Community Energy Project is proud to provide a variety of direct, in-homes services and educational workshops, and participate in important advocacy work. Behind all of these vital efforts is a team of vibrant, multifaceted, and hardworking individuals. We are excited to introduce the CEP Staff Spotlight, a series dedicated to the people who make everything we do possible. Today’s spotlight shines on one of CEP’s In-Homes Auditors, Claire Swanback.

“Everyone’s always talking about the weather, but no one does anything about it.”

1. Describe your role at CEP and what makes you passionate about your position.

Currently, I am mainly working with three programs: the Portland Clean Energy Fund (PCEF) program, the contract we have with the Portland Water Bureau (PWB), and the grant we have from ClearResult to replace old, electric water heaters. Right now for PCEF, I conduct initial home assessments to gauge whether homes are going to be a good fit. If they are a good fit, we then start the process of writing work scopes for these homes as they move onto the next stage. We coordinate with insulation contractors, HVAC contractors and any other folks we may need to complete the specific project which may or may not include roofing, electrical, or asbestos abatement – depending on the house! For PWB, if a homeowner is on the income-qualified payment assistance program – they also qualify for the leak repair program. PWB will cover any leak in the home that is causing a high water bill aka it has to be on the supply side not the drain side in the house.This program is fantastic – we can replace almost any electric water heater over 10 years old with a brand new, much more efficient heat pump water heater. Right now, we are on track to replace 40 water heaters this calendar year and I can only see it going up from here!

2. What is your work background and one unique skill you bring to CEP?

I started doing in-homes work about 7 years ago. Honestly, I didn’t even really know this field existed until I got an entry level job weather stripping doors, wiring basic thermostats, and installing LED light bulbs. From there, I was trained to run blower door tests, conduct attic inspections, and test combustion appliances for carbon monoxide etc. The rest is history! I just love houses so much. I love understanding how all the systems work, seeing how they’re built, and asking people questions about how they live in them. When it comes to this work, my strongest skill is getting people to open up and really listening to them.

3. Describe one accomplishment you’ve made at CEP or a goal you have for the future in this role. 

I have a goal to replace 50 water heaters next year, about one a week! It seems like a bit of a stretch, but I think I can get there. 

4. If you had to pick one meal to eat for the rest of your life, what would it be? / What is a hidden talent you have? 

If I am being practical about having to eat the same thing for the rest of my life, I think I’d choose a pasta with lots of vegetables and bacon in a light cream sauce and a side salad. If I am thinking about a meal I really love, it would be a lox bagel. Cream cheese, capers, red onion, tomato, smoked salmon, sometimes an egg – the best. As for a hidden talent, I am unexpectedly good at painting my nails. I have a very steady hand and lots of patience.