Originally posted at EnergyTrust.org
Read the original press release here.

PORTLAND, Ore. – Oct. 7, 2008 – Umpqua Bank, a subsidiary of Umpqua Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: UMPQ), and Energy Trust of Oregon Inc., an independent nonprofit organization, are joining forces to help Oregonians invest in energy efficiency and renewable energy as energy prices continue to rise. The two organizations are working together to offer GreenStreet Lending, affordable loan products that make it possible for consumers and businesses to make energysaving improvements and harness solar power in their homes and businesses.

The new GreenStreet solar and energy efficiency loan options will be available November 12. They will offer a low interest financing rate and can be paired with Energy Trust’s cash incentives and Oregon energy tax credits to make energy efficiency home and business improvements financially accessible to a broader market.

“Rising energy costs and increasing environmental concerns are both weighing heavily on consumers’ minds. Umpqua Bank and Energy Trust have created GreenStreet Lending to make it easier for Oregonians to afford and have access to the kinds of smart home and business improvements that save energy and generate power – and will pay for themselves over time,”
said Margie Harris, executive director for Energy Trust of Oregon.

“A shared commitment to investing in the future of our communities brought Umpqua Bank and Energy Trust together to create the GreenStreet Lending program’s environmentally-responsible loan options, which make energy efficiency and renewable power more accessible and costeffective,” said Lani Hayward, executive vice president of creative strategies for Umpqua Bank.

“Umpqua is pleased to be the program’s recommended lender and excited to begin working towards a cleaner future for Oregon.”

To help homeowners identify improvements that will save energy and minimize costs, Energy Trust offers free Home Energy Reviews. These reviews offer a customized plan for increasing energy efficiency and are often the first step to identifying potential for solar options. Energy Trust’s Home Energy Reviews are available to Oregon customers of PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas and can be scheduled online at www.energytrust.org/solutions or by calling 1-866-368-7878. Energy Trust also sponsors workshops for homeowners interested in solar power, for more information visit www.solarnoworegon.org. Information and resources for
businesses are available at www.energytrust.org/commercial.

Additional information about GreenStreet loans for improving business and residential energy efficiency is available online at www.greenstreetloan.com, or by calling 1-866-790-2121.

Media Contacts:
Lani Hayward, Umpqua Bank, 503.727.4132, lanihayward@umpquabank.com
Lisa Scholin, Energy Trust of Oregon, 503.977.0483, lisa@blueflypr.com
Eve Callahan, LANE PR, 503.546.7867, eve@lanepr.com

Originally posted at EnergyTrust.org
Read the original press release here.