Energy Trust staff and Executive Director Margie Harris traveled to Albany and Corvallis this June to tour local energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects, meet with participants and city representatives and highlight clean energy investments and results in Linn and Benton counties. The visit was part of the organization’s community outreach efforts and an opportunity to recognize more than a decade of delivering energy solutions to 1.5 million utility customers in Oregon and southwest Washington.

Over the last 11 years, Pacific Power and NW Natural customers in Linn and Benton counties have accessed Energy Trust technical assistance, studies, services and $25 million in incentives to use energy more efficiently and benefit from renewable energy. More than 45 local companies, affiliated with Energy Trust as trade ally contractors, have helped customers identify and implement tailored energy solutions.

While in Albany, Energy Trust staff visited local projects, including Flakeboard where Maintenance Manager Dan Kasten shared insights on the strategic efficiency investments made at the particleboard plant. To mark progress and learn more about what Albany-area residents and businesses are planning for the future, Energy Trust also hosted a luncheon at the Linn County Expo Center. The discussion explored how Energy Trust can further support the region in greater energy efficiency and renewable energy investments.

To celebrate 11 years of progress with the Corvallis and Benton County communities, Energy Trust hosted a reception at the Majestic Theatre. Attendees included Corvallis City Council members, Corvallis City Manager Jim Patterson and Corvallis Environmental Center and Corvallis Sustainability Coalition members. Pacific Power’s Regional Community Manager Doris Johnston spoke at the event and acknowledged local efforts and investments made to save energy and generate renewable power.

While in Corvallis, Energy Trust staff visited Stahlbush Island Farms, where Project Engineer Jace Jones gave a tour of the food processing facility and biogas plant, in which Stahlbush Island Farms generates electricity from the farm’s vegetable and fruit byproducts. Paired with the biopower system, energy efficiency has allowed Stahlbush Island Farms to reduce its utility costs and improve processes.

Read more about Energy Trust staff visiting other Oregon communities like the North Coast and Eastern Oregon.