The Sustainability Snapshot - Celebrating the work that supports efficiency, equity and sustainability
The Sustainability Snapshot, a new monthly feature, highlights impactful projects completed by EWEB's Customer Solutions department, as a way to celebrate the meaningful work happening behind the scenes. While these inspiring stories typically go untold, by sharing them we hope to help the community better understand how conservation efforts support energy and water efficiency, equity and sustainability across Eugene and Springfield.
EWEB and Homes for Good deliver lasting energy savings
Over the past 12 years, EWEB and Homes for Good have partnered on more than 200 energy efficiency projects for local households. Together, we've built a long-standing history of bringing energy efficiency upgrades to income-eligible rental units. This collaboration helps reduce energy waste, improve comfort for residents and lower utility costs for households that need it most.
This continued partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting energy efficiency and equity, while making sustainablity improvements more accessible across our community.
In May 2025, EWEB wrapped up our most recent project with Homes for Good, providing rebates for the installation of 26 ductless heat pumps in a west Eugene apartment complex that previously relied on outdated, inefficient electric resistance heating. The result? An estimated energy savings of 44,460 kilowatt-hours, plus improved heating and cooling for residents. "Everyone deserves to feel safe, comfortable and healthy in their home, no matter their income," says Hailey Dawson, Customer Solutions Specialist at EWEB who partnered with Homes for Good on this project. "That's why projects like this matter. They're not just about saving energy; they're about supporting familiies in our community and reducing barriers to basic comfort."
These upgrades go beyond saving energy. They help families stay comfortable year-round, ease the burden of high utility bills and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone.
A savings of 44,460 kWh is the equivalent of:
- The energy required to power two homes in Eugene for over a year.
- The amount of carbon sequestered by 533 seedlings for 10 years.
- An annual monetary savings of $4,796 for EWEB customers.
Upgrade your home or business to reduce energy & water usage
Homes for Good took advantage of one of EWEB's many efficiency and conservation programs. We offer cash rebate and zero-interest loans to upgrade residential insulation, windows, heating systems, water heaters and more, all of which create year-round bill and energy savings. Rebates are enhanced for limited-income customers, often covering the full cost to upgrade.
This table shows the current efficiency assistance programs available to EWEB residential customers.
| Product | Limited Income Rebate | Standard Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Ductless Heat Pump | Owner Occupied: $4,500 Rental:$1,000 |
$800 |
| Insulation | 100% of eligible program costs | Up to 50% of eligible costs |
| Windows | Owner Occupied: $20/sq ft of glass Rental: $10/sq ft of glass |
$4/sq ft of glass |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Owner Occupied: $1,700 Rental: $1,000 |
$800 |
| Toilets | $100 for 1.0 gallons-per-flush (gpf) toilets and $50 for 1.28 gallons-per-flush toilets | Same |
Interested in upgrading your business? Check out our commercial programs here.
If you have questions about our rebate and loan programs, or need help determinging which program you qualify for, reach out to an energy expert. Our Customer Solutions Team can provide additional information and help you get started on the application process. Email the team at ems.answers@eweb.org or give them a call at 541-685-7088.
