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About Portland observer. (Portland, Or.) 1970-current | View Entire Issue (April 11, 2012)
April 11,2012 latrò ©bserutr College Spotlight special Page 9 edition ^ n rtlan h ©trsœrtter Sustainability', East County Help with Solar Options Energy efficient program brings economic and environmental benefits Solar Gresham is for residents to learn about solar energy and renew able energy options. The solar in stallation program is also available to the neighboring communities of Fairview, Troutdale and Wood Vil lage. "Solar Gresham is at the core of the C ity 's co m m itm en t to sustainability as we continue to make opportunities available that benefit the community and support the reg io n a l eco n o m y ," said Gresham Councilor John Kilian. Gresham resident Shannon Martin (left) talks with Imagine Energy S o lar G resh am o ffers sta ff during a solar site assessment at his Gresham home. Energy Trust Appliance Rebates Offers recycling and cash for old models Phyllis Greer's 1 9 3 7 GE fridge was declared Oregon's oldest W hether for grocery bulk buys or fridge in an Energy Trust promotion chilling those extra drinks, that second to eliminate energy-wasting fridge in the garage or basement might fridges. be using up more than extra space. It freezer is an easy energy-efficient ac could be using up hundreds of dollars tion, and can make an immediate differ on the household budget. ence on the monthly energy bill.” Many people are surprised to learn Keeping an inefficient second fridge that fridges and freezers built in 1993 or running for food storage can add up earlier can cost up to $200 a year to quickly in extra energy costs. For ex operate. T hat’s a lot com pared to ample, an average 19 cubic foot side- today’s most efficient, qualifying En by-side model from 1989 will cost ap ergy Star models that could cost around proximately $ 1,195 if left to run in the $40 a year. garage for five years. To help Oregonians unplug and All Oregon customers of Portland save this spring, Energy Trust of Or General Electric and Pacific Power are egon is offering area residents an op eligible for the recycling service and portunity to recycle their fridge or can schedule an appointment online at freezer and receive a $40 cash incentive energytrust.org/fridgerecycling or by in return. Pick up is free, and the unit calling 1-866-444-8907.Toqualify,the can be hauled from any room in the refrigerator or freezer must be between home. 10 and 30 cubic feet and in working “While an older fridge may seem condition. handy as a back up in the basement or Customers looking for a replace garage, most are not worth the ongoing ment can receive up to a $100 cash cost to keep around,” said Matt Braman, incentive from Energy Trust when pur residential program manager, Energy chasing a new high-efficiency, qualify Trust. “Recycling a second fridge or ing Energy Star refrigerator or freezer. homeowners solar installation at a reduced cost. Solar contractor Imag ine Energy of Portland is able to offer a bulk rate, discounted price through its partnership with the city. Solar Gresham is available until July 31 and includes a free site assess ment, solar at 80 percent or more off the cost and installation. "This is a great opportunity for Gresham residents to participate in producing renewable solar energy locally while protecting the envi ronment and realizing long-term energy cost savings," said Dan Blue, G resham ’s recycling and solid waste manager. It's also an ideal time to take ad vantage of federal and state tax cred its and solar incentives through the Energy Trust of Oregon while they're available. For example, a 3.29kW solar sys tem that costs around $15,900 is re duced to about $2,500 out-of-pocket after tax credits and incentives. A second option, where the homeowner pays the contractor upfront for 20 years of solar energy and system maintenance, costs $6,000 and is re duced to $0 out-of-pocket after state tax credits over four years. Free solar workshops explaining the basic technology, benefits and cost of solar will be offered at the Gresham Public Library, 385 N.W. Miller Ave. Workshop dates are Saturday, April 21, from 3-4:30 p.m.: and Saturday, May 5, from 11 a.m.to 12:30 p.m. To attend call Nicole Cousino at 503-618-2485. Solar Gresham is an American Recovery and Reinvestment Act funded program and one of the City's Energy Efficiency Conservation Block Grant initiatives. For more information about Solar Gresham, including pricing and to apply, visit GreshamOregon.gov/ SolarG resham. Charging Sites at the Rose Quarter New public facilities are available for electric vehicles Portland Trail Blazers President Larry Miller and Christenson Electric President Mark Walter got an assist from Oregon Gov. John Kitzhaber to unveil what is now the region's largest publicly available electric vehicle charging site. Through a partnership with Christenson Elec tric, the team has added 10 level-2 Blink charging stations to the Rose Quarter parking facilities. Eight of the 10 stations are in the Garden Garage. The two others are in the Annex Garage on the southwest side of the Rose Quarter campus. All 10 stations are located on the preferred levels of their respective parking garages. "We are proud to be in a position to add these charging stations to our campus," said Miller, at last m onth’s ribbon-cutting ceremony. "It not only aligns with the sustainability goals we have as an organization, it reflects what the NBA is doing in the area of sustainability. Being leaders in the greening of sports is an ongoing commit ment we are passionate about." Electric vehicle charging station nodes, like the Rose Quarter, are positioned to help further the infrastructure needed to develop a low-emis sion transportation future. Fans and guests can charge their vehicles while attending an event, or use the nearby public transportation to enjoy the city while charging. “Between the Trail Blazers' investment here at the Rose Garden, to the installation of charging stations up and down the 1-5 'Green Electric Highway,' Oregon is establishing reliable and Gov. John Kitzhaber and Portland Trail Blazers President Larry M iller at a ribbon cutting ceremony for new electric vehicle charging stations that are available for public use in the Rose Quarter parking garages. efficient infrastructure for electric vehicles," said Governor Kitzhaber. “We appreciate the Trail Blazers' commitment to helping their fans and all Oregonians access cutting-edge technology that will help us continue to consume less gasoline per capita than the national average." The first electric vehicle to arrive at an event at the Rose Garden will receive free parking in the garage. Additionally, there will be no fee for charging electric vehicles for approximately the next 90 days.
