Name:
Matthew Mills
OR-MEP Role:
Energy Advisor, Oregon Multifamily Energy Program
What motivates you in this role?
I have been continually inspired by the variety of organizations and people who work so hard to bring efficiency into the spotlight for low-income multifamily buildings. There is so much innovation and creativity involved in each of the projects that I interact with, more often than not resembling a puzzle of income sources and upgrade goals that all have to fit together snugly for the project to be successful. I am motivated by being a reliable source of support for projects and incentive dollars to enable our team to have an increasing and positive impact on the low-income communities of Oregon.
What excites you most about the Multifamily Energy Program?
As someone who has a focus in energy efficiency, it may not come as a surprise that I am a fan of a challenge. In low-income multifamily, there is no deficit of challenges. Each project brings its own story, and I find it exciting to be able to work with them to find a pathway forward. Additionally, serving low-income communities occasionally comes with the benefit of incorporating emergent technologies like on-site renewable energy or various heat pump heating and hot water heating systems that allow me to geek out a bit.
What is one fun fact about you that you think people would love to know?
I am told on almost a weekly basis that my voice sounds like Bob from Bob’s Burgers, and I take that as a compliment.
What is your favorite place that you’ve traveled to in Oregon?
While I could name one of the thousands of outrageously beautiful outdoor places in Oregon, I think my favorite remains my old porch swing on a warm, rainy day in spring with a book and a coffee.