The Nancy Devereux Center, 1200 Newmark Avenue, Coos Bay, is a nonprofit organization founded in 1979 to provide support for the homeless, veterans and local residents suffering from mental illness.

The 21.6-kilowatt solar array installed on the front slope of the center’s roof will keep 13 tons of carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. That’s equivalent to avoiding 28,000 miles of driving.

The solar array is expected to provide enough energy to cover 75 percent of the center’s annual electrical needs.

“With the savings from this new solar array, we’ll be able to invest more of our dollars into directly helping our community,” said Tara Johnson, director, the Nancy Devereux Center. “Coupled with donations, these savings could help us reach our goals to expand services from three days a week to five.”

The project was made possible by community donations, a cash incentive of $21,196 from Energy Trust of Oregon and a grant from Pacific Power’s Blue Sky™ customers. Energy Trust offers assistance and cash incentives to help organizations and residents invest in local, renewable power, and lower utility bills with energy-efficiency improvements.

“Local renewable power generation can help organizations like the Devereux Center expand vital social services and invest in its community,” said Jay Ward, senior community relations manager, Energy Trust. “Indeed, while we are in this business to help Oregonians save and generate clean energy, we are most proud when those energy benefits directly help out those in need.”

“We are proud to help our Blue Sky customers support meaningful projects like this. The Nancy Devereux Center makes such a difference in the community, and embracing solar will make that go even further,” said Diana Knous, regional business manager, Pacific Power. “This is a great

example of the power of partnership to bring more renewable energy projects to our communities.”

Energy Trust has helped more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations and businesses around the state harness solar power to generate clean energy and save money.

Community representatives were present at the event, including State Senator Arnie Roblan, State Representative Caddy McKeown and Coos County Commissioner Melissa Cribbins.

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 and Cascade Natural Gas save $2.3 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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