Electric Department - Energy Conservation

Energy Conservation got its start in Milton-Freewater in 1980, when the City became one of the original eleven Northwest utilities to operate the Bonneville Power Administration Residential Weatherization Pilot Program. We have continued to be a leader in energy conservation ever since.

The City’s Energy Conservation Office provides our customers with products and services to lower energy consumption. Residential, commercial/industrial and agricultural customers can receive free energy audits and recommendations to improve comfort and lower operating costs.

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Safe, Clean Renewable Energy from Milton-Freewater City Light & Power. City Light & Power now offers our customers an easy way of purchasing safe, clean renewable energy, which also helps promote the growth of future renewable energy development. Please click on this link for more information about purchasing green power.

 

The City of Milton-Freewater is a proud partner of ENERGY STAR  Additional information about Energy Star can be found at www.energystar.gov

 

Programs Available Through The City:

Eligibility for City Light and Power Energy Conservation Programs:

  1. Building where energy conservation measures are installed must be within City Light and Power service territory.
  2. Buildings must use electric heat to qualify for insulation or window programs.
  3. Customers agree to meet or exceed all specifications for the program selected.
  4. Contact the City BEFORE starting any project.

Residential Energy Conservation Programs:

Weatherwise Insulation: Residents within City Light & Power’s service territory may have their homes insulated and air sealed through this program. Attic, wall, floor and HVAC duct insulation as well as caulking of major air infiltration areas are available. Services include: Free energy audit, bids from local contractors placed on measures you request with no obligation to finish the project, qualified contractors, and a final inspection of the completed project by the City. The City will pay a rebate of 50¢ per square foot of area not to exceed 50% of the measure costs in this program. Customers on fixed incomes may qualify for low income weatherization through a joint program between the City and CAPECO. Contact the City for more information on this program.

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Weatherwise Heat Pumps: This program helps customers to heat and cool their homes with one of the most efficient HVAC systems on the market. Recent customers of this program have realized energy savings of between 17% and 42% in their homes using these systems. Five local HVAC contractors are at your service to install a high efficiency air source heat pump system. The City will pay a rebate of $400 for stick built homes and $500 for manufactured homes, for qualifying systems and provide a final inspection to ensure proper installation.

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Weatherwise Windows: Customers may receive rebates from the City of 48¢ per square foot of window area replaced for installing .30 U value Energy Star rated windows through this program. Other services included in this program: Free energy audit, bids from local contractors placed on measures you request with no obligation to finish the project, qualified contractors, and a final inspection of the completed project by the City.

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Energy Star Appliances: City Light and Power customers that replace certain appliances with Energy Star rated appliances may receive rebates from the City as well as Oregon State Tax Credits. For instance, a customer that purchases an Energy Star Clothes Washer will receive a $70 rebate from the City and if the energy savings are high enough,  a tax credit from the State of Oregon worth 25% of the net cost of the clothes washer. Refrigerators and dishwashers qualify for a $25 rebate and a state tax credit also. Customers may still purchase energy efficient hot water heaters and receive a $50 rebate from the City.  ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency gujidelines set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE.  The ENERGY STAR label also designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings.

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Energy Star Homes: New homes that qualify to be rated Energy Star  receive up to a $1000 rebate from the City. This rebate is good for manufactured or stick built homes. Customers that add Energy Star rated appliances to their homes may receive additional rebates. Contact the Building Specialist at City Hall for more information. ENERGY STAR qualified products and practices help you save money and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by meeting strict energy efficiency gujidelines set by the U.S. EPA and U.S. DOE.  The ENERGY STAR label also designates superior energy performance in homes and buildings.

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Energy Conservation Loan Program: City Light and Power will offer a low interest loan program to its customers for the installation of the following energy conservation measures:

  • Weatherwise Heat Pumps
  • Weatherwise Insulation
  • Weatherwise Windows
  • Energy Star Clothes Washers, Dishwashers, Refrigerators

The financing amount available is $500 to $10,000 and customers may choose financing terms of 12, 24, 36, 48, or 60 months. The monthly payment is based on the dollar amount of the total amount financed rounded to the nearest dollar, plus interest, and will be billed monthly. For each application there will be a loan fee which can be included in the amount of money financed.

To qualify for this program all energy conservation measures must be installed within City Light and Power service territory, submit a loan application to be approved for a loan by the City’s Finance department, and meet or exceed the minimum specifications of the City program for the measures to be installed. To receive a loan for insulation and windows the residence must use electric heat as the primary source of heat. Watch for more details.

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Surge Suppression and Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS): Protect your valuable appliances and home electronics with high quality Whole House and Point of Use surge suppressors. The City also has UPS systems available for your computer. Contact the City for more information on these products.

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 Direct Load Control/Demand Response formerly called Radio Energy Management System (REMS): Started in 1986, the City’s REMS program has been a big reason why our low electricity rates are so low. Approximately 300 new volunteers will be needed for this new demand response project. Using a small signal receiving unit (DRU) placed in customers' homes the City can control electric water heaters, electric central heat and air conditioning during times of peak use. The DRU units are usually operated only three or four days per month. All exisitng one-way load control units currently installed in cusotomer's homes will be changed out to two-way communication units. All work will be done at no charge to the cusotmer. Customers participating in this program receive discounts on their electric bill. For more informaiton or to volunteer for the program CLICK on Link.

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Commercial/Industrial/Agricultural Energy Conservation Programs:

Commercial/Industrial Lighting: Customers that wish to lower their utility bills and have better lighting should contact the Conservation Office immediately.  Receive rebates for replacing existing lighting systems and lowering wattage by 30% plus receive Oregon State Tax Credits.  Each project must be approved before starting the project. Contact the Building Specialist for more details.

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Commercial/Industrial/Agricultural Energy Improvements: Energy conservation gained through process improvements are available for rebates up to 12¢ per kilowatt hour saved. Window, insulation and heat pump programs are also available at lower rebate levels. Each project must be submitted to the City before starting for acceptance. Large projects require verification of energy savings from certified engineers. Tax Credits from the State of Oregon are available.

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