MEDFORD, Ore. — August 14, 2013 — More than 10 years ago, Energy Trust of Oregon set out to change the way Oregonians use energy. In 2012, the nonprofit’s $154 million investment in energy efficiency and small-scale renewable energy generation delivered record-breaking results. Natural gas savings increased 22 percent and electric savings increased 12 percent over 2011. Renewable generation was 3.4 times higher than in 2011.

“Year after year, we’ve connected with people to help them improve their homes, build resilient businesses and create a better energy future,” said Margie Harris, executive director, Energy Trust. “After unprecedented progress in 2012, the change we’ve been working toward is here. Today people are using energy differently and more efficiently throughout the state and harnessing clean, renewable power from Oregon’s natural sources.”

In 2012, customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas made energy improvements ranging from comprehensive home weatherization and solar electric systems to high-efficiency commercial lighting and renewable energy generation from dairy biogas. Through these actions, participating customers will save $408 million on their energy bills over time.

“When people spend less on energy bills, the savings ripple through the economy,” Harris said. “More goods and services are purchased, flowing into local businesses, creating jobs and contributing to higher wages. Since 2002, we have cumulatively added $2.7 billion to the local economy, including $793 million in wages, $155 million in small business income and 2,200 full-time jobs lasting a decade.”

Southern Oregon customers saved $3.3 million in 2012 alone
Utility customers from Coos Bay to Klamath Falls accessed Energy Trust services and incentives in 2012 — saving $3.3 million on their utility bills from improvements made at 16,000 locations. In Klamath Falls, Lithia Motors made its auto dealership shine and reduced energy costs with high-efficiency lighting. In Josephine and Jackson counties, more than 60 homeowners and businesses installed solar electric or solar water heating systems through the community-based Rogue Solar project, approximately one-half supported with Energy Trust incentives. See more regional results and customer successes at Energy Trust’s 2012 annual report website, www.energytrust.org/annualreport.

Exceeding 2012 goals and performance measures
In spite of an economy that has been slow to recover, Energy Trust surpassed its ambitious 2012 “stretch” goals with electricity savings of 52.9 average megawatts and natural gas savings of 5.9 million annual therms. It exceeded its renewable generation conservative goal by 28 percent, met or exceeded every Oregon Public Utility Commission performance measure and surpassed all utility Integrated Resource Plan targets.

More than 2,700 local businesses help deliver Energy Trust services across Oregon as trade ally contractors and other allied professionals. Of those, 80 percent are small businesses.

Working with utilities, trade ally contractors, customers and other organizations in 2012, Energy Trust saved and generated enough electricity to power 45,000 average Oregon homes and enough natural gas to heat another 11,000 homes for a year.

Energy Trust is a nonprofit organization funded by the utility ratepayers of PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas in Oregon, and NW Natural customers in Washington, and is overseen by a volunteer board of directors with input from two advisory councils of industry professionals. Energy Trust’s 2012 annual report showcases achievements and results in communities across Oregon and is available online at www.energytrust.org/annualreport. In addition, annual and quarterly reports to the Oregon Public Utility Commission are available on Energy Trust’s website. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.