helped shape Energy Trust’s draft strategic plan for 2020-2024 — the organization’s five-year plan to deliver maximum energy savings for utility customers in Oregon and Southwest Washington through programs, information and services. To find out more information on Energy Trust’s draft 2020-2024 Strategic Plan, visit www.energytrust.org/strategicplan. Public comment is accepted through Friday, August 2, 2019.

Since 2002, Energy Trust has invested $1.8 billion in utility customer funds to deliver benefits including:

  • $7.7 billion in total utility bill savings over time
  • $7.3 billion added to Oregon’s economy
  • 29.3 million tons of carbon dioxide avoided

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 $3.4 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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Category: General News
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