Warm Springs community benefits from over 40 energy efficiency projects
WARM SPRINGS, Ore. (KTVZ) -- Energy Trust of Oregon has partnered with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs over the last two years to complete more than 40 energy upgrade projects. These initiatives aim to address energy needs across the Warm Springs community, including improvements at High Lookee Lodge and the Warm Springs Fire and Safety Building.
The partnership has invested over $90,000 into the High Lookee Lodge and the Fire and Safety Building alone. Both buildings are projected to save $13,800 annually in energy costs as a result of the upgrades. Tribal land operates with distinct requirements compared to counties and cities, encompassing both energy efficiency and energy enterprise, where power is sold to surrounding communities.
Carina Miller, tribal government stakeholder relations for Energy Trust of Oregon, highlighted the particular nature of the community. Miller emphasized the necessity to anticipate higher energy needs and external factors that impact communities, especially those in rural Oregon.
"I mean, this is a reservation and so it's a very unique community," Miller said. "We need to be able to anticipate for higher energy needs and some of these things that are going to impact our communities regardless. But here in rural Oregon, on the reservations, there are different and unique needs that ETO is learning how to fill those gaps."
The Warm Springs Fire and Safety Building serves a dual purpose, functioning as both a fire station and a medical clinic for community members seeking treatment. Before the upgrades, Fire Chief Scott Spaulding, with the Confederated Tribes of Warm Springs, noted that the facility's old lighting system resulted in dimly lit rooms, which contributed to anxiety for patients. Spaulding stated the new lighting significantly improved visibility for both staff and patients.
"So when the new lighting came in, it completely made it brighter. And the crews can see the patients better and the patient can see the crew better," Spaulding said.
He added that the enhanced environment positively impacts patient care.
"They come in. I think that the the warmth, the feeling of the building helps out with patient care," Spaulding said. "I think it's all around better experience."
The High Lookee Lodge, a 26-year-old facility, also saw substantial benefits from the energy improvements. Fay Hurtado, director of High Lookee Lodge, shared that the upgrades notably improved visibility for the elders. Hurtado explained that dim lighting can be challenging for those with impaired vision.
"The energy upgrade was awesome. The elders were able to see," Hurtado said. She further commented, "It's a lot better. Dim light is sometimes hard on some that, can't see very well. So the upgrades brought a lot of light to our facility."
This partnership marks an initial phase for both the Warm Springs community and Energy Trust of Oregon, as they hope to continue expanding services throughout the Tribe.
