September 2025 Newsletter

Oregon Households Share Opinions on ZEVs in Latest ODOE Report

In a recent survey of Oregon households conducted for the Oregon Department of Energy’s 2025 Biennial Zero-Emission Vehicle Report, 17 percent of households said they personally own or have owned a zero-emission vehicle, trending above a 2024 national survey result of 7 percent.

The number of zero-emission vehicles, which includes battery electric vehicles and plug-in hybrids, on Oregon roads grows each year. About one third of surveyed Oregon households would consider buying electric for their next family vehicle, and about two-thirds of multi-family housing respondents indicated that access to home charging would motivate them to purchase a zero-emission vehicle.

This third edition of the Biennial Zero-Emission Vehicle Report, assigned to the agency by the Oregon Legislature in 2019, provides data-driven insights into the transition to zero-emission vehicles.

Oregon remains below the Senate Bill 1044 goal of 250,000 registered ZEVs by 2025, but existing policies and programs put the state on track to achieve the 2030 goal of zero-emission vehicles being at least 25 percent of all registered vehicles and at least half of new vehicles sold annually, and the 2035 goal of zero-emission vehicles making up at least 90 percent of new vehicles sales.

In this year’s report, ODOE:

Collaborated with the Oregon State University Survey Research Center to collect input from a random sample of Oregon households about their views on zero-emission vehicles.
Analyzed charging infrastructure in Oregon and the impact of federal and state policies and programs.
Explored the effects of lithium-ion batteries to power zero-emission vehicles, innovative design and materials substitutions, and recycling and reuse opportunities for batteries.
Reviewed impacts on the electricity grid and existing utility programs to encourage charging at off-peak times.

Learn more and read the report on ODOE's website.

ODOE at 50: Supporting Public Schools

As we’ve been sharing in this newsletter and on our blog this year, 2025 marks 50 years of the Oregon Department of Energy serving the state. As we continue leading Oregon to a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future for the next 50 years (and beyond!), we’re reflecting on what got us here.

It’s September, which means public schools across Oregon are back in session with sharpened pencils and minds ready to learn! Our public schools are a vital part of our communities, helping students learn and thrive. Over the last 50 years of public service, the Oregon Department of Energy has proudly worked with every school district – statewide – on energy analysis of facilities and energy-related projects and improvements. Our programs have helped public schools across the state invest in renewable energy, improve energy efficiency, and even make the switch to electric school buses in recent years.

In the early ODOE days, school districts could take advantage of now-expired tax credit and grant programs to make energy efficiency improvements or invest in renewable energy at school buildings. As Oregon leaned into the transition to an equitable clean energy future, the state developed specific programs for schools to help create better learning environments for the next generation of Oregonians.

In addition to providing programs for public schools, ODOE team members have also joined Oregon classrooms and educational events to talk about energy in Oregon, share more about potential energy careers, and more.

ODOE is proud of our long history of supporting Oregon public schools statewide. From providing efficiency expertise to supporting energy projects, we look forward to helping our schools create improved learning environments for Oregon students for the next 50 years.

Learn more about this history on our blog.

ODOE Updates Oregon Energy Security Plan

September is National Preparedness Month, which means there’s no better time for the Oregon Department of Energy to publish an updated Oregon Energy Security Plan. Originally published in 2024, the plan outlines the state’s energy infrastructure, quantifies threats and hazards that cause energy insecurity, and identifies potential measures the state and its partners can implement to manage risk and strengthen Oregon’s energy security.

The plan is meant to be a living document, with regular updates to ensure it remains relevant to Oregon’s energy security needs. The 2025 update includes additional information on interdependencies across energy sectors as well as important policy connections to the forthcoming Oregon Energy Strategy.

The energy sector — including electricity, liquid fuels, and natural gas — is vital to the health, well-being, safety, economy, and way of life for Oregonians. A disruption to Oregon’s energy infrastructure can directly affect the security and resilience of other necessary systems, such as public health and healthcare, water and wastewater treatment, education, emergency response, and many others.

