Energy fuels daily life in Oregon, powering the homes and buildings people live and work in. As demand for energy grows, energy efficiency – that is, finding ways to use less energy – is more important than ever.
Energy efficiency is one of the most affordable ways to meet Oregon’s energy needs and is a cornerstone of our state’s energy policy. In fact, efficiency (or not using energy at all) is Oregon’s second-largest energy resource after hydropower. It’s a critical way for Oregon’s utilities to meet energy demand without investing in expensive infrastructure or more energy generation.
New national estimates predict electricity demand will increase by 50% in the next 25 years. As demand and energy prices rise, one of the cheapest forms of energy will always be the energy we don’t use at all.
Energy Trust’s Draft 2026-2030 Multiyear Plan is designed to help meet Oregon’s growing energy needs by expanding access to reliable, more affordable energy solutions. The plan outlines new investments, more ways to partner with Energy Trust and more benefits for Oregonians.
How energy efficiency works for Oregonians
Energy Trust’s programs and cash incentives help people reduce energy use and generate clean power.
Since 2002, Energy Trust has helped people save $8.5 billion on their energy bills and delivered energy savings equal to the output of five natural gas power plants. Every dollar invested in energy efficiency through Energy Trust returns $2.73 in savings by avoiding the need for new power plants or energy infrastructure.
And in partnership with 1,900 trade ally contractors, mostly local small businesses, Energy Trust has helped install energy-saving products and upgrades in more than 800,000 homes and buildings, along with more than 25,000 solar energy systems.
Every day, Energy Trust works to help people, businesses and communities reduce energy costs and make buildings more comfortable and resilient. Here are a few examples of what that looks like:
- For homeowners, heating a home is likely the largest home energy expense. Energy Trust offers incentives to lower costs for heating, cooling and insulation. It also partners with organizations across Oregon to keep energy affordable and homes safe and comfortable for more Oregonians. For example, through the state’s manufactured home replacement program, Energy Trust offers financial incentives and navigation support to help families replace aging homes with energy-efficient ones, reducing utility costs and improving housing stability for those most in need.
- For renters, Energy Trust works with developers to support energy-efficient housing developments, like the Alberta Alive community for low-income residents and veterans in Portland. Support is also available for property owners to make existing rentals more affordable and comfortable for residents through Strategic Energy Management
- For schools, Energy Trust is a trusted partner in retrofitting aging school buildings to save on energy costs and create more comfortable classrooms.
- In partnership with Tribes, Energy Trust supports new buildings that Tribes construct for their members, such as a solar-powered medical center and senior housing built with efficiency and renewable energy sources that deliver almost zero energy bills.
Energy efficiency is a foundational part of Oregon’s power supply. It keeps energy affordable, supports local jobs and reduces the need for new power sources. With over 20 years of experience and data to support its value, now is the time to build on that success.
Energy Trust’s Draft 2026-2030 Multiyear Plan includes more funding to make clean and efficient energy more affordable for everyone. Learn more about the Draft 2026-2030 Multiyear Plan here.