Energy Trust will expand its support for energy-efficient, affordable housing thanks to $15 million from a… The post Energy Trust awarded $15 million to boost affordable, energy-efficient housing appeared first on Energy Trust Blog ..read more

Every year, wildfires are becoming more frequent and taking longer to contain. Wildfire season is also getting longer with blazes igniting outside the typical hot summer months. As a result, smoky air is becoming more common, especially here in the West. Smoky air is hazardous for our homes and our health. Fine smoke particles can exasperate respiratory issues like coughing, wheezing, asthma, bronchitis and pneumonia. Smoke inhalation can also cause cardiovascular issues, increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and worsen heart and blood vessel conditions. Beyond the health effects ..read more

Senior living provider The Springs Living has over 20 locations across Oregon, Washington and Montana. The organization has one goal in mind: treating their residents like family through quality service. Since 1996, The Springs Living has maintained a high standard of care at their senior living communities. Through regular facility improvements and upgrades, the organization continuously innovates to further enhance the lives of their residents. Heating and cooling equipment replacements are one of the most common projects their maintenance staff deals with. To avoid compromising the quality ..read more

Energy Trust is offering new and increased incentives to make it easier for businesses to go solar and also add smart battery storage.   Installing solar is a proven way for a business to save on energy costs and reduce their carbon footprint. Adding battery storage allows solar to do even more by ensuring emergency backup during power outages.   Recent incentive changes are making it easier for solar or solar + storage projects to pencil out: Incentive Amount INCREASED Solar Development Assistance Now up to $2,500 NEW Battery Storage Development Assistance Up to ..read more

Compressed air systems are industry workhorses that provide pressurized air to power vital plant equipment, controls and tools. They can be prone to leaks that cost you money and reduce equipment efficiency. In a competitive business environment, fixing compressed air leaks is one fast and easy way to keep operating costs in check. It’s also easier than ever with new cash incentives from Energy Trust of Oregon. Finding and fixing compressed air leaks is a low-cost activity with strong potential for energy and cost savings. “We really want to help customers take advantage of leak repair saving ..read more

If a power outage occurs in the Powelhurst-Gilbert neighborhood of Southeast Portland, residents of Crescent Court Apartments know they have a haven in their shared multipurpose community room. The lights will be on, residents can charge their phones or laptops, and someone might even plug in a Crock-Pot to share a warm meal. It’s all part of a thoughtful, energy-efficient design that includes solar panels and battery storage backup. Developed by Related Northwest in partnership with Central City Concern, Crescent Court Apartments opened in 2022. The 138-unit affordable apartment community off ..read more

Many Oregon residents lack air conditioning in their homes and, as heat waves become more common, this can lead to dangerous temperatures. After the deadly 2021 Oregon heat waves, Oregon passed legislation to protect Oregon’s vulnerable populations from rising temperatures. To support this legislation, Energy Trust of Oregon is offering incentives for property owners and managers of multifamily properties to create a safe cooling space. What is a cooling space? A cooling space is a shared space in a multifamily housing property where five or more residents can maintain a safe temperature durin ..read more

On July 3, the Portland City Council confirmed Tracy Scott, Energy Trust director of energy programs, to the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund Committee. The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund advances community-led projects that reduce carbon emissions, create economic opportunity and improve people’s resiliency to a changing climate. The program funds projects and approaches serving Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund priority populations—Portland’s frontline communities and neighborhoods, including communities of color, people with low incomes and people liv ..read more

Every year, Oregonians see more frequent and extreme heat waves with summer temperatures often surpassing 100 degrees. This heat comes as many homeowners face increasing energy costs, meaning bills could spike as families work to keep their homes cool. There are resources to help. Through many ways, Energy Trust helps people save money by using less energy. Here are several low or no-cost, easy things you can do now to help keep your home cool during the extreme heat and lower your energy bills.   Use your windows strategically: Less light = less heat. Close windows, blinds, shades and c ..read more

This is a part of a series of blog posts amplifying community voices. As Managing Principal at Pinnacle Architecture in Bend, Briana Manfrass brings a passion for community wellness and healthy design to the projects she oversees in multi-family housing, healthcare, senior living, early education and commercial architecture. Her background in evidence-based design and trauma-informed design assures that Pinnacle’s work enhances lives and serves the needs of diverse populations.   Tell us about yourself and your work.My degree from Portland Art Institute is in interior design, and I joine ..read more