The Energy Security Plan analyzes natural hazards and human-made risks, including cyber-security and physical attacks on infrastructure. The plan makes it clear that a statewide, collaborative approach to assessing threats, reducing risk, and improving energy security is vital. As is noted in the 2025 plan, it is increasingly vital that all parties involved in Oregon’s energy ecosystem work together to meet our state’s energy needs while taking into account Oregon’s important greenhouse gas reduction goals.

Read more on our blog or download the plan on ODOE's website.

Getting Grounded: PNW's Unique Hydropower

ODOE's Grounded Podcast continues with new Getting Grounded mini episodes that focus on breaking down specific energy topics to build foundational energy knowledge for listeners.

This month, host Katelyn Jackson talks with ODOE Senior Policy Analyst Joni Sliger to discuss how hydropower fuels Oregon. Nearly half of the country’s hydropower generation capacity is concentrated in Washington, California, and Oregon. In 2023, over a third of the electricity Oregonians used came from hydropower – compared to only 5.7 percent nationally. Listen in on ODOE's blog or your favorite podcast app!

Inaugural ODOE Heat Pump Report Shows the Technology's Rise

In 2023, the Oregon Legislature directed ODOE to evaluate the adoption of heat pumps, including details on the technology, an analysis of barriers to heat pump adoption, and progress toward a new goal of 500,000 additional heat pump installations in the state by 2030. In ODOE’s inaugural report, published earlier this month, the agency found that based on estimated growth, Oregon may achieve its goal by mid-2033.

Heat pumps represent an energy efficient and increasingly cost-effective solution for reducing carbon emissions in residential heating and cooling. According to a recent national study, these systems have the potential to yield an average total energy savings of 31 to 47 percent, depending on the efficiency of the installed heat pump, and 41 to 52 percent when combined with building upgrades such as better insulation.

The report provides a snapshot for where the state is now in terms of heat pump adoption. Using a prediction model, ODOE estimates that Oregon will have about 458,500 residences, multifamily, and commercial buildings using heat pumps by the end of this year. Of that total, nearly 122,000 were installed since passage of the bill.

There are barriers to heat pump adoption, notes the report, including upfront cost of installation – heat pumps often cost more to install than a tradition heating system. Incentives, including those offered by the Oregon Department of Energy, can help make heat pumps more accessible for Oregon households. In addition to the technology itself, ensuring a building is well-insulated and ready for a heat pump is important to capture the greatest efficiency – which can also add costs.

Check out ODOE’s report online, which dives more into technology trends, adoption trends, barriers, and potential recommendations to keep Oregon marching toward its 500,000 heat pumps goal. ODOE will publish an updated report every two years to continue sharing progress.

