In fall of 2021, the City of Gresham took a big step toward reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by enrolling in the Oregon Community Solar Program. Two years later, the community is invited to do the same.
“It’s great to see our emissions and electricity costs heading in the right direction,” says Shannon Martin, Solid Waste and Sustainability Manager. “The program saved us over $1,600 and 125 tons of carbon emissions last year alone. It’s an easy win-win for our financial and sustainability goals,” adds Martin.
By joining the Oregon Community Solar Program, the City now offsets a share of the electricity used by four different fire stations and the Water Department building on Hogan Road. Participating in the program requires no upfront or ongoing costs, and the City receives a 5% discount on the electricity it receives from the energy produced by its subscriptions.
The Red Prairie community solar project, which the City now receives energy and bill credits from, has now been online for just over one year.
“The Oregon Community Solar Program took many years of hard work from numerous stakeholders and it’s so rewarding to see it finally come to fruition,” says Hunter Strader, co-founder of Oregon Shines, the company that manages the City’s community solar subscriptions. “Our projects are providing clients with easy access to renewable energy at a discount.”
According to Oregon Shines, all Portland General Electric and Pacific Power customers are eligible to participate, including homeowners, renters, businesses, and nonprofits. Additional discounts are offered to low-income participants.
To learn more about the Oregon Community Solar Program, visit oregoncsp.org
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