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Willamette Valley residents and businesses save more than $110 million with Energy Trust of Oregon

SALEM, 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 9,300 Willamette Valley customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and NW Natural participated in Energy Trust’s programs in 2018. By improving the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses, and by generating clean renewable energy, Willamette Valley customers saved $110.9 million on their energy bills in 2018 alone.

One such customer is Success High School in Woodburn, Ore. This newly constructed school was the first high school enrolled in Energy Trust’s Path to Net Zero initiative. Thanks to its clean energy features and solar system, Success High School will save an estimated $33,000 annually. In fact, thanks to its efforts to maximize energy efficiency, the school uses so little energy that most, if not all, of its annual energy needs should be met by its 250-kilowatt solar system on campus.

“The goal is to make the school net zero—reducing operating costs and using that money for books and technology that enhance our students’ learning experience,” said Chuck Ransom, superintendent, Woodburn School District.

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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Category: General News
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