Southern Oregon residents and businesses save more than $33 million with Energy Trust of Oregon in 2018
MEDFORD, Ore. — July 15, 2019 — In its 2018 annual report published today, Energy Trust of Oregon revealed that its residential and business customers have saved millions of dollars last year on their utility bills, thanks to their participation in Energy Trust’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.
More than 6,300 Southern Oregon customers of Pacific Power, NW Natural and Avista participated in Energy Trust’s programs in 2018. By improving the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses, and by generating clean renewable energy, Southern Oregon customers saved more than $33.9 million on their energy bills in 2018 alone.
One such customer is Valley Pines Apartments in Medford, which provides affordable housing for low-income families and individuals. Energy-efficiency upgrades have brought the 1970s building into the 21st century, while trimming annual energy costs by an estimated $11,000.
Not long after acquiring the 120-unit building, Wishrock & Ray, the real estate development company that owns several multifamily properties in Southern Oregon, reached out to Energy Trust for help upgrading their units. A simple walkthrough energy survey identified several energy-saving opportunities that qualified for $10,800 in Energy Trust cash incentives.
“Whenever we acquire a property, we bring Energy Trust on as early as possible,” said Fletcher Ray, director of special projects, Wishrock & Ray. “Their advice and cash incentives give us another tool to fulfill our company mission providing safe, secure and clean affordable housing.”
According to Ray, “Our common-area utility bills have decreased 30 to 40 percent, allowing us to invest more money in unit upgrades.”
See detailed 2018 results and more customer stories at www.energytrust.org/annualreport.
Statewide, Energy Trust’s customers saved $418 million on their utility bills in 2018
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. 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 and $7.3 billion added to Oregon’s economy.
“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 also include a healthier environment from fewer carbon dioxide emissions, stronger local economies and more resilient communities.”
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% and to increase the number of projects completed with these businesses by 15%.
These new diversity, equity and inclusion goals have helped guide Energy Trust’s strategic plan for 2020-2024. To find out more information about Energy Trust’s draft 2020-2024 Strategic Plan and submit feedback, visit www.energytrust.org/strategicplan. Public comment is accepted through Friday, August 2, 2019.
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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