EWEB customers achieve remarkable results in environmental stewardship through EWEB's Lead Green programs
Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) customers who voluntarily chose to invest extra money in community-wide sustainability efforts cut carbon emissions by 730 metric tons in 2023.
Customers achieved those emissions reductions by voluntarily subscribing to EWEB’s Cleanpower, Greenpower and Carbon Offset programs. The reductions are roughly equivalent to taking 174 gasoline-powered vehicles off the road. The three programs, which are part of EWEB’s suite of Lead Green programs, are each slightly different and offer unique ways for customers to play a greater role in protecting the environment.
The electricity that EWEB supplies to customers is already approximately 90% carbon free, largely because of abundant hydropower resources. And EWEB’s robust suite of energy efficiency and conservation programs include such popular programs as an $800 ductless heat pump rebate for all customers and a $4,500 ductless heat pump rebate for low-income homeowners.
But some customers have expressed a desire to do more, so in 2022 EWEB launched the Lead Green programs as a way to offer customers and avenue for action that benefits the planet.
In 2023, participation in Lead Green continued to grow.
“Results matter, and our customers accomplishments in 2023 illustrate the tangible impact of collective efforts towards environmental sustainability,” said Anna Wade, EWEB’s customer solutions manager, who is in charge of the Lead Green programs. “Community members are channeling their passion for protecting the environment into the Lead Green programs, and there is so much room for additional growth.”
Highlights of 2023 Lead Green program accomplishments include:
- Over 150 solar installations installed within the community, creating 1,205 KW in new, local, renewable energy. Greenpower customers funded $125,000 of incentives for solar installations.
- A $20,000 grant to Friends of Trees, a local nonprofit that plants trees in Eugene neighborhoods with low tree cover to address heat islands. Greenpower subscribers funded this award and selected the recipient via a vote.
- 730 metric tons of carbon reduced by Greenpower, Cleanpower and Carbon Offset subscribers. This is roughly the equivalent of removing 174 gasoline-powered vehicles from the road.
- Greenpower subscribers dedicated funds to purchasing 17,900 megawatt-hours of renewable energy, resulting in 608 metric tons of emissions reductions.
- Cleanpower subscribers committed to purchasing 100% clean energy, accounting for 1,835 megawatt-hours of clean energy that reduced emissions by 62 metric tons.
- Carbon offsets purchased by customers sourced from the Klawock Heenya Forest in Alaska reduced emissions by 60 metric tons.
- 8,540 trees and 23,100 shrubs were planted in the McKenzie Watershed, at a site located in the McKenzie watershed. This program is a partnership with the University of Oregon's Soil, Plant Atmosphere (SPA) Lab and is exploring ways to advance carbon sequestration efforts. Carbon Forestry participants provide additional funding to help this project grow and advance the science of optimized carbon capture.
Program accomplishments are already evident in 2024 as well. As of mid-July, the $125,000 budget for EWEB’s Solar Electric Incentive has been fully allocated for the year. While the EWEB incentive is no longer available for 2024, customers may continue to choose to install solar. EWEB encourages customers interested in installing a home or commercial solar system to learn more about the benefits and requirements at eweb.org/solar.
The EWEB solar program is funded by Greenpower subscribers. EWEB encourages customers who wish to see additional or enhanced funding for the program in the future to support the program by becoming a voluntary Greenpower subscriber for as little as $1.50 a month. Customers who can afford to invest more can match up to 100 percent of their electric consumption each month.
“We recognize that many of our customers prioritize environmental stewardship,” said Wade. “We designed Lead Green to offer a variety of options so customers can access programs that help them meet their environmental goals, regardless of their budget.”
You can learn more about the different Lead Green programs and pricing options here.
Related Programs
Carbon offsets
After you maximize ways to save energy and reduce carbon emissions, you can neutralize your remaining carbon footprint with carbon offsets added right to your EWEB bill.
Carbon forestry lab
Support local carbon forestry projects aimed at expanding our understanding of natural climate solutions and enhancing the McKenzie Watershed.
Cleanpower
Purchase Renewable Energy Certificates (RECs) by enrolling in Cleanpower and help displace dirty energy sources with wind, solar and other zero-emission energy sources.
