Energy Trust Smart Thermostat Program User Guide
EMPOWERING CAT CARE THROUGH ENERGY EFFICIENCY
PROJECT-AT-A-GLANCE
Equipment installed
- Smart Thermostats
- LED Lighting
Financial analysis
- S14,730 project costs
- S4,800 cash incentives
- S1,350 estimated annual utility bill savings
Estimated annual energy savings
- 8,200 kWh
Benefits
- Improved temperature control
- LEDs last longer than traditional bulbs
- Lowered energy consumption and costs
- Increased comfort year round
The Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon (FCCO), a Portland-based non-profit, works to improve the welfare and reduce the population of feral and stray cats through spay and neuter programs. Founded in 1995, it has helped over 135,000 cats across Oregon, relying
on donations, volunteers, and passionate employees like Executive Director Karen Kraus.
As a non-profit organization that is reliant on donations to fund their care etforts, the FCCO must save money wherever they can. A major challenge they faced was hefty monthly utility bills. Kraus and her team were determined to slash energy costs, allowing more donations to be allocated to other essential needs for the cats.
The FCCO enrolled in Portland General Electric’s (PGE) Energy Partner Smart Thermostat program, which provided five smart thermostats at no cost. This change helped the FCCO optimize energy use during extreme weather and will save them nearly
$350 annually. Building on this success, Kraus learned about Energy Trust of Oregon’s cash incentives for energy-efficient upgrades. In 2024, the FCCO replaced old fluorescent lighting with energy-efficient LED fixtures, receiving $4,800 in incentives and expecting to save $1,000 annually on energy costs.
The FCCO is also committed to reducing their environmental impact. Kraus noted, “Every time we reduce our energy use, it benefits the greater community,” especially as they witness firsthand
the challenges posed by severe weather on animals. As the FCCO looks ahead to more upgrades,
it is determined to lower its energy footprint while continuing to improve the well-being of feral cats in Oregon.
Every dollar that our organization receives is because somebody is moved and cares about cats. So, every dollar that we can put into helping cats and growing the number of cats we can help is truly a value to our organization.
Karen Kraus, executive director, Feral Cat Coalition of Oregon
Learn more about available incentives for by
visiting www.energytrust.org/existingbuildings.
Email existingbuildings@energytrust.org or call 1.866.605.1676 to get in touch with a team member today.
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Energy Trust Smart Thermostat Program [pdf] User Guide Smart Thermostat Program, Smart, Thermostat Program, Program |