In June, Energy Trust of Oregon launched the Community Partner Network, a centralized pathway to connect trusted local organizations with Energy Trust resources to help underserved communities access energy efficiency and renewable solutions.

Customers who directly participate in clean energy programs realize the greatest benefits, including more control of their energy use and lower energy bills. But Energy Trust data reveal that customers with low incomes, people of color and customers in rural areas have participated in its programs to a lesser degree. These priority customers received fewer benefits than other customers despite helping fund services provided by Energy Trust through charges on their utility bills.

The new Community Partner Network is a critical component of Energy Trust’s efforts to create greater impact for priority customers by strengthening collaborations with community partners. The network supports Energy Trust’s long-term strategic priorities to expand equitable access to programs and deepen community partnerships. By investing in these relationships, Energy Trust can better connect customers with the resources and support they need in ways that are responsive to the unique needs of their communities.

“Community partners hold deep, trusting relationships with the communities they serve,” said Julia Baumgartner, program manager on Energy Trust’s Program Integration Team. “They bring knowledge of community needs, values and lived experiences that can help up shape Energy Trust programs to be more impactful.”

Over the past several years, Energy Trust has expanded its community partnerships, including co-delivering enhanced incentives through Community Partner Funding, collaborating on outreach and education initiatives and testing pilots and new approaches. Through these engagements, community partners shared a need for more clarity, simplicity and support in working with Energy Trust.

The Community Partner Network was designed in direct response to this feedback. It is not a replacement for Energy Trust’s specialized offers for community partners, but rather a more streamlined and centralized way for these organizations to engage with Energy Trust. When an organization is accepted into the network, a dedicated relationship manager from Energy Trust’s outreach team will work directly with them to identify and help them navigate to relevant programs and offers. The organization will receive access to Energy Trust program training and tailored resources, such as business development funds and custom support with contracts, as needed.

“The Community Partner Network is all about relationships,” said Baumgartner. “By strengthening how we collaborate, provide reliable support and communicate with community partners we can work together to increase access to our offers and investments.”

For more information about the Community Partner Network, reach out to CommunityPartnerNetwork@energytrust.org