MEDFORD, Ore. — June 29, 2016 — Energy Trust of Oregon announced today its 2015 annual results, including utility bill savings of $362 million for participating customers. Energy Trust is a nonprofit helping utility customers save energy in their homes and businesses, and invest in renewable energy systems that power Oregon with clean energy.

Energy Trust exceeded its 2015 goals for electric savings, natural gas savings and renewable generation, and achieved all Oregon Public Utility Commission annual minimum performance measures, including keeping program and administrative costs low at 5.5 percent of annual revenues.

“I am proud to see us performing at our best, and delivering the cleanest, lowest-cost energy we can buy for 1.5 million utility customers,” said Margie Harris, executive director, Energy Trust.

“In 2015, Energy Trust continued its legacy of innovation, adapting to a dynamic market and creating new opportunities for customers to participate and reap lasting clean energy benefits,” said Harris. “Not only did we exceed 2015 goals, we are well on our way to meeting our aggressive 2015-2019 Strategic Plan goals.”

Working with utilities, trade ally contractors, green energy professionals and customers in 2015, Energy Trust drove adoption of advancing clean energy technologies like LEDs, engaged designers and builders in adding more efficiency and solar features to residential and commercial construction, and delivered benefits in addition to energy savings and generation — from water savings to rural economic development to environmental health.

“When customers have lower energy bills, it frees up resources that flow into the economy, expanding purchasing power and creating jobs, higher wages and new business income,” said Debbie Kitchin, president of the board of directors, Energy Trust. “Since 2002, Energy Trust has added $4.8 billion to Oregon’s economy, including $1.5 billion in wages and $266 million in small business income. Energy Trust’s investments led to employment equivalent to 3,900 jobs lasting a decade.”

Southern Oregon residents, businesses benefited from clean energy at 11,300 locations

In 2015, Southern Oregon customers of Pacific Power and NW Natural invested in energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades at 11,300 homes, businesses, manufacturers, farms and ranches:

* Medford School District added to its previous energy-efficiency capital investments by enrolling in Energy Trust’s Strategic Energy Management initiative — saving the district

$80,000 per year through no- and low-cost operations and maintenance improvements. “The hundreds of thousands of dollars we’re saving is money that will go directly back into the classroom,” said Ron Havniear, manager of facilities, Medford School District.

* Rogue Creamery in Grants Pass worked with Energy Trust to install LEDs and a polyethylene roof to bring in daylight, saving $13,700 in annual energy costs. The creamery also installed a solar system that generates 11,000 kilowatt hours annually to power its mechanized milking station. “The lighting provides comfort and safety for both cows and employees working during evening and early morning hours,” said David Gremmels, owner, Rogue Creamery.

* As an Energy Trust trade ally contractor, Mahalo Heating and Air Conditioning in Roseburg has completed 627 energy-saving projects since 2008 for residents of Douglas County and coastal areas of Myrtle Point, Coquille, Coos Bay and Bandon. Mahalo offers Energy Trust’s Savings Within Reach enhanced incentives for moderate-income households. “Our community was in great need of a program like Savings Within Reach,” said Erin Gogal, co-owner, Mahalo Heating and Air Conditioning. “We have been able to provide energy-efficient solutions to homeowners who otherwise would not be able to afford the upgrades.”

See detailed 2015 results and more customer stories at www.energytrust.org/annualreport.

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization guided by a non-stakeholder board of directors and dedicated to providing utility customers with affordable, clean energy solutions. Energy Trust investments accelerate economic benefits throughout Oregon and have added $4.8 billion to the state’s economy. Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable energy future. Energy Trust is funded by and serves Oregon customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas, and Oregon and Washington customers of NW Natural.