Oregon Department of Energy Awarded National State Leadership in Clean Energy Award

Contact:
Jennifer Kalez, 503-480-9239

SALEM – The Oregon Department of Energy announced today that it has been awarded a State Leadership in Clean Energy (SLICE) award from the Clean Energy States Alliance.

ODOE’s Renewable Energy Development Grant program was one of only six state programs recognized at CESA’s national membership meeting held this week in Chicago. CESA, a nonprofit coalition of public agencies working together to advance clean energy, established the biennial awards to highlight model programs and projects that have accelerated the adoption of clean energy technologies and strengthened clean energy markets.

The RED Grant program stood out to the SLICE judging panel thanks to the unique way it raises funds for renewable energy projects. “ODOE’s Renewable Energy Development Grant Program has an innovative funding structure that makes efficient and productive use of tax dollars,” said the panel upon awarding ODOE. Oregonians purchased tax credits through an auction held by the Oregon Department of Revenue, and the proceeds funded the energy grants. Auction participants were able to reduce their income tax liability while more directly supporting renewable energy projects in their communities.

Since 2012, the RED Grant program has awarded nearly $5 million for 55 renewable projects statewide, including solar, hydropower, biogas, biomass, and geothermal installations. Businesses, organizations, public bodies, schools, nonprofits, and tribes that install and operate a renewable energy system are eligible for RED Grants, and potential projects are scored using a number of criteria, including amount of energy generated, job creation, and community benefits. Renewable systems that are capable of supplying electricity when the larger grid is unavailable – due to extreme weather or other emergencies – also earn more points.

“We’re grateful to CESA for recognizing our RED Grant program,” said ODOE Director Janine Benner. “This program makes a difference in communities across the state through clean energy projects that create jobs, boost energy resiliency, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.”

ODOE will announce its seventh round of competitive RED Grant awards, totaling $2 million, later this spring.