PORTLAND, Ore. — July 14, 2020 — Energy Trust of Oregon has released its 2019 annual report highlighting the organization’s work last year to help utility customers save energy and invest in clean, renewable power.

Read the full annual report online: https://www.energytrust.org/annual-report-2019/

In 2019, Energy Trust supported energy-efficiency upgrades and renewable energy installations at more than 57,000 Oregon and Southwest Washington homes, businesses, factories and farms through a network of more than 1,900 contractors who connect utility customers to the organization’s services and financial incentives.

For every $1 Energy Trust has invested in energy efficiency, utility customers will save more than $3. Those investments have also saved and generated enough energy to power half of all the homes in Oregon and reduced CO2 emissions equivalent to removing 7 million cars from Oregon’s roads.

“Energy efficiency remains the most valuable, lowest-cost energy resource,” said Michael Colgrove, executive director, Energy Trust. “Investments in energy efficiency have a ripple effect in Oregon’s economy beyond their environmental benefits. For example, by funding energy projects, we help sustain jobs for a network of skilled, local contractors. Additionally, as families and businesses experience the financial impacts of the COVID-19 crisis, one way they can keep costs low is by saving energy, which can reduce utility bills and help keep monthly expenses more affordable.”

For example, in 2019, residents of hundreds of manufactured homes around the state received free duct sealing that reduced their energy costs and improved their indoor air quality thanks to Energy Trust incentives that covered the cost. Energy Trust’s network of contractors brought more affordable utility bills and more comfortable homes to these Oregonians with limited incomes. For residential customers, Energy Trust also offers incentives on appliances, thermostats, showerheads, insulation, windows and many more energy-efficient products.

Bend’s nonprofit Bethlehem Inn, which offers temporary housing and support services to those experiencing homelessness, added two buildings that are models of energy efficiency and help support 10 families and 112 single adults. The nonprofit will save an estimated $16,700 per year on energy costs, and a solar power system installed with a grant from Pacific Power’s Blue SkySM customers will save an additional $11,000 per year.

Gwenn Wysling, executive director of Bethlehem Inn, said, “The cost savings from energy efficiency and solar power allow us to put our limited resources directly into essential services.”

Since 2002, Energy Trust has invested $2 billion in utility customer funds to deliver long-term benefits for Oregonians, including:

· $8.2 billion in utility bill savings over time

· $3.3 billion added to Oregon’s economy

· 32.7 million tons of carbon dioxide avoided

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 $8.2 billion on energy bills over time. 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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