Energy Trust of Oregon is offering bonus incentives that in some cases double the amount of cash incentives available to help businesses pay for a variety of energy-saving upgrades. The upgrades can reduce energy costs, and can also help create safer, more comfortable environments for employees and customers. For grocery stores, the bonus incentives include extra cash to pay for new, efficient cooler cases, cooler doors, lighting and other items.

Upgrades help local chain grow along the coast

The employees and customers of a grocery store chain on the Oregon coast can attest to the power of energy upgrades. The leaders at McKay’s Market say customers tell them the upgrades make their stores look more contemporary and inviting.

McKay’s has worked with Energy Trust on improvements at several of its nine locations. The first project was installing new LED lighting in refrigerated cases at a McKay’s Market in Coos Bay. From there, the work expanded to three other stores, with upgrades to lighting, dishwashers, coolers and refrigeration system controls.

McKay’s received $429,500 in cash incentives from Energy Trust for the projects. The company is saving an estimated $167,700 on utility costs each year, which it is now able to reinvest in the business.

Projects make shopping easier for customers

In Gresham, the owners of La Tapatia 2—a Mexican grocery and meat market—say new LED lighting installed inside and outside the store is doing more than cutting their utility bill. They say the brighter LEDs make shopping easier for customers and increase security outside the building. Cash incentives from Energy Trust covered $27,000 of the $34,000 project. And the upgrades are now saving La Tapatia an estimated $2,600 per year in energy costs.

At a time of economic uncertainty due to COVID-19, additional cash incentives are here to help keep Oregon businesses on the path to greater energy efficiency.

To receive the incentives, Energy Trust must receive the application and other documentation within 90 days from the date of purchase and installation, but no later than December 1, 2020.

The bonuses have passed.