Energy Trust of Oregon

Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization based in Portland, Oregon that helps utility customers in Oregon benefit from efficient energy use and generating renewable energy . Energy Trust offers services, cash incentives and other energy solutions to customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas in Oregon and customers of NW Natural in Washington.

In 1999, the Oregon Legislature passed an electric industry restructuring law, SB 1149, with the intent of establishing a stable, consistent funding source for residential, commercial and industrial electric efficiency, renewable energy and market transformation programs. The legislation requires the state’s largest investor-owned electric utilities to collect a 3 percent public purpose charge and authorized the Oregon Public Utility Commission, OPUC, to direct a portion of those funds to an independent, non-government entity.

In 2000 and 2001, the OPUC and interested parties helped form the nonprofit Energy Trust of Oregon. The nonprofit has an independent board of directors and operates consistent with a grant agreement with the OPUC. In 2001, Energy Trust articles of incorporation and bylaws were adopted and the first executive director hired. Energy Trust also has two advisory councils, the Conservation Advisory Council and Renewable Energy Advisory Council, to provide stakeholder perspectives on its programs, budgets and action plans.

Energy Trust began operation in March 2002, charged with investing in cost-effective electric energy efficiency, helping to pay the above-market costs of renewable energy resources, implementing market transformation programs, delivering services with low administrative and program support costs and maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.

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