In 2024, multifamily property owners facilitated nearly 100 free educational workshops for their renters with help from Energy Trust. These workshops provided nearly 900 Oregon renters with the tools and confidence to save energy and lower their monthly utility costs.
According to a recent Energy Trust customer participation study, people who rent, especially those with low to moderate incomes, are significantly more likely than homeowners to report feeling worried about paying their energy bills or uncomfortable in their homes on very cold or very hot days. However, renters have limited opportunity to install energy-saving equipment in their own unit or building.
Energy Trust’s Strategic Energy Management (SEM) program supports renters’ needs by helping multifamily property owners find ways to use less energy in their buildings without making expensive capital upgrades. One of the biggest savings opportunities is to engage the building’s residents.
That’s why Energy Trust helps multifamily property managers who participate in SEM host educational workshops where renters can learn where their energy comes from, how to read their energy bill and no- or low-cost tips to save energy.
“There is a lot that people can do to take control over their energy bill without spending money or replacing equipment,” said Kathleen Belkhayat, Energy Trust program manager. “These workshops provide residents with the agency and confidence to reduce their energy consumption. They can take that knowledge anywhere they live.”
Interpretation services in multiple languages are available including Spanish, Mandarin and Farsi. Additionally, workshops are offered in both summer and winter, with seasonally specific content, empowering more renters to make their homes more comfortable and reduce energy usage year-round.
Participating multifamily property owners are provided with an Energy Trust facilitator, curriculum and take-home kits for residents that include items that help them feel more comfortable in extreme weather, such as blankets and coolers, and items that can help them save energy, such as LED lightbulbs and smart power strips.