Energy Trust of Oregon 10 Year Anniversary

Learn more about milestones in Energy Trust of Oregon’s history, including the development of programs and services that help utility customers make energy-efficiency and renewable energy investments in their homes and businesses.

Use the mouse to scroll through a sample of our history and click on the icons and photos to see program and customer success stories.

Serving customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas.

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2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012
2002
Setting a vision for Oregon’s energy future
Working closely with Portland General Electric and Pacific Power to reach customers, Energy Trust sets out to fulfill a vision of Oregon's energy future. A future with more jobs, stronger business, lower energy costs, productive work environments, comfortable homes, a cleaner environment and energy sources that preserve Oregon’s resources and natural beauty for younger generations.
CoinsHeating duct
Customer Stories:
Brewery Blocks Solar
Portland, OR
Brewery Blocks, Portland
A 22.4-kilowatt solar electric system at the Brewery Blocks building in downtown Portland is Energy Trust’s first renewable energy project. The project receives a $167,000 Energy Trust incentive and includes 192 solar panels on the face of the building and 77 panels on the roof. The solar panels are procured in partnership with the Bonneville Environmental Foundation.
2003
Working for Oregonians, Building our energy future
In its first full year of operation, Energy Trust meets high-powered expectations and makes good progress toward 2012 Strategic Plan goals. Energy Trust helps customers of PGE and Pacific Power save or produce enough energy to power 23,000 homes for a year.
Customer Stories:
Kettle Foods
Salem, OR
Also: Jacquie Rozales, Fairview
Kettle Foods, Salem
Salem-based Kettle Foods, Oregon’s homegrown producer of kettle-cooked chips and nut butters, turns to a higher power: the sun. Collaborating with Energy Trust, PGE and others, the company installs a 114-kW solar electric system at its Salem facility. During peak solar hours the system’s output is the equivalent of 25 percent of the company’s electricity demand. The solar energy system generates the equivalent of 3 to 5 percent of the company’s total electricity demand on an annual basis.
Also in 2003: Jacquie Rozales, Fairview
Jacquie Rozales, Fairview
In windy Fairview, Oregon, Jacquie and Ray Rozales participate in Energy Trust’s duct sealing initiative, along with several neighbors in their community. “We’re all senior citizens on limited incomes here,” said Jacquie. “The utility bills are high, so we thought it might help. It’s also more comfortable and a little snugger. We’re warmer.”
Back to Kettle Foods, Salem
2004
Investing in Oregon’s energy future
Energy Trust builds upon start-up efforts and continues strong inroads toward long-term energy efficiency and renewable energy goals. With the help of trade allies, collaborating utilities and many other organizations, Energy Trust keeps its eye on the prize: investing in an environmentally sound and sustainable energy future for Oregon.
Customer Stories:
Lowe’s
Bend, OR
Also: Boys & Girls Club, Albany
Lowe’s, Bend
Lowe’s Bend new home improvement warehouse store opens with high-efficiency fluorescent lighting systems and premium efficiency heating and ventilation units that dramatically reduce its energy costs. A $40,000 Energy Trust incentive helped the new construction project pencil out. “We are very conscientious about building Lowe’s stores to be as energy efficient as possible. The Energy Trust incentive dollars allowed Lowe’s to install the most energy-efficient equipment available for the Bend store,” said Robin Nickles, Lowe’s.
Also in 2004: Boys & Girls Club, Albany
Boys & Girls Club, Albany
The four gymnasiums at the Boys and Girls Club of Albany are now well-lit when they need to be, and not lit when the spaces are empty. High-efficiency fluorescent fixtures are turned on and off by occupancy sensors and help conserve the nonprofit youth center’s valuable resources. The 100 newly installed fixtures, an investment made possible with a $14,000 Energy Trust incentive, will save an estimated 138,000 kWh of electricity and more than $7,000 annually on energy bills. “We couldn’t have done any of this without the incentives. As a nonprofit, we have to be selective in how we spend our money. Every dollar we save in energy costs can be put right back into our programs,” said Michael Cripe, 2004 Boys & Girls Club of Albany Director of Computer Services.
