EASTERN OREGON

Energy Trust builds a strong presence

At the close of 2007, trade allies in Northeast Oregon—Umatilla, Wallowa, Baker and Malheur counties—were few and far between. Access to trainings and Energy Trust incentive information was limited. A new strategy focusing on locally-based outreach advisors brought Energy Trust to the region to increase customer awareness and trade ally capacity. Today, the number of trade allies for Home Energy Solutions, commercial lighting and Solar programs has doubled and more contractors are in the pipeline.

In 2008, Energy Trust contracted with Susan Badger-Jones, based in Joseph, to be a part-time outreach advisor. She is visible locally as a speaker on energy efficiency and renewable energy, meets with city and county officials, and is present at regional county fairs, tribal events, economic development and Chamber of Commerce meetings and other events. "I connect people to programs and projects to funding—and help customers and trade allies when they hit a snag," said Badger-Jones of her role. "I listen and then advocate for what works in rural areas."

This year, David Felley, energy advisor, joined the field team to conduct Home Energy Reviews from his La Grande base. His role quickly expanded to include coordinating training and other trade ally support. Starting in 2010, we will begin a community-by-community approach to raising consumer awareness of the value of energy efficiency and trade ally services; to support this level of activity, we are looking at basing another Home Energy Solutions representative in the region, and adding at least one regional office.

The increasing number of trade ally orientation services offered online has been important and is a trend that will continue into next year. Recently, two different "pilot" courses were offered in-person in Pendleton and simultaneously broadcast to trade allies 70 miles away in Enterprise. This month, regional HVAC trade allies are training in Pendleton to deliver the Existing Mobile Home Track within the Home Energy Solutions program in Umatilla and Wallowa counties. More trainings are in the planning for 2010; a Home Performance with ENERGY STAR® and renewable energy demonstration project is underway in Wallowa County; and pilots and local initiatives in other parts of the region promise to add to the momentum. On the renewable energy side, there are increasing numbers of residential and commercial solar project applications submitted, a significant number of positive small hydropower feasibility studies completed and biopower projects in development.

"I think we're really now on our way to creating the necessary critical mass of trade ally expertise to serve this region," said Badger-Jones.

For more information on Eastern Oregon opportunities, contact at 541.263.1103

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