MYRTLE CREEK, Ore. — July 12, 2016 — Ireland Trucking, one of the largest log hauling companies in the Pacific Northwest, has met the demands of Southern Oregon’s timber industry for 70 years. Now solar energy will help the company meet that demand while cutting its energy use.

Ireland Trucking held an event today at its Myrtle Creek-area headquarters to commemorate the installation of a 35-kilowatt solar electric system. Douglas County Commissioner Susan Morgan, State Representative Dallas Heard and Energy Trust of Oregon Board Vice President Ken Canon delivered remarks at the event.

“Ireland Trucking has a long history of adopting advanced technology and practices to stay competitive in our industry,” said Charles Ireland III, general manager, Ireland Trucking. “With help from Energy Trust, we are now able to utilize our own renewable energy.”

With 124 solar panels installed on the roof of a truck maintenance shop, the system will produce about 30 percent of the energy needs at Ireland Trucking’s headquarters. The panels were manufactured at the SolarWorld USA factory in Hillsboro.

The project received a $32,701 cash incentive from Energy Trust. Energy Trust offers assistance and cash incentives to help businesses and residents invest in local, renewable power, and lower their utility bills with energy-efficiency improvements.

This isn’t the first energy project that Ireland Trucking has completed with the help of Energy Trust. Previous projects included energy-efficient lighting upgrades at its headquarters and Coos Bay facility.

“Ireland Trucking shows how energy efficiency and renewable energy can power Oregon businesses,” said Ken Canon, vice president of the board of directors, Energy Trust. “Like Ireland Trucking, more than 1,000 companies across the state are harnessing solar power to manage their energy costs with the help of Energy Trust.”

Ireland Trucking’s new solar power installation also received a U.S. Department of Agriculture Rural Energy for America Program grant and an Oregon Department of Energy Renewable Energy Development grant.

MEDIA NOTE: Images and video from the event are available for media use here https://flic.kr/s/aHskzyPBLN.

About Ireland Trucking

Ireland Trucking was founded in 1946 and is now one of the largest privately owned log hauling companies in the Pacific Northwest. With nearly 70 years of log hauling expertise, Ireland Trucking has the capability of meeting the demands of today’s timber industry. With a mindset on safety, efficiency and accountability, Ireland Trucking has led the industry with the most advanced training and technology to date.

About Energy Trust of Oregon

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.