If you were referring to this article, the online version doesn't contain the phrase "thermal heat". I did find a real estate listing that mentions "geothermal heat", which is perfectly proper.
That being said, the article in question uses the phrase "thermal energy" over and over, in a very loose manner. It isn't the fault of The Oregonian though. The project being described is the culprit.
When I was looking at it, the BREAKING NEWS at the top was:
Rock strikes, injures youth hiking at camp in Hoodoo Ski area.
Good question. Of course, a dog goes into heat, but I can't imagine they're worried about that distinction. I think Richard is probably right (this may be a first! )
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