In the face of extreme weather caused by climate change, Oregonians experiencing energy burden have an even a greater need for heating and cooling to stay safe and healthy.

Energy Trust has been exploring new ways to help keep more people safe and comfortable through its no-cost ductless heat pump pilot. Through the pilot, customers at or below 60% of Oregon’s median income can get a ductless heat pump at no cost, giving them the benefits of energy-efficient cooling in summer, lower heating costs in winter and comfort year-round.

Samantha Ring and her husband, who live in Winston, could not afford the new heating and cooling equipment they needed for their health and comfort.

Through the pilot, the Rings received a new ductless heat pump system at no cost to them. Ductless heat pumps heat and cool spaces using far less energy and they are suited to a range of housing situations.

The energy-efficient heating and cooling system is split between two rooms so Ring and her husband can each adjust the temperature to their own comfort level.

“We still have to pay the power bill and stay within a budget, but now it’s easier to cool and heat things up faster,” said Ring. “We don’t have to be uncomfortable to make ends meet.”

A key feature of the pilot is partnering with community organizations, several of whom also helped co-create the program design. Already known and trusted by their communities, these organizations more easily connect with people in their communities who qualify for the pilot.

One of the community partners is Neighborworks Umpqua. For 30 years, they have provided affordable housing and financial support to the people of Coos, Curry, Douglas and Josephine counties.

“When people have no heat, we often notice they have a negative outlook about their prospects,” said Alex Alonso, director of climate resilience at NeighborWorks Umpqua. “But once we connect with them, we talk about what they can expect and often see a 180-degree turn in their attitude about home rehabilitation and heat.”

For Gene and Jeannine Heriford of North Bend, who learned about the program through NeighborWorks Umpqua, having a ductless heat pump installed at no cost was a financial relief and a necessity. The only heat source in their 1,100 square-foot house was a pellet stove that wasn’t up to the task. Plus, they were spending $200 a month on pellets, which was beyond their budget.

NeighborWorks connected the Herifords with local contractor and Energy Trust trade ally Brandon Lloyd, owner of Westbound Heating, who recommended and installed the ductless heat pump system. Lloyd said, “I looked around and shared where I’d put the system if it were my house. This program definitely encourages a focus on what options are right for each home.”

“It really changed things for us,” the Herifords said. “Without the program, there’s no way we could afford to do it. It’s a wonderful thing to be warm in the winter.”

Since launching the pilot in 2022, Energy Trust and 21 participating community organizations have already installed new heat pumps in nearly 850 single and multifamily Oregon homes.

“During the pilot, we’ve learned how to design measures that better address the people who have been left out of energy services in the past, including Energy Trust’s,” said Isaiah Kamrar, Energy Trust program manager. “This is an opportunity for community-based organizations to be in a place of leadership, helping customers with immediate relief and being open to more energy efficiency in the future.”

The pilot is turning out to be a win for partner organizations, too, helping them build out their own capacity in many ways.

Since committing to the pilot, NeighborWorks Umpqua has been in growth mode. “We’ve expanded to do as many no-cost ductless heat pump installations as possible,” shared Alonso. The organization is creating what he calls an in-house, no-cost program by combining Energy Trust incentives with funding from Oregon Health Authority’s Healthy Homes Grant Program and the Oregon Department of Energy’s Community Heat Pump Deployment Program.

Combining funding sources and bringing the cost of installing energy-efficient upgrades down to zero is the only way most energy-burdened customers can participate—and they benefit from the energy cost savings most. “By covering the full cost, we help our neighbors in need,” said Alonso.

No-cost offers like this one are a potentially valuable source of energy savings because they tap into customers that haven’t been served effectively in the past. These no-cost heat pumps are being delivered through a limited pilot that was reviewed and approved by Oregon Public Utility Commission.

Through this pilot, we are learning how to develop, improve and scale up no-cost approaches, and to deliver them in partnership with community organizations—these learnings will be used to improve future offers.

So far, Energy Trust has invested nearly $6 million for no-cost upgrades in single- and multifamily households, and there are 1,200 more installations on the horizon.

“In my experience, these families are grateful to get a heat pump installed, and for the added comfort that it brings,” remarked Alonso. “It may not completely eliminate energy burden, but participants see a difference that gives them a more positive outlook on the fut