Laying the Groundwork for the Oregon Energy Strategy

The Oregon Department of Energy has been busy laying the groundwork for developing a new Oregon Energy Strategy, which will identify pathways to achieving the state’s energy and climate goals. The Strategy will be built through a step-by-step, two-phase process with stakeholder engagement at its core. Phase one will include gathering data, conducting technical analyses, and using the information to define and model​ energy scenarios. Phase two will use modeled energy scenarios that will help develop the key energy pathways and policy recommendations to achieve Oregon’s climate and energy goals.

Two Requests for Proposals are being issued this week to support this work. One RFP is seeking a technical and modeling contractor that will collect stakeholder data and input to produce the potential energy pathways. The other RFP seeks a facilitation contractor to ensure robust, inclusive stakeholder engagement through the process. ODOE expects to work with the facilitator to form stakeholder working groups to support our efforts.

Once these contractors are selected, ODOE will launch statewide virtual and in-person outreach to ensure all stakeholders, communities, and other interested Oregonians have an opportunity to learn about and contribute to the Energy Strategy.

While ODOE is excited to get this project off the ground with contractors in place, we’ve also already begun laying the foundation for this work by consulting with other state agencies that are responsible for implementing various elements of Oregon’s energy and climate policies. We also want to ensure we engage with Oregon’s federally recognized Tribes on this important topic, so we’ve issued formal letters inviting each of them to participate in the process. Finally, ODOE expects to issue a public survey so Oregonians can provide important early input – we expect to publish the survey later this winter.

Follow the Oregon Energy Strategy process on ODOE’s website, and consider signing up for email updates to receive information on progress and opportunities to weigh in. You can also contact our team directly at: energy.strategy@energy.oregon.gov.

Inquiries relating to the RFPs should be directed to the Single Point of Contact defined in the RFP documentation on www.oregonbuys.gov. The RFP reference numbers will be: S-DASOBO-00008987 and S-33000-00009278.