Seeing the Impact of Clean Energy Upgrades Up Close
Seeing the Impact of Clean Energy Upgrades Up Close
September 9, 2026 Clients
On August 6th, a small group of District 3 City Council candidates gathered outside a Portland home around a newly installed heat pump, taking note of how quietly it operated. It was a simple but tangible opportunity to see the results of Community Energy Project’s home energy upgrades firsthand and to hear from the homeowner, who was able to stay cool when the temperature reached 93°F later that same day.
CEP is committed to amplifying the experiences of frontline communities in the spaces where decisions affecting their lives are made. In partnership with 350PDX CEP organized these tours to give current and prospective city leaders an opportunity to see the real-world impact of programs such as the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).
Through our 2021 PCEF Community Grant, CEP has retrofitted over 200 homes and generated more than $7.8 million in contracted work for local businesses.
During the tours, candidates heard directly from two homeowners whose homes were transformed by CEP’s energy efficiency upgrades funded by the PCEF Community Grant. Gathered around their new heat pumps, the homeowners described how improvements have affected their health, safety, and quality of life.
One client’s bathtub was draining directly into their crawlspace, risking a collapse with every shower. When the client described how he still feels some softness in the bathroom floor, Abasi Umoh, one of CEP’s auditors, demonstrated CEP’s commitment to quality in real time. Abasi told the client that the bathroom could be re-evaluated, and said, “When we replace something, we want to make sure it lasts for a very long time.”
The second client shared how her physical and mental health improved thanks to home upgrades including new insulation, a roof replacement, and heat pumps in the living area and her bedroom. As a former social worker, she was able to share with candidates how housing stability leads to broader benefits to the community. By avoiding medical emergencies like a fall or heat stroke, she can stay out of the emergency room and state-funded care facilities.
“It's so important to get the message out about the impact of this work, not only on individuals and their homes but on our community as a whole,” said Claire Swanback, CEP’s Clean Energy Program Coordinator. “I'm involved in this work every day, and sometimes even I lose sight of the bigger picture! Our clients can speak to the importance of staying in their homes long-term and the fact that PCEF funding makes this possible for them. It's truly moving, and I'm just so grateful to live in a place that recognizes the importance of a program like this.”
Candidates were especially interested in learning about CEP’s community partnerships and client intake process. To learn more about the organizations CEP works alongside visit our blog. Information about CEP’s Portland home retrofit services is also available on our website or by calling 971-544-8710.
At the end of the tour, one candidate reflected on the homeowner’s visible sense of relief. Moments like these demonstrate the value of providing opportunities for frontline communities to share their experiences directly with people who have the power to make a difference. With continued investment in programs that support our city’s most vulnerable households, we can help more Portlanders create safer, healthier homes and build lasting resilience for years to come.
