Energy efficiency rebates under scrutiny as cost effectiveness is questioned

Oregon’s utility regulators are struggling to determine whether ratepayers should continue to subsidize some of the most common and popular home weatherization measures, even when those measures are no longer considered cost effective for homeowners.

Blame the low price of natural gas. Blame the historical success of Oregon’s energy efficiency efforts, which have already captured much of the low-hanging fruit. Or blame – as many energy efficiency advocates and contractors do – the cost benefit formulas that regulators use.

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