On this episode of Getting Grounded, our energy fundamentals series of mini episodes, we are joined by Rob Del Mar, ODOE senior policy analyst. He discusses some benefits of solar power, such as the opportunity to provide backup power for your home, and some challenges, including the upfront cost of the equipment. However, once you buy the equipment, the fuel to power your home is free, courtesy of the sun.

2025 marks 50 years of Oregon Department of Energy public service. As we continue leading Oregon to a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future for the next 50 years (and beyond!), we’re taking time to look back and reflect on what got us here. This month, we take a look at the history of home energy scoring in Oregon.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council will be held on Friday, May 16, 2025.

The Oregon Department of Energy has been awarded a $100,000 Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support energy assessments for Oregon agricultural and rural small businesses.

In April's newsletter, ODOE awards $2 million in grants to support Oregon's energy workforce, celebrates the history of solar in the state, catches up with the Community Navigator Program, relaunches ODOE's Grounded podcast, and more.

Learn more about energy efficiency, some of the benefits, and things you can do to improve efficiency and decrease energy bills.

2025 marks 50 years of Oregon Department of Energy public service. As we continue leading Oregon to a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future for the next 50 years (and beyond!), we’re taking time to look back and reflect on what got us here. This month, we take a look at the history of solar in Oregon.

Many states, including Oregon, have adopted what’s known as a Renewable Portfolio Standard, or RPS. An RPS typically establishes requirements for electric utilities to procure a certain percentage of the electricity they sell to customers from renewable resources by a specific date. Almost 20 years after Oregon’s initial RPS adoption, the state has reached a new RPS milestone in 2025.

The Oregon Climate Action Commission invites the public to provide input on potential future investments in natural climate solutions.

We continue On the Road in Oregon, a blog series that takes you on a journey through the heart of Oregon's diverse communities with our Community Navigator Program. This month, we hear from RARE Member Sara Lark Millies-Lucke as she meets with communities from Southern Oregon to northwest of Portland.