Introducing Douglas County Smart Energy

by Stuart Leibowitz

Have you ever looked at your power bill and thought, “It would sure be nice if there was information out there to help lower this bill and save me money.” If so, you’re not alone.

And perhaps, you also thought, “Wouldn’t it be great if the major utilities, experts from nonprofits and business and community members got together and pooled their knowledge and resources to provide energy efficiency tips and incentives for the benefit of all Douglas County residents? And do it in a way that is easy to access and understand.”

Welcome to Douglas County Smart Energy. For this is exactly what’s happened. Douglas Electric, Avista Utilities, Pacific Power, Energy Trust of Oregon, United Community Action Network, Neighborworks Umpqua and business and community members have been working as a group to form Douglas County Smart Energy. The latest incentives and ideas on energy efficiency to save you money and lower your power bill will be presented in a clear and understandable way.

How will this happen? It will be done in two ways.

The News-Review

Beginning in November, each month an organization that is part of DC Smart Energy will write a column outlining the latest incentives and ideas on energy efficiency and renewable energy. While some incentives may be unique to that organization’s customers, energy efficiency tips can be used by everyone. The first column will be presented by Douglas Electric.

Website and Facebook

Coming soon will be a website containing information from all participating partners. It will be set up in a way that is easily accessible and helpful whatever your income or whoever your power provider might be. We will also be promoting these ideas on our Facebook page. The launching of the website and Facebook page will take place soon.

How did this happen? DC Smart Energy is an outgrowth of two community meetings held in May and September of last year. Topics covered issues of importance to Douglas County residents, including energy efficiency and renewable energy. From these meetings emerged a commitment to present this unique and exciting opportunity to the public to save money on their power bills and help protect the environment at the same time.

DC Smart Energy; smart for the wallet, smart for the environment. See you next month.

Stuart Leibowitz

“Douglas County Smart Energy” is a project of the Douglas County Global Warming Coalition. For more information contact 541-672-9819 or visit dcsmartenergy.org.