This spring, John Savage retired from the Oregon Public Utility Commission after a distinguished career that included service as the director of the Oregon Public Utility Commission’s utility program and director of the Oregon Department of Energy.

An economist by training and a highly dedicated energy-efficiency champion for more than 30 years, Commissioner Savage played a central role in the creation and development of Energy Trust of Oregon.

Commissioner Savage’s vision for an independent, nonprofit organization, accountable to state regulators through a metrics-based grant agreement, helped define, shape and make Oregon a national and international model of sustainable energy achievement. Commissioner Savage’s focus on delivering cost-effective energy efficiency benefits to the utilities and utility customers helped make clean energy into one of Oregon’s hallmark policies.

“During his 15-year tenure as Oregon public utility commissioner, John Savage stood steadfastly by Energy Trust while also exercising opportunities to question, critique and understand our mission,” said Peter West, director of energy programs, Energy Trust.