Leadership in Energy Affordability Recognized as NW Natural Receives 2026 NEUAC Corporate Excellence Award
NW Natural has been named the recipient of the 2026 Corporate Excellence Award by the National Energy and Utility Affordability Coalition (NEUAC), recognizing the company’s leadership in supporting economically challenged customers through innovative affordability initiatives, strong community partnerships, and comprehensive energy assistance programs.
The prestigious national award celebrates companies and organizations that demonstrate exceptional commitment to improving energy affordability and reducing energy burdens for vulnerable households. NW Natural received the honor on May 19 during the NEUAC annual conference held in Seattle, where industry leaders gathered to recognize achievements in energy assistance, customer support, and community engagement.
The award highlights NW Natural’s long-standing efforts to provide meaningful support to income-qualified customers through programs designed to improve household energy efficiency, lower utility costs, and enhance overall living conditions.
“This recognition reinforces the importance of our sustained investment in affordability and equity,” said Mary Moerlins, Manager of Environmental Policy and Corporate Responsibility at NW Natural. “We are proud of what we’ve built alongside our community partners, and we’re grateful for the collaboration across NW Natural and advocates whose dedication makes this work possible.”
NW Natural was nominated for the award by Kevin Brown of the Oregon Energy Fund (OEF), who praised the company’s partnership-focused approach to addressing energy challenges faced by low-income households throughout Oregon.
In his nomination, Brown emphasized that NW Natural’s efforts extend beyond meeting regulatory requirements. He highlighted the company’s commitment to creating long-term solutions through collaboration with nonprofit organizations, community groups, and advocacy partners.
“NW Natural’s commitment to its most vulnerable customers goes far beyond regulatory compliance,” Brown wrote in his nomination. “For a utility willing to invest not just dollars but genuine partnership in the communities it serves, NW Natural sets the standard for corporate excellence in the natural gas industry.”
A major factor behind the recognition is NW Natural’s Oregon Low-Income Energy Efficiency (OLIEE) program, a comprehensive initiative that provides no-cost home energy improvements for qualifying households. The program is funded through a public purpose charge included on NW Natural customer bills and has operated for more than two decades, helping families reduce energy costs while improving home comfort, safety, and efficiency.
Through OLIEE, eligible customers receive whole-home energy upgrades tailored to their specific needs. These improvements include critical measures such as roof repairs and replacements, insulation upgrades, energy-efficient windows, high-efficiency natural gas furnaces, water heaters, and modern appliances.
Unlike short-term assistance programs that only address immediate energy payment challenges, OLIEE focuses on long-lasting solutions that help households reduce energy consumption and achieve sustained affordability. Since its launch, the program has supported approximately 2,500 households across Oregon, delivering improvements that continue to benefit residents for years.
“Community-based partners play a critical role in the program by meeting households where they are and connecting families not only to energy efficiency services, but also to broader wraparound resources that support housing stability and overall well-being,” said Rebeca Enriquez, Manager of Energy Affordability at NW Natural.
The success of OLIEE is largely driven by NW Natural’s collaborative approach. The company works closely with community organizations that understand local needs and can help connect residents with available resources. These partnerships allow energy efficiency improvements to reach households that may face barriers in accessing traditional programs.
A key element of NW Natural’s model is its collaboration with organizations such as the Oregon Energy Fund and Habitat for Humanity. By combining utility resources with nonprofit expertise and trusted community relationships, NW Natural has created a framework that can be replicated to support more families facing energy affordability challenges.
Through these partnerships, NW Natural has completed significant energy retrofit projects, including improvements at Agape Square, a 14-home Habitat for Humanity community located in Portland’s Cully neighborhood, and Lindsay Lane, a 19-home Habitat community in Hillsboro. These projects demonstrate how coordinated efforts between utilities and community organizations can deliver measurable improvements for residents.
The company’s approach reflects a broader commitment to environmental responsibility, social equity, and customer-centered service. By investing in energy efficiency, NW Natural aims not only to reduce household energy expenses but also to improve housing quality and support healthier, more resilient communities.
The NEUAC Corporate Excellence Award further recognizes the importance of partnerships in addressing energy affordability challenges. As energy costs continue to impact households nationwide, programs like OLIEE demonstrate how utilities can play a vital role in providing solutions that benefit customers, communities, and the broader energy system.
With continued investment in affordability programs and collaboration with community partners, NW Natural remains focused on helping vulnerable customers access efficient, safe, and affordable energy solutions while advancing a more equitable energy future.
Source Link:https://www.businesswire.com/
