PENDLETON, Ore. — July 15, 2019 — In its 2018 annual report published today, Energy Trust of Oregon revealed that its residential and business customers saved millions of dollars last year on their utility bills, thanks to their participation in Energy Trust’s energy efficiency and renewable energy programs.

More than 580 Eastern Oregon customers of Pacific Power, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista participated in Energy Trust’s programs in 2018. By improving the energy efficiency of their homes and businesses, and by generating clean renewable energy, Eastern Oregon customers saved more than $6 million on their energy bills in 2018 alone.

One such customer is J&J Snack Foods in Weston, Ore. With help from Energy Trust, J&J Snack Foods has invested in capital improvements for years, enough to cut annual energy costs by an estimated $70,000. J&J Snack Foods also participated in Energy Trust’s Strategic Energy Management initiative, which teaches employees the skills to find no- or low-cost operations and maintenance opportunities that deliver long-term savings.

“We set a goal to reduce electricity use by 5%,” said Richard Boyer, plant manager. “With Strategic Energy Management, we doubled that.”

Yellowhawk Tribal Health Center is another Entergy Trust customer. The center serves tribal members of the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation and other eligible American Indians and Alaska Natives in Umatilla and Union counties. The energy-efficient 64,000-square-foot clinic aims to generate as much energy as it uses over the course of a year. To achieve this, Yellowhawk tapped into Energy Trust’s Path to Net Zero initiative. Through Path to Net Zero, tribal leaders received support throughout the design and construction process, resulting in a building that is 60% more efficient than a standard building of its type. The tribes received $295,000 in Energy Trust cash incentives for the clean energy features, which will save the center roughly $58,000 per year.

“We are constantly striving to protect, preserve and enhance our environment and our people. This project helps us achieve that,” said Jeremy Wolf, vice chairman of the board of trustees, Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation.

Statewide, Energy Trust’s customers saved $418 million on their utility bills in 2018

In 2018, Energy Trust supported energy-efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations at more than 48,000 Oregon and Southwest Washington homes, businesses, factories and farms through a network of more than 2,300 trade ally contractors.

In total, Energy Trust delivered $94.3 million in cash incentives for energy efficiency and renewable energy investments to customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista. Since 2002, Energy Trust has invested $1.8 billion in utility customer funds to deliver benefits including $7.7 billion in total utility bill savings over time and $7.3 billion added to Oregon’s economy.

“When we save energy, utilities do not need to generate, purchase or distribute it to meet the needs of their customers,” said Michael Colgrove, executive director, Energy Trust. “This saves customers money and more. The benefits of energy efficiency also include a healthier environment from fewer carbon dioxide emissions, stronger local economies and more resilient communities.”

In 2018, Energy Trust also developed 10 diversity, equity and inclusion goals to reach new customers and better reflect the communities it serves through new program designs and deeper relationships with local organizations. Among these new goals, Energy Trust has pledged to expand participation of minority- and women-owned businesses in its Trade Ally Network by 50% and to increase the number of projects completed with these businesses by 15%.

These new diversity, equity and inclusion goals have helped guide Energy Trust’s strategic plan for 2020-2024. To find out more information about Energy Trust’s draft 2020-2024 Strategic Plan and submit feedback, visit www.energytrust.org/strategicplan. Public comment is accepted through Friday, August 2, 2019.

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, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista save $3.4 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.

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