PORTLAND, Ore. — April 20, 2016 — Margie Harris, the Executive Director of Energy Trust of Oregon, is retiring after nearly 15 years leading one of Oregon’s most innovative and effective nonprofit organizations. Energy Trust provides information, technical assistance and cash incentives to help utility customers save energy and generate renewable power.

“Under Margie’s leadership, Energy Trust has made a tangible and lasting difference for Oregonians,” said Energy Trust Board President Debbie Kitchin. “She leaves in place a strong leadership team, proven and effective efficiency and renewable energy programs, and an organizational culture that values operational efficiency and accountability.”

Harris was the first permanent staff member hired by Energy Trust in 2001. From its start-up phase to full capacity, she led the organization as it expanded services to 1.5 million electric and natural gas utility customers in Oregon and southwest Washington.

As Executive Director, Harris established an organization committed to its mission of delivering clean, affordable energy for utilities and their customers. By hiring and retaining talented staff and nourishing a culture of achievement, collaboration and innovation, Energy Trust consistently exceeds aggressive goals and accomplishes notable successes in areas of strategic importance. Since it began serving customers in 2002, Energy Trust has:

* Invested $1.3 billion in utility customer dollars to help transform over half a million homes, businesses, manufacturers, farms, ranches, public buildings, schools and nonprofits with energy-efficiency and renewable energy improvements.

* Helped customers save $2.3 billion on utility bills to date. Over time, customer bill savings from Energy Trust’s past investments will grow to reach $5.6 billion.

* Delivered 548 average megawatts of electric efficiency savings, 45 million annual therms of gas efficiency savings and 119 average megawatts of renewable energy generation. This is enough low-cost, clean energy to power 516,000 average Oregon homes and heat another 89,000 Oregon homes with natural gas.

* Generated $3.9 billion in economic benefit for the Oregon economy, including $1.2 billion in wages, $223 million in small business income and employment equivalent to 3,200 full-time jobs lasting a decade.

* Kept our air cleaner by avoiding 17.4 million tons of carbon dioxide emissions, equal to removing more than 3 million cars from our roads for a year.

* Successfully engaged customers throughout urban and rural Oregon and SW Washington, and kicked off an initiative to further expand participation and engage an increasingly diverse customer base.

“I feel fortunate to have been a part of our state’s long-standing commitment to affordable clean energy opportunities that help people, businesses and our economy thrive,” said Harris. “I’m proud to leave behind an effective organization that can continue to deliver clean energy benefits well into the future. As I consider my own ‘re-wirement,’ I plan to be a mentor and coach to others in this dynamic field.”

The board of directors is currently undertaking a national search to select Harris’ successor. A new Executive Director is expected to be selected by summer.

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 and Cascade Natural Gas save $2.3 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.