Governor Kotek and U.S. Climate Alliance Celebrate ODOE Grant Program

Governor Kotek recently joined the U.S. Climate Alliance to discuss the Oregon Department of Energy’s Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, and the wonderful project ODOE was proud to support at the Gloria Center in The Dalles.

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ODOE Seeking Oregon Contractors to Participate in New Heat Pump Incentive Program

The Oregon Department of Energy is now accepting applications from potential contractors to participate in the agency’s new Heat Pump Purchase Program, which will provide $2,000 rebates for the installation of heat pumps in owner-occupied homes, rental homes, and homes under construction.

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Getting Grounded: Petroleum's long history

On this episode of Getting Grounded, our energy fundamentals series of mini episodes, we are joined by Michael Freels, ODOE senior policy analyst. He discusses the history of petroleum, the variety of uses, challenges, and how it plays into our overall energy source planning.  

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ODOE Announces $12 Million in Available Grant Funding for Renewable Energy and Energy Resilience Projects 

The Oregon Department of Energy will soon begin accepting applications for a fourth round of funding through the agency’s Community Renewable Energy Grant Program. ODOE is making $12 million available to support planning and construction of renewable energy or energy resilience projects for Tribes, public bodies, and consumer-owned utilities.

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May 2025 Newsletter

In May's newsletter, ODOE receives $100,000 from the USDA to support more rural and agricultural energy audits, celebrates the history of home energy scoring in Oregon, hits the road with the Community Navigator program, and more.

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Rivers and Roads: a 1,300-Mile Visit Across Central and Eastern Oregon

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 and Community Navigator Sarah Moehrke make a 1,300-mile trek in Eastern and Central Oregon.

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Getting Grounded: Powering Oregon With the Sun

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.

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ODOE at 50: a History of Home Energy Scoring

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.

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ODOE Program Supports Energy Assessments for Agricultural and Rural Small Businesses

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.

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ODOE at 50: Oregon Solar History

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.

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Oregon’s Renewable Portfolio Standard Reaches 2025 Milestone for Smaller Utilities

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.

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From the Desk to Deer Island: Interviewing Partners on Grant Programs Across Oregon

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.

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Energy 101: Climate Change + the Energy System

Our 2024 Biennial Energy Report features a set of Energy 101-style pieces designed to build the foundation of Oregon’s energy story. The 101s were developed for people new to energy or specific energy topics, along with those looking for a resource to help tell the story of how energy systems affect their work and interests. One of our 101s focused on climate change effects on the energy system – a timely topic for Earth Month.

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