Back to Lowe’s, Bend
2005
Creating Oregon’s energy future
In a year marked by rising energy costs and growing concerns about global warming, Oregonians demonstrate a deepening commitment to conserving energy and reducing dependence on fossil fuels. Nearly 183,000 households and businesses participate with Energy Trust—investing in energy efficiency and renewable power—to create a bright energy future for Oregon.
Customer Stories:
Blue Mountain Community College
Pendleton, OR
Also: City of Gresham
Blue Mountain Community College, Pendleton
Blue Mountain Community College installs high-efficiency lighting in four campus buildings to save 155,000 kWh annually and lower annual energy bills by $8,200. “From the time we began design, we made energy savings and sustainability a priority for the project. In all our projects, we seek to minimize environmental impacts and conserve resources” said Steve Platt, 2005 Blue Mountain Community College Supervisor of Buildings and Grounds.
Also in 2005: City of Gresham, Gresham
City of Gresham, Gresham
The City of Gresham installs a renewable energy system that converts methane gas from its wastewater treatment plant into electricity—enough energy to supply 55 percent of the plant’s power needs and save $200,000 on annual energy costs. “Creating a clean energy resource from a waste product is a sustainable business practice that allows us to further reduce our energy costs and control costs for our ratepayers,” said Guy Graham, City of Gresham Wastewater Services. An $82,000 Energy Trust incentive supported the biopower project.
Back to Blue Mountain Community College, Pendleton
2006
Leading change
Energy Trust and its affiliated utilities lead change and help Oregonians make a difference—from Cannon Beach to Klamath Falls and Portland to Pendleton. By participating, Oregonians demonstrate that energy independence and environmental responsibility remain important Oregon values.
Customer Stories:
Guido and Vito’s Italian Eatery
Seaside, OR
Also: Zack Jones and Kym Garret, Bend
Guido and Vito’s Italian Eatery, Seaside
The pasta at Guido and Vito’s Italian Eatery is both delicious and energy efficient now that the Seaside restaurant has ENERGY STAR® equipment, replacing its aging refrigerator and freezer. With help from Energy Trust incentives, the kitchen serves up energy savings of $130 per year.
Also in 2006: Zack Jones and Kym Garret, Bend
Zack Jones and Kym Garret, Bend
The blue ENERGY STAR® label drew Zack and Kym to their new home in Bend. Thanks to Energy Trust trade ally builder Palmer Homes, the house is 15 percent more energy efficient than a typical Oregon home and is more comfortable, too. Zack and Kym begin saving $300 in annual energy costs and keeping 4,350 pounds of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.
Back to Guido and Vito’s Italian Eatery, Seaside
2007
Our sights are set on a sustainable energy future
Growing concern about global warming and rising energy prices fuels a powerful “green wave” of action. With sights set on a sustainable energy future, Energy Trust helps 48,000 Oregonians take steps to save energy and tap into renewable power—our greatest defense against global warming.
Customer Stories:
Holden Wholesale Growers
Silverton, OR
Also: Andy and Kathy Kerr, Portland
Holden Wholesale Growers, Silverton
Verl Holden has glowing reviews for the solar electric system he installed at Holden Wholesale Growers, his Silverton nursery, to power his lights, water pumps and equipment. With a $43,000 Energy Trust incentive, Verl invests in a 29.6-kW system, which is expected to generate 34,000 kWh and save $2,200 a year on energy costs. “Our return on investment is far better than leaving the money in the bank. You’re not going to get a return like that any place,” said Verl. “As a company that produces trees, we’re green anyway. Now we’re even greener.” The solar system avoids 5,000 pounds of carbon dioxide emissions every year.
Also in 2007: Andy and Kathy Kerr, Portland
Andy and Kathy Kerr, Portland
Andy and Kathy Kerr have been making energy-saving home improvements for years. In 2007, they add insulation, high-efficiency windows and a second 2-kW solar electric system. “Once you get the panels, you pay more attention to your usage and you cut down more and more,” Kathy said. The Kerrs received $4,800 in Energy Trust incentives and expect to save $400 a year on energy costs.
