Medford, Ore. — June 21, 2018 — Energy Trust of Oregon announced today its 2017 annual results, including cutting $3.2 billion from participating customers’ utility bills since 2002. In 2017, the nonprofit organization saved more electricity than ever before, maintained record natural gas savings and supported the installation of a record 1,800 solar systems—at even lower costs than the year before.

With cash incentives, information and a network of 2,300 contractors and allied professionals, Energy Trust helped homeowners, renters, businesses, manufacturers, farmers and ranchers at more than 56,500 locations across the state cut costs with affordable, energy-saving installations in 2017.

“Energy Trust helped Southern Oregon customers save $38 million on utility bills in 2017,” said Michael Colgrove, executive director, Energy Trust. “When people spend less on energy, they can spend more on their families, homes and businesses, freeing up resources that flow into communities, creating jobs and boosting wages.”

Energy Trust works closely with utilities to ensure customers have access to clean energy programs. Energy Trust programs are available to 1.6 million utility customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural, Cascade Natural Gas and Avista. In 2017, the organization exceeded all performance measures set by the Oregon Public Utility Commission, including maintaining low administrative and program support costs to ensure funds flow directly to customers.

6,900 Southern Oregon residents, businesses made smart energy choices in 2017

In 2017, Energy Trust provided $10 million in incentives to help Southern Oregon customers of Pacific Power, NW Natural and Avista invest in energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades at 6,900 homes and businesses.

For example, Energy Trust trade ally retailer Grover Electric & Plumbing Supply helps its customers see the long-term advantages of energy-efficient products like heat pump water heaters. With Energy Trust’s incentives provided to retailers, Grover discounts the sale of qualifying heat pump water heaters by $300, taking the value of the Energy Trust cash incentive directly off the purchase price. “By lowering their upfront cost, customers can more easily afford energy-efficient technology, and they don’t have to fill out any paperwork,” said Kate Barber, Grover’s lighting and bath coordinator. “Plus, lowering the upfront cost of energy-efficient products helps us increase sales and stay competitive.”

Additionally, with Energy Trust’s increased Savings Within Reach cash incentives for moderate-income households, Grants Pass homeowners Chris and Shari Heglin upgraded to an energy-efficient heat pump from electric baseboards, which up to now had cost them up to $400 a month in energy costs. The Pacific Power customers now pay $120 per month in energy bills, and that includes a $40 loan payment for the system cost. “Our heat pump is more than paying for itself through monthly energy savings,” said Shari.

Other Southern Oregon customers benefitting from energy-efficient and renewable energy upgrades include the Bay Area Hospital in Coos Bay, Umpqua Diary Products in Roseburg, Medford School District and SierraPine Composite Solutions in Medford.

See detailed 2017 results and more customer stories at www.energytrust.org/annualreport.

As an independent nonprofit organization, Energy Trust helps meet Oregon’s energy needs with the cheapest and cleanest options available. Energy Trust has spurred $6.3 billion in local economic activity since 2002. On-the-ground outreach, technical services, cash-back incentives and connections to local contractors help participants cut costs with affordable, clean energy solutions. Energy Trust also helps customers power their homes and businesses with renewable energy from solar, hydropower, biopower, geothermal and wind sources. Learn more at www.energytrust.org.

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