For More Information Contact:
John Mitchell, 341-8539
Eugene Water & Electric Board

EWEB recognized for exemplary conservation programs

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy (ACEEE), a nonprofit research group based in Washington, D.C., has recognized Eugene Water & Electric Board's Energy Management Services as an “exemplary program” as part of a national awards program to honor America's best low-income energy efficiency programs.

ACEEE initiated this awards program to recognize outstanding energy efficiency programs serving low-income households, a population especially hard-hit by soaring energy costs. ACEEE released its profile of 24 low-income energy efficiency programs selected from around the country for their "best practices." Meeting Essential Needs: The Results of a National Search for Exemplary Utility-Funded Low-Income Energy Efficiency Programs provides a valuable sourcebook for information about leading utility-funded low-income energy efficiency programs.

"EWEB Energy Management Services was recognized because of its long history of offering a broad range of conservation services, and for the variety of energy efficiency measures that we provide our customers,” says Bob Lorenzen, EWEB Energy Management Services Program Manager. “We were also recognized for establishing a number of valuable partnerships with agencies such as the Housing and Community Services Agency of Lane County (HACSA) and St. Vincent De Paul.”

Such collaboration can both improve the efficiency and effectiveness of programs, as well as make it easier for households to participate. Programs serving low-income households are widely accepted as a critical service funded via utility rates or other fees paid by utility customers. Dr. Dan York, ACEEE Senior Research Associate and report co-author, says that EWEB's program illustrates “how best to structure and provide programs that can help keep energy costs affordable for low-income households."

Many profiled programs provide comprehensive services, which typically include "weatherization" (increasing levels of insulation and sealing buildings against air leaks); heating system inspections and improvement for increased efficiency, health, safety, and comfort; appliance upgrades or replacements; and energy conservation education for customers.

“Low-income households are especially vulnerable to rapidly escalating energy costs," said Dr. Martin Kushler, ACEEE Utilities Program Director and report co-author. "This winter could create unprecedented hardships for low-income families, and we urge utilities across the country to borrow ideas from the programs highlighted in this report in order to help low-income families cope with soaring energy bills. Energy efficiency improvements not only offer short-term relief for high energy bills, they also provide long-term help in sustaining such households economically."

A downloadable copy of the report is available at http://aceee.org/pubs/U053.htm .

For more information, contact John Mitchell at 341-8539 or Kathy Grey at 484-1125, extension 3049.

Learn more about EWEB's low-income assistance programs.

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