Back to Holden Wholesale Growers, Silverton
2008
Growing a sustainable energy future
In a year marked by economic recession, Oregonians continue to look to Energy Trust to help save energy and money and generate clean, renewable power in their homes, businesses and communities. Energy Trust invests $41 million to offset the costs of 59,000 energy-saving and renewable energy projects to benefit utility ratepayers. Most programs exceed annual goals in spite of the economic downturn.
Customer Stories:
Corvallis Fire Department
Corvallis, OR
Also: Villa Candalaria, Portland
Corvallis Fire Department, Corvallis
Solar water heating systems at two fire stations help the City of Corvallis reduce energy costs. The systems qualified for $1,338 in Energy Trust incentives and save the city approximately $280 each year. High-efficiency lighting and other energy-saving improvements were also installed.
Also in 2008: Villa Candalaria, Salem
Villa Candalaria, Salem
Owners of the 35 condominiums at Villa Candalaria in Salem invest in a solar pool heating system to lower annual energy costs by approximately $800. The system pre-heats water for an 800-square-foot outdoor pool that operates during the summer months. The system qualifies for a $1,210 Energy Trust cash incentive. “The system has worked very much to our satisfaction. The first summer we reduced our gas bill by one-half. And we’ve had no mechanical problems, which is important because we’re self managed,” said Sandra Henry, pool chairman, Villa Candalaria.
Back to Corvallis Fire Department, Corvallis
2009
Delivering energy solutions for Oregon
Energy Trust teams up with local governments, neighborhood groups and others to pool resources and expand energy-saving and renewable power investments around the state. Programs accelerate to meet aggressive savings and generation goals in a new five-year strategic plan, adopted in late 2009. Energy Trust’s work helps put Oregon at the forefront of national energy-efficiency leadership and helps Oregon acquire new federal funding
Customer Stories:
Bjornson Vineyard
Salem, OR
Also: Obsidian Middle School, Redmond
Bjornson Vineyard, Salem
The wind turbine in Mark and Pattie Bjornson’s vineyard supplies about 75 percent of the power they need to grow and harvest their grapes. “As a small business, we couldn’t have made this investment without financial help from Energy Trust and government agencies,” said Mark.
Also in 2009: Obsidian Middle School, Redmond
Obsidian Middle School, Redmond
Gail Harrower, an Obsidian Middle School science teacher, uses Energy Trust LivingWise kits to introduce her students and their families to energy efficiency. “Students were very excited about doing the kit activities with their parents,” said Gail. “And parents liked that the light bulbs were free, helped the environment and saved them money.” Each LivingWise kit helps families save $46 per year on energy costs.
Back to Bjornson Vineyard, Salem
Path to Net Zero is a new pilot for owners who construct buildings with exceptional energy performance and strive for net zero on-site energy use. Projects commit to energy efficiency savings of at least 50 percent beyond Oregon code, with combined energy efficiency and renewable energy savings of at least 60 percent beyond Oregon code.
2010
Getting more from our energy
The economy poses a formidable challenge for the Pacific Northwest, nationally and internationally. At Energy Trust, those challenges spur more innovative and affordable strategies for consumers and businesses to reduce energy costs and invest in renewable energy. The response is tremendous.
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River gorge, dam, wind surfer
Customer Stories:
Oregon Institute of Technology
Klamath Falls, OR
Also: Reese Electric, North Bend
Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls
Energy Trust completes its first geothermal project at OIT, also Oregon’s first combined heat and power geothermal project. The system provides heat for the campus and generates 850 megawatt hours of electricity annually, about 10 percent of the campus electrical load.
Also in 2010: Reese Electric, North Bend
Reese Electric, North Bend
Reese Electric in North Bend completes 20 lighting retrofit projects at North Bend School District and City of North Bend facilities, several county buildings and private businesses. Projects totaled $628,000 in contracts, said owner Randy Rema. “Practically 100 percent of our involvement with Energy Trust has been in the area of lighting efficiency upgrades in local businesses and government buildings.” Annual energy savings for all projects total 1.2 million kilowatt hours—enough to power 98 average homes for a year. That equates to roughly $80,000 in annual savings, he said.
