Energy Trust of Oregon
421 SW Oak St., Suite 300
Portland, Oregon 97204
NEWS
October 26, 2016
Telephone: 1-866-368-7878
Facsimile: 503-546-6862
energytrust.org
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Kevin Glenn
503-241-1124
[email protected]
On-site Contact:
Jay Ward
503-407-8490
[email protected]
Coos Bay nonprofit gets a major contribution from the sun
The Nancy Devereux Center installed 72 solar panels with help from Pacific
Power Blue Sky Customers and Energy Trust of Oregon
COOS BAY, Ore. — October 26, 2016 — The Nancy Devereux Center held an event today to
unveil a new solar electric system that will cut operating costs and could even help expand its
services to the community.
The Nancy Devereux Center, 1200 Newmark Avenue, Coos Bay, is a nonprofit organization
founded in 1979 to provide support for the homeless, veterans and local residents suffering from
mental illness.
The 21.6-kilowatt solar array installed on the front slope of the center’s roof will keep 13 tons of
carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere. That’s equivalent to avoiding 28,000 miles of driving.
The solar array is expected to provide enough energy to cover 75 percent of the center’s annual
electrical needs.
“With the savings from this new solar array, we’ll be able to invest more of our dollars into
directly helping our community,” said Tara Johnson, director, the Nancy Devereux Center.
“Coupled with donations, these savings could help us reach our goals to expand services from
three days a week to five.”
The project was made possible by community donations, a cash incentive of $21,196 from
Energy Trust of Oregon and a grant from Pacific Power’s Blue Sky™ customers. Energy Trust
offers assistance and cash incentives to help organizations and residents invest in local,
renewable power, and lower utility bills with energy-efficiency improvements.
“Local renewable power generation can help organizations like the Devereux Center expand
vital social services and invest in its community,” said Jay Ward, senior community relations
manager, Energy Trust. “Indeed, while we are in this business to help Oregonians save and
generate clean energy, we are most proud when those energy benefits directly help out those in
need.”
“We are proud to help our Blue Sky customers support meaningful projects like this. The Nancy
Devereux Center makes such a difference in the community, and embracing solar will make that
go even further,” said Diana Knous, regional business manager, Pacific Power. “This is a great
example of the power of partnership to bring more renewable energy projects to our
communities.”
Energy Trust has helped more than 1,000 nonprofit organizations and businesses around the
state harness solar power to generate clean energy and save money.
Community representatives were present at the event, including State Senator Arnie Roblan,
State Representative Caddy McKeown and Coos County Commissioner Melissa Cribbins.
Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping utility
customers benefit from saving energy and generating renewable power. Our services, cash
incentives and energy solutions have helped participating customers of Portland General
Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas save $2.3 billion on energy bills.
Our work helps keep energy costs as low as possible, creates jobs and builds a sustainable
energy future. Learn more at www.energytrust.org or call 1-866-368-7878.
END