UMATILLA, Ore.-Energy Trust of Oregon is an independent nonprofit serving customers and communities in Oregon and Southwest Washington with clean energy solutions and savings.
The Umatilla School District (USD) recently worked with Energy Trust to make the district’s new Career and Technical Education building and Columbia Vista Intermediate School as energy efficient as possible.
The new USD buildings, funded by a bond passed by Umatilla voters in 2022, opened in September 2025.
“As soon as the bond passed, we reached out,” said Heidi Sipe, USD Superintendent. “From early planning to feasibility and economic studies, the opportunity to include Energy Trust was a great resource.”
Energy Trust provided the USD with cash incentives totaling over $250,000 to purchase and install efficient HVAC systems, lighting and building controls, and water heaters at the new buildings.
According to Sipe, the new buildings would not have been possible without the bonds, and Energy Trust helped the district leverage bond funds further, focusing on what to invest in and the economic benefits of energy efficiency.
“One surprising thing was understanding how natural light enhances artificial light,” said Sipe. “Being smarter about the ways we use electricity, and investing wisely in energy efficient upgrades has improved the learning environment for our students.”
Energy Trust of Oregon
Energy Trust of Oregon serves the customers of five utilities: Pacific Power, PGE, Avista, Northwest Natural Gas, and Cascade Natural Gas, in Oregon and Southwest Washington.
The nonprofit is funded through a small charge to customers that is placed in a trust used to help offset the cost of energy efficiency projects, including technology, resources and education.
“Small rural school districts may not have the resources, equipment or staff to undertake these projects on their own,” said Juliette Poff, Marketing Specialist with Energy Trust of Oregon. “Energy Trust can offer advice, equipment and other resources and cash incentives.”
Financial incentives from Energy Trust reduce the cost of clean energy investments, and technical support services are available throughout a partner project.
Energy Trust engages with students, staff and school districts to learn how changing electrical use behaviors, such as shutting off lights when not in use or incorporating natural light, can improve the overall energy efficiency of a building.
“It’s strategic energy management, a dedicated energy coach will work with communities and school districts to provide guidance and advice, in addition to incentives to save money,” said Poff.
Since 2004, Energy Trust has supported over one thousand projects in Oregon public schools, providing over $34 million in financial incentives.
“With cash incentives and future energy savings, schools save hundreds to even thousands, and the benefits go beyond money, with air filters and other energy upgrades having direct health benefits for students,” said Poff.
Umatilla School District Partnership
In addition to its new CTE building and Columbia Vista Intermediate buildings, the USD previously worked with Energy Trust on remodels and upgrades at McNary Heights Elementary, Clara Brownell Middle School, and other district buildings, receiving over $640,000 in cash incentives to install energy upgrades.
“Schools that we’ve helped with projects in the past will reach back out for their next project to see what options are available and how we can help,” said Poff.
In 2016 the district worked with Energy Trust to remodel and upgrade Clara Brownell, a school built in 1947 by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
According to Sipe, Energy Trust helped determine that the Clara Brownell building was still structurally solid and didn’t need to be fully replaced.
While Clara Brownell had become outdated to the point where the nearest available technician to service its HVAC system was in Boise, with support from Energy Trust, including cash incentives, the district was able to install upgraded HVAC and lighting systems.
“Schools are the heart of a community, and when they don’t have to spend a large portion of their budget on energy bills, they can reinvest in the classroom and we’re proud of that,” said Poff.
More information on services, incentives, assistance from Energy Trust are available online.