Back to Oregon Institute of Technology, Klamath Falls
2011
A cleaner environment, a stronger economy, a better future
Innovative offers continue to attract and engage customers and spur them to take action in their homes and businesses. Energy Trust completes an unprecedented number of energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects, providing significant clean energy benefits for Oregonians and southwest Washingtonians. In 10 years of working together with utilities, contractors, customers and others, Energy Trust shapes a stronger environment and economy for Oregon.
Customer Stories:
Patrick and Rachel Lapé
Portland, OR
Also: Central Oregon Irrigation District, Bend
Patrick and Rachel Lapé, Portland
Since 2007 Patrick and Rachel Lapé have used energy efficiency as a tool to continuously improve their 100-year-old Portland home, starting with free compact fluorescent light bulbs and a Home Energy Review from Energy Trust. Helped by a trade ally, they also installed a gas hearth to work with their furnace. The Lapés accessed additional Energy Trust incentives through Clean Energy Works Portland to insulate their home. In 2011, they begin generating their own clean power with a 3.7-kilowatt solar electric system. “A home is an investment,” said Patrick. “Our job is to make it work the best that it can.”
Also in 2011: Central Oregon Irrigation District, Bend
Central Oregon Irrigation District, Bend
In its first full year of operation in 2011, the Central Oregon Irrigation District’s Juniper Ridge hydropower project near Bend generates more renewable energy than expected. As part of building the system, the district replaces more than two miles of canal with high-pressure pipe, eliminating water losses, benefiting fish and restoring enough water to the Deschutes River to fill 19 Olympic-sized swimming pools every day. “Today there’s a big difference in the river’s quality, the environment and the impact on the local economy,” said Steve Johnson, district manager. “These carbon-free benefits will last 50-plus years while providing returns to the community.”
Back to Patrick and Rachel Lapé, Portland
2012
A decade of changing how we use energy
At Energy Trust, we believe in the additive power of collaboration. Through more than 10 years of investing together in conservation and renewable power, all of us—individuals, businesses, trade ally contractors, utilities and Energy Trust—have built a stronger Oregon. The progress is significant—competitive businesses, comfortable and productive environments in which to live and work and $2.1 billion added to our economy. It is the power of collaboration that will bring future possibilities into reality.
Customer Stories:
Timber Products
Medford and White City, OR
Also: June Key Delta, Portland
Timber Products, Medford and White City
Timber Products Company incorporated energy efficiency into its business model in the late 1990s. Since then, the company has steadfastly implemented energy-efficiency projects throughout its Oregon facilities. “Energy conservation plays a key role in our company’s economics and community stewardship,” said Brad Beavers, process control manager, Timber Products. “If we can do it cheaper and with less environmental impact, we do it.” The company’s early Oregon projects involved upgrading lighting in its White City and Medford facilities, as well as redesigning the material handling system at its Medford particleboard plant and improving the compressed air system at its White City facility.
Also in 2012: June Key Delta, Portland
June Key Delta, Portland
The Portland Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a professional sorority of African-American women, provides highly-valued public services such as tutoring and scholarships for African-American women. As these programs expanded, the nonprofit outgrew its space and began considering major renovations. “We wanted to be responsible and create a highly sustainable building that would be a gathering place for community involvement and enrichment,” said Chris Poole-Jones, project coordinator, June Key Delta Community Center. To achieve net-zero energy use, the team aggressively pursued energy-efficiency strategies. Design and technical assistance from Energy Trust helped the team select efficiency options that were affordable and effective.
Back to Timber Products, Medford and White City
Energy Trust of Oregon 10 Year Anniversary

Energy Trust thanks PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas, the many trade and program allies that help us serve customers, and the many thousands of customers who have participated in our programs. Our progress in shaping a stronger environment and economy for Oregon is a shared story with you. Join us in imagining new possibilities—to ensure a more sustainable, local and brighter future for all.

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