Related News
Related News
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New tanks come online as EWEB modernizes water system
New drinking water storage tanks are one of several investments to ensure that EWEB can meet critical community needs in the event of an earthquake.
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Celebrate Earth Month by taking charge of your home's energy use
This Earth Month, learn how you can reduce your energy usage to help protect our planet and reduce carbon emissions.
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EWEB crews focusing on restoring electric service for Hayden Bridge Water Filtration Plant
With more ice forecasted for Tuesday, all EWEB crews are in the field assessing outages and restoring power.
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Start the New Year saving money with energy saving tips
We know that saving money is important to our customers. Using energy and water wisely is a great way to reduce your monthly utility bill, even as the costs of electricity and water rise. EWEB has several steps you can take to reduce your usage and even make your home feel more comfortable.
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Currin Substation: End of year update
EWEB Engineer Philip Peterson explains what's been happening in the final stretch to complete the substation rebuild.
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EWEB Recognized with Excellence in Communications Awards from American Public Power Association
We are proud to have been recognized with two Excellence in Public Power Communications Awards for 2023 from the American Public Power Association (APPA).
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Let's talk turkey. If a disaster strikes, is your family ready?
Many of us avoid discussing politics over the dinner table in the spirit of family peace and harmony. But here's a topic that can bring everyone together: emergency preparedness.
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EWEB To Hold First of Two Public Hearings on Proposed 2024 Budget and Prices
At the Nov. 7 Board of Commissioners meeting, EWEB staff will present a proposed budget that includes rate increases necessary to support utility operations and make needed infrastructure investments.
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EWEB now offering a Smart Thermostat rebate program
EWEB is excited to announce a new residential rebate program to provide electric customers with free or greatly discounted Smart Thermostats to customers whose primary source of heating is from an electric forced-air furnace or heat pump.
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Your EWEB Rates at Work: Investing Today for a Resilient Tomorrow
For more than a century, EWEB has planned, built, and maintained the systems that deliver safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible power and water to Eugene homes and businesses.
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Have an energy efficient and water conscious holiday season
The holiday season is officially upon us. Whether you are celebrating a special holiday or just sharing a meal with close friends and family, hosting can cause some unexpected energy and water usage increases – resulting in a higher utility bill. We’ve prepared some tips on how you can save energy and water this holiday season.
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River Road Substation returns to service after infrastructure upgrades
Supply chain shortages and proactive infrastructure investments, including constructing seismic foundations and implementing control modernization, have played a role in the substation's return-to-service timeline.
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The importance of managed electric vehicle charging explained
EWEB has much to handle related to EV charging infrastructure. To ensure that the switch from gasoline-powered vehicles to electric vehicles reduces the most emissions possible at the lowest cost possible, we need to implement managed EV charging.
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Fall is the perfect time to prepare for winter storm season
Winter is coming, which increases the likelihood of storm-related power outages. It's important to be prepared, and there are simple actions you can take right now.
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EWEB seeks public input on electric vehicle, demand response standards
EWEB is seeking public input on the potential adoption of updated standards for electric vehicles (EVs) and demand response programs. The potential standards are derived from the Public Utility Regulatory Policies Act, or PURPA.
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More Landlords are Investing in Energy Efficiency
January 29, 2020
Reducing energy waste in rental properties is a priority for a growing number of Eugene landlords and tenants.
Last year more than 400 local rental properties were upgraded with the help of EWEB efficiency and conservation programs, including rebates, loans, and home audits. Altogether, these efforts saved 500,000 kilowatt-hours of energy and 230 metric tons of carbon. The energy savings is roughly equivalent to taking 50 passenger vehicles off the road, or the carbon sequestered by 300 acres of forest.
Upgrading buildings to reduce energy waste is an important part our community's efforts to move toward carbon neutrality, and improve housing affordability.
Conventional wisdom dictates that rental properties tend to be harder and costlier to heat because landlords have little incentive to invest in improvements. In fact, rental properties that participated in EWEB's Home Energy Score program in 2019 received an average efficiency score of just 3.6 on a 10-point scale (the average home scores a 5 according to the U.S. Department of Energy).
But a growing awareness of the climate risks and social impacts of inefficient housing may be changing that dynamic.
In 2019, landlords invested more than $1.2 million in efficiency upgrades for their rental properties. To assist with upfront costs, EWEB provided more than $500,000 in rebates. The most popular upgrades were ductless heat pumps, followed by windows and insulation.
A ductless heat pump alone can reduce a tenant's electricity costs by up to 50% compared to zonal resistance or electric forced air systems. Adding insulation and replacing old, drafty windows with high-performance windows helps optimize the heating system's efficiency, keeping your tenants comfortable throughout the year while lowering electric bills and reduce energy waste.