PORTLAND, Ore. – If snow hasn’t hit where you live, it’s only a matter of time. Throughout the Northwest it’s time to be aware of special incentives that can help you use energy more efficiently and stay comfortable throughout the winter.

            For a limited time, Pacific Power customers are eligible for bonus incentives for energy efficiency improvement programs offered by Energy Trust of Oregon. Now through December 31, homeowners can receive a combined bonus and standard incentive of $200 for installing a high-efficiency heat pump. Homeowners can save up to$1,300 with a premium installation package that combines heat pump optimization, duct sealing and testing, with a premium efficiency electric heat pump.

           “Incentives can help make energy-saving improvements like a heat pump, insulation or duct sealing more affordable,” said Jeff Bumgarner, director of demand service management for Pacific Power. “Bonus incentives just make it more appealing to do it now, so you’ll see and feel a difference this winter.”   

           Oregonenergy tax credits also may be available for some improvements, which can further reduce the upfront investment cost of energy-efficiency upgrades.

            For a complete list of special limited-time offers, visitwww.energytrust.org/promotions. For more information about Oregonenergy tax credits and a list of state-certified heat pump installers, visitwww.oregon.gov/energy .

            If new appliances are more of an investment, even with incentives, than a customer is prepared to make, there are simple, low-cost or no-cost measures homeowners can take to improve the energy efficiency of their homes right now:

o        Seal air leaks on exterior walls using caulk and weather-stripping materials, which are relatively inexpensive and available at hardware and department stores. Doing this will save energy for many years. Seal around windows, doors, foundations and the edges of exterior siding. Weather stripping can be applied to doors and windows, while caulk or flashing can be used to seal gaps in other areas. Do-it-yourselfers should remove dirt and loose paint from areas before caulking. Also, remember to caulk around holes or disturbances to outside walls that may have been created when additional pipes or cables are installed.

o        In colder weather, set a goal of lowering your thermostat enough to effectively manage your home’s internal temperature without reducing your comfort level to a point where it might adversely impact health. Turn down your thermostat to conserve energy, especially when sleeping or when your home will be unoccupied. Add layers of clothing or bedding as needed for comfort. Consider a programmable thermostat to automatically control the temperature setting.

o        Change furnace filters often.

o        Have your home heating system serviced annually by a qualified professional.

o        Have a professional energy assessment or schedule a free Home Energy Review from Energy Trust of Oregon.

o        Upgrade insulation in the attic, walls and floors, and basement or crawl spaces.

o        Replace inefficient windows.

###

About Pacific Power

Pacific Power is headquartered in Portland , and provides electric service to more than 713,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. It is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, providing approximately 1.7 million customers with reliable, efficient energy. The company works to meet growing energy demand while protecting and enhancing the environment.

About Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc.

Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc., is a nonprofit organization dedicated to changing how Oregonians use energy by promoting energy efficiency and clean renewable energy for Oregon customers of Pacific Power, Portland General Electric, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas. For more information, visit the Energy Trust Web site,www.energytrust.org, or call 866-368-7878.