Northern Wasco County PUD (NWCPUD) is revolutionizing its approach to energy efficiency with significant updates to its income-qualified energy-efficiency upgrade programs, or IQEEUP.
The utility is transitioning from IQEEUP 1.0 to IQEEUP 2.0, marking a pivotal shift in how energy-efficiency upgrades are implemented for income-qualified customers. Customer owners paying their NWCPUD bill on a discounted rate schedule (Schedule 110 or Schedule 135) are income-qualified through the Mid-Columbia Community Action Council and therefore are eligible for increased rebate amounts. The household income requirements are the same for tenants and homeowners.
In multiunit dwellings or multifamily complexes, at least 50% of the dwellings within the building must meet state-level median household income requirements to qualify for IQEEUP rebates.
From Management to Guidance— A Strategic Evolution
The evolution from IQEEUP 1.0 to 2.0 represents a fundamental change in program philosophy.
The programs run concurrently during a transition period from Aug. 1, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2024. This allows a smooth evolution, particularly for multifamily projects already in development.
IQEEUP 1.0 (February 18, 2015, to July 31, 2024):
- Energy management controlled/ NWCPUD contracted.
- No-cost to homeowner scenario.
- High risk and budget impact for PUD.
- 2018: launched IQEEP for tenants and landlords.
IQEEUP 2.0 (Full implementation January 1, 2025):
- Energy management guided/customer-owner contracted.
- Cost-share scenario.
- Reduced self-funding budget impact and lower risk for PUD.
- Similar to other traditional EEUPs but with increased rebates to the customer.
Success Story: Celilo Village
1 of the most notable successes under IQEEUP 1.0 was the comprehensive upgrade of Celilo Village. Its story exemplifies the challenges faced by underserved communities and the transformative potential of well-implemented energy-efficiency programs.
By 2009, Celilo Village had seen significant development with the completion of 15 permanent 2, 3, and 4-bedroom homes on a 100-acre parcel. These modern dwellings, built on slab foundations, were equipped with marginally efficient heat pumps, small wood stoves, vinyl-framed windows, and numerous multi-bulb light fixtures.
The construction of these new homes marked progress. However, years of poverty, limited energy-efficiency education, and geographic isolation had taken their toll on the community.
During NWCPUD’s outreach visit in mid-2018, our energy management team discovered several issues that sent a clear message that the community quickly needed substantial support. NWCPUD responded with a comprehensive approach.
- May 2018: Initial outreach and assessment.
- August 2018: First ductless heat pumps installed.
- Early 2019: Direct install improvements, including LED lighting replacements, infrared-sensing power strips, and thermostatic shower valves.
- October 2022: Completion of all eligible IQ measures: ductless heat pump or high-efficiency heat pump installations, heat pump water heaters, prime windows, and new exterior doors.
The Celilo Village project demonstrates the evolution of the PUD’s approach to energy-efficiency upgrades. What began as a response to failed heat pumps transformed into a comprehensive community renewal project, improving energy efficiency and quality of life for residents.
On the Horizon: Multifamily Success
An upcoming project scheduled this month at Flora Thompson Manor demonstrates the potential of IQEEUP 2.0. The property is undergoing a massive energy-efficiency retrofit consisting of new windows and HVAC upgrades.
The portion of this project that qualifies for rebates is the replacement of the existing packaged terminal air conditioner units mounted under the front window with high-efficiency, wall-mounted ductless mini-splits in every unit.
Overall, the project savings under IQEEUP include:
- Eligibility for $240,000 in IQEEUP rebates.
- An estimated 60,000 kilowatt-hours are saved annually.
- Self-funded rebates = $0.
Looking Forward
As NWCPUD fully transitions to IQEEUP 2.0 in January, the utility is poised to demonstrate how energy-efficiency programs can evolve to better serve both customer owners and utility goals. By shifting from a utility-managed to a customer-empowered model, NWCPUD is creating a more sustainable and scalable approach to energy-efficiency upgrades.
The PUD expects other utilities across the region to closely watch the success of this evolution because it represents an innovative approach to balancing customer support with program sustainability. As energy efficiency continues to be a crucial factor in utility planning, NWCPUD’s IQEEUP 2.0 may become a model for others to follow.