Energy efficiency and renewable energy action resources
Working together, the Confederated Tribes of Umatilla Indian Reservation, CTUIR, community has created a Strategic Energy Plan to help build a more secure and sovereign energy future. Your input and actions are a key part of the plan’s success.
Many of you have asked about what to do first. The most important place to start is in your own home or business.
This guide is a roadmap for your energy-efficiency journey. Use it to:
• Answer many of your questions
• Decide on your own priorities
• Learn about resources to support your projects
STAY UP TO DATE AT CTUIR.ORG
As the Strategic Energy Committee plans larger-scale, community-wide energy projects, we will let you know about next steps and how to get involved. Check in frequently for updates and events on our website: ctuir.org
CTUIR ENERGY VISION
To create an energy future where independence and reliability maximize tribal sovereignty, affordability, and access for the Umatilla Indian Reservation community in a manner that respects Tamánwit, protects and enhances treaty-reserved resources, and is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan.
WHAT IS THE STRATEGIC ENERGY PLAN?
The CTUIR Energy Strategy Team gathered input from the community and tribal leadership in all major departments, then used what we learned to put together a Strategic Energy Plan. The plan defines a common energy vision based on community values.
The 2022 Strategic Energy Plan:
• Expresses our community values
• Identifies energy opportunities that reach all areas of community life
• Charts short and long-term actions
• Incorporates new technologies, business models and policies
• Positions CTUIR to take advantage of federal and other funding opportunities
• Advances economic development and self-determination
• Adapts to the changing climate
• Preserves and restores Treaty Reserved Rights
The plan is a living document that will be updated over time to reflect the values, needs and available resources of current and future generations.
1. Your eligibility for energy efficiency and renewable energy programs may depend on:
- What your utility offers. Their programs typically offer a wide range of resources and cash incentives that can help you
save energy, lower costs, and create a more comfortable living space. - The type of home you live in, and whether you rent or own. If you rent, you’ll likely need the property owner’s approval to
make any changes. If you live in a manufactured home on land you own, there’s a good chance you’ll qualify for energyefficiency
programs.
2. The simplest way to save energy is not to use it in the first place.
- Think about ways to use less energy in your home first. For example, weatherization projects like air sealing and insulation
reduce heat loss and lower energy costs immediately. - Some energy investments take time to lower your overall costs. Adding solar panels costs money up front, but once your
project is paid off, you will have low to no electricity costs.
3. Which energy bills do you want to reduce?
- Weatherization plus energy-efficient heating and cooling will reduce your fuel bills, so it will cost less to heat and cool your home.
- Solar reduces your electric bills, so you’ll save money on running your lights and appliances.
- Solar with battery storage systems adds security by providing power when the electricity is out.
View the Energy Saver Guide at: energy.gov
This graphic guide will help you zero in on the types of projects that will be most useful and manageable for where you live and your particular goals. We’ve listed the best sources of information on what to do, where to start and how to fund your choices.
This graphic guide will help you zero in on the types of projects that will be most useful and manageable for where you live and your particular goals. We’ve listed the best sources of information on what to do, where to start and how to fund your choices.
WHO CAN HELP?
Energy Trust of Oregon
www.energytrust.org/residential
provides services for customers of Pacific Power and Cascade Natural Gas
Umatilla Electric Cooperative
www.umatillaelectric.com/energy-efficiency
CAPECO
www.capeco-works.org/weatherization
State Heating Oil Weatherization
https://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/energy-weatherization/Pages/index.aspx
Oregon Department of Energy
www.oregon.gov/energy/Incentives
CTUIR Housing
www.ctuir.org/departments/housing
Before you decide on which energy-saving actions make the most sense for you, here are a few things to keep in mind:
- Which utilities do you have at your home?
- Do you rent or own your home?
- Do you have a central heating and cooling system?
ACTING ON OUR ENERGY VISION
Every kilowatt-hour of electricity you save at home or in your business gets us all closer to our goals to reduce carbon emissions, lower energy costs, increase resilience and build capacity for local control—all while preserving our natural and cultural resources.
HELP WITH PLAN UPDATES
The Strategic Energy Plan will evolve over time. We’ll adapt the plan to the economic conditions, technology advancements, policy changes, and our tribal capacity to implement larger-scale projects. Periodic review and update sessions are built into the plan.
A great way to get more involved in energy planning is to serve on a committee. The Economic Community Development Committee or the Science and Technology Committee are both deeply involved in the Strategic Energy Plan implementation. Learn more about our committees and commissions at ctuir.org.
Public input is part of all updates. Watch for news, information about the plan, and other opportunities on our website.
JOURNEY DEEPER INTO CTUIR’S TRIBAL HERITAGE AND OUR ENERGY FUTURE
Learn how CTUIR’s progress with solar energy and the Energy Storage for Social Equity (ES4SE) initiative is helping preserve our cultural and natural resources with the Energy Storage for Social Equity Initiative Story Map, which features maps, video and text.
