Clackamas County logo

Energy Efficiency on Main Street

The Clackamas County Energy Efficiency on Main Street Program is working with Energy Trust of Oregon to provide FREE energy audits, resource information, and grant consideration to commercial businesses in Main Street districts.

Clackamas County is offering mini grants of up to $500 for small energy efficiency upgrades, or grants of up to $5,000 for larger qualifying projects. The program is funded by the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant awarded to Clackamas County as part of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, and USDA Rural Development.

As part of the program, you will receive a free energy audit. The energy walk-through will be conducted by an expert from the Energy Trust of Oregon. Energy Trust is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to helping Oregonians benefit from saving energy and tapping renewable resources. The energy expert will indicate what you can do to make your business more energy efficient and save significant amounts of money over time.

Based on the final Audit Report, the Clackamas County Energy Efficiency on Main Street program will help identify incentives and financial resources for making the recommended changes. Included in the resource information will be consideration for the Energy Efficiency on Main Street grants.

The Process

Participating in the program is simple:

Step 1. Complete the following forms and forward these, along with copies of your last utilities statements from PGE and NW Natural, to Clackamas County via fax: 503-742-4349, or email Sam Honl at: shonl@co.clackamas.or.us.

Step 2. A representative from Energy Trust will contact you directly to schedule an energy audit.

Step 3. Once the audit has been completed, the auditor will provide you a copy of the Audit Report. Share this information with Clackamas County along with three bids for each improvement you wish to pursue.

Based on the findings and recommendations of the Audit Report, the County and supporting agencies will compile a list of qualifying financial incentives and resources to assist you in making improvements and taking measures to becoming more energy efficient. Clackamas County Energy Efficiency on Main Street is offering mini grants up to $500, and larger grants up to $5,000 for qualifying projects.

Step 4. Gather your utility bills for the past two years and with Clackamas County’s help, set up an account and enter the data into EPA’s ENERGY STAR® Portfolio Manager at https://www.energystar.gov/istar/pmpam/. The Portfolio Manager is a fun tool which will allow you to see your energy savings in a quantifiable way. PGE billing history can be accessed at www.portlandgeneral.com/business.

Questions? Contact Sam Honl at 503-742-4304 or shonl@co.clackamas.or.us.