The Sustainability Snapshot - Celebrating the work that supports efficiency, equity and sustainability
The Sustainability Snapshot, a recurring feature, highlights impactful projects completed by EWEB's Customer Solutions department, as a way to celebrate the meaningful work happening behind the scenes. While these inspiring stories typically go untold, by sharing them we hope to help the community better understand how conservation efforts support energy and water efficiency, equity and sustainability across Eugene and Springfield.
A Frightengly Good Funding Boost
October 29, 2025 — After a short summer break, the Sustainability Snapshot is back, just in time for spooky season. The days may be getting darker, but our commitment to energy efficiency is shining brighter than ever. While we were away, EWEB was busy brewing up some energy efficiency magic across the community.
This year, EWEB applied for and received more than $2 million in grant funding from the Bonneville Power Administration to supercharge local energy-efficiency projects. With this boost, we were able to bring a series of impactful upgrades to life:
Apartment Upgrades
A income-eligible apartment complex received a full heating system upgrade. Each unit now operates with a new ductless heat pump. These improvements increase comfort and reduce energy costs for residents.
Lighting up the Night
From fire stations and schools to the local ice rink, new lighting upgrades are brightening community spaces and improving energy efficiency. These projects reduce costs, enhance safety and deliver long-term savings.
Commercial and Industrial Energy Revamps
Thanks to this funding, we replaced outdated systems with high-efficiency equipment, slashing energy use and helping local operations run smoothly and sustainably.
This successful effort demonstrates that sustainability doesn't have to be intimidating. With strategic funding, creative teamwork and a touch of EWEB innovation, we're keeping our community efficient, comfortable and well-lit all year long.
Big Impact, Brighter Future - Industrial lighting upgrade cuts energy use in half
July 25, 2025 — In response to Oregon’s upcoming ban on the sale and distribution of linear fluorescent lamps, Ideal Steel, a local steel product frabricator, took proactive steps to upgrade their warehouse facility’s lighting—saving energy, reducing costs, and improving workplace safety in the process.
With support from EWEB Customer Solutions Specialist Joe Hull, the facility replaced 1,065 outdated fluorescent fixtures with just 281 high-efficiency LEDs. The result is a brighter, more modern workspace that is now using 53% less energy.
"This project was great because not only were there significant energy savings," said Hull, "the new lights increase safety and productivity, too."
The timing couldn’t be better. Starting in 2025, certain fluorescent bulbs—specifically pin-type and linear styles—will no longer be available for sale in Oregon due to their mercury content and associated health and environmental risks. Businesses currently using fluorescent tubes can continue to operate their existing fixtures, but when replacements are needed, LEDs will be the go-to solution.
To help customers prepare, EWEB is offering a limited-time lighting promotion. Commercial customers who apply by August 1, 2025 and complete projects by September 1, 2025, are eligible for a 25% bonus on top of current lighting rebates—covering up to 70% of total project costs. This promotion is in effect for qualifying projects submitted between April 1 and September 1, 2025.
Now is the perfect time to transition to a more efficient lighting system. LED technology can not only help lower energy usage by 50% or more, but also provides improved performance, longer lifespan, and reduced environmental impact.
EWEB will continue supporting commercial lighting upgrades into the future, but incentive structures will change in late 2025 to reflect evolving market conditions. To maximize your savings, consider starting your lighting upgrade now, learn more here.
Interested in other efficiency and conservation programs for your business? Check out additional commercial programs.
If you have questions about our programs or need help determinging which program you qualify for, reach out to an energy expert. Our Customer Solutions Team can provide additional information and help you get started on the application process. Email the team at ems.answers@eweb.org or give them a call at 541-685-7088.
EWEB and Homes for Good deliver lasting energy savings
June 26, 2025 — Over the past 12 years, EWEB and Homes for Good have partnered on more than 200 energy efficiency projects for local households. Together, we've built a long-standing history of bringing energy efficiency upgrades to income-eligible rental units. This collaboration helps reduce energy waste, improve comfort for residents and lower utility costs for households that need it most.
This continued partnership reflects our shared commitment to supporting energy efficiency and equity, while making sustainablity improvements more accessible across our community.
In May 2025, EWEB wrapped up our most recent project with Homes for Good, providing rebates for the installation of 26 ductless heat pumps in a west Eugene apartment complex that previously relied on outdated, inefficient electric resistance heating. The result? An estimated energy savings of 44,460 kilowatt-hours, plus improved heating and cooling for residents. "Everyone deserves to feel safe, comfortable and healthy in their home, no matter their income," says Hailey Dawson, Customer Solutions Specialist at EWEB who partnered with Homes for Good on this project. "That's why projects like this matter. They're not just about saving energy; they're about supporting familiies in our community and reducing barriers to basic comfort."
These upgrades go beyond saving energy. They help families stay comfortable year-round, ease the burden of high utility bills and contribute to a more equitable and sustainable future for everyone.
A savings of 44,460 kWh is the equivalent of:
- The energy required to power two homes in Eugene for over a year.
- The amount of carbon sequestered by 533 seedlings for 10 years.
- An annual monetary savings of $4,796 for EWEB customers.
Upgrade your home or business to reduce energy & water usage
Homes for Good took advantage of one of EWEB's many efficiency and conservation programs. We offer cash rebate and zero-interest loans to upgrade residential insulation, windows, heating systems, water heaters and more, all of which create year-round bill and energy savings. Rebates are enhanced for limited-income customers, often covering the full cost to upgrade.
This table shows the current efficiency assistance programs available to EWEB residential customers.
| Product | Limited Income Rebate | Standard Rebate |
|---|---|---|
| Ductless Heat Pump | Owner Occupied: $4,500 Rental:$1,000 |
$800 |
| Insulation | 100% of eligible program costs | Up to 50% of eligible costs |
| Windows | Owner Occupied: $20/sq ft of glass Rental: $10/sq ft of glass |
$4/sq ft of glass |
| Heat Pump Water Heater | Owner Occupied: $1,700 Rental: $1,000 |
$800 |
| Toilets | $100 for 1.0 gallons-per-flush (gpf) toilets and $50 for 1.28 gallons-per-flush toilets | Same |
Interested in upgrading your business? Check out our commercial programs here.
If you have questions about our rebate and loan programs, or need help determinging which program you qualify for, reach out to an energy expert. Our Customer Solutions Team can provide additional information and help you get started on the application process. Email the team at ems.answers@eweb.org or give them a call at 541-685-7088.
Related Programs
Lighting rebates and loans
Take advantage of our lighting program to provide your business with energy-efficient and cost-effective lighting upgrades.
HVAC rebates for businesses
Heating and cooling systems account for nearly half of a business' energy bills. We offer business rebates and loans that help keep your employees and customers comfortable year-round, while saving on your energy costs.
Commercial refrigeration rebates
We promote energy efficiency by offering you a streamlined and cost-effective way to replace your business's existing refrigeration equipment with energy-efficient products.
