Bend, 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.”

Central Oregon residents, businesses benefited from clean energy at 4,800 locations

In 2015, Central Oregon customers of Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas invested in energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades at 4,800 homes, businesses, manufacturers, farms and ranches:

* With Energy Trust guidance and incentives, Fox Hollow Ranch in Madras upgraded its irrigation system to save $6,700 in annual energy costs while also reducing water use

and maintenance costs. “Cutting energy and water costs has helped increase our income enough to support a second family at the ranch,” said Nancy Edwards, co-owner, Fox Hollow Ranch. “Our son’s family has joined us and eventually will take over our growing business.”

* Three Sisters Irrigation District in Bend worked with Energy Trust to transform more than one-half of its open canal systems to efficient pressurized pipes and installed a hydroelectric generation system — saving energy, water and generating 3.1 million kilowatt hours of electricity per year. “For the first time since the late 1800s, there was summertime flow last year in Whychus Creek for salmon and steelhead. We have 25 percent more water on farm compared to the 1977 drought, and we are generating clean, green, renewable power and conserving energy,” said Marc Thalacker, district manager, Three Sisters Irrigation District.

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.