Reports from Around the Agency

In August, the Oregon Department of Energy received notice from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency that it was canceling all Solar for All program funding. Oregon had been awarded nearly $87 million to support clean energy programs that reduce greenhouse gas emissions and other pollutants, create bill savings and strengthen resilience, and ensure those benefits are delivered to low-income and disadvantaged communities. ODOE issued a letter to the U.S. EPA earlier this month, formally initiating an administrative dispute with the goal that the EPA return all obligated funds to Oregon. Many thanks to The Oregonian and Oregon Public Broadcasting for featuring this important update.
ODOE's Heat Pump Purchase Program launched in June this year and has been very successful so far, with about 2,000 rebates reserved or issued. ODOE had intended to offer funding in two rounds but thanks to the program's high demand, we plan to make all funding available on November 3, 2025. Keep an eye on ODOE's website and sign up for email updates for future updates.
In addition to the biennial reports on zero-emission vehicles and heat pumps mentioned above, ODOE also submitted reports to the Legislature on our Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, and County Energy Resilience Program, as well as an Annual Report on the Natural and Working Lands Funds on behalf of the Oregon Climate Action Commission.
A big thank you to the many Oregonians who submitted comments on our Draft Oregon Energy Strategy! Comments are now closed and ODOE will spend the next month reviewing the feedback to make further improvements before presenting the final strategy by November 1.
ODOE was proud to sponsor the 2025 Tribal Energy Sovereignty Summit, hosted by the Affiliated Tribes of Northwest Indians. The summit focused on identifying challenges, funding options, workforce development, and new opportunities for Tribal Energy Sovereignty.
ODOE Codes and Standards Manager Blake Shelide presented on a panel to share about Oregon's building performance standard efforts at the 2025 National Buildings Summit, hosted by NASEO.
ODOE was also proud to sponsor the 2025 Oregon Infrastructure Summit in Seaside earlier this month. ODOE Nuclear Safety and Energy Security Assistant Director Max Woods and Energy Security Manager Traci Naile attended the summit, including participating in a resilience-focused workshop. Community Navigator Sarah Moehrke moderated a discussion on the future of Oregon’s electricity grid; Senior Clean Electricity and Markets Analyst Joni Sliger participated in the panel and shared insights from the draft Oregon Energy Strategy.
ODOE Director Janine Benner joined the Northwest Renewable Hydrogen Alliance for its 2025 hydrogen conference, participating in a "fireside chat" to share the latest on the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Hub efforts.
Director Benner, Senior Policy Analyst Edith Bayer, and Program Analyst Bryce McManus joined the Beneficial Electrification League on September 16 for the Oregon Electrification Leadership Summit in Salem. Janine presented on a panel showcasing viewpoints from Oregon leaders on the benefits of electrification. Edith spoke on a panel about load growth and data centers, while Bryce joined a panel on residential opportunities for electrification.
A few ODOE team members joined Sustainable NW's 10th Annual Fall Energy Symposium in the Rogue Valley. The symposium brings together rural energy leaders to discuss rural energy needs, funding opportunities, and more. ODOE is a proud sponsor of the event.
As we mentioned in last month's newsletter, ODOE's energy facility siting team has been working with the Energy Facility Siting Council on improvements to the public siting process. One recent activity has been administrative rulemaking for the site certificate amendment process, making it more efficient and effective while ensuring adequate public participation. At its September Council meeting, EFSC approved the new rules. Learn more.
On September 27, ODOE Facilities Engineer Stephanie Kruse and Program Analyst Bryce McManus hosted an information table at Electrify PDX's Electrify Portland home fair. Stephanie and Bryce shared all the latest information on ODOE incentive programs.
We were excited to see our friends at the Oregon Department of Transportation open a new grant opportunity for repairs and upgrades to Oregon's public EV charging stations. Learn more on Go Electric Oregon.
Did you know ODOE's Energy Facility Siting Team is currently reviewing more than a dozen proposed or amended energy facilities? From wind to solar facilities – to combined wind, solar, and storage facilities – you can learn more about the state's process and how to get involved on our website. You can also sign up to receive a monthly facility siting update showing the latest and greatest.
Oregonians can now search for available renewable energy and energy efficiency incentive programs through ODOE’s Energy Hub for Incentive Programs and Projects in Oregon (Energy HIPPO!). Plug your address into the online calculator along with a few other basic pieces of information, and the tool will show the various programs you may be eligible for. The Energy HIPPO also provides other helpful resources for homeowners, renters, and contractors.

LOOKING AHEAD

Oregon Climate Action Commission | October 10, 2025 | Via Webinar

Energy Facility Siting Council | October 23-24, 2025 | Maupin and Via Webinar

Current Rulemakings (click to see details)

Other Stakeholder Groups (click to see details)

2025 CUB Energy Policy Conference | October 3, 2025 | ODOE Sponsoring + Presenting

League of Oregon Cities 100th Annual Conference | October 2-4, 2025 | ODOE Sponsoring

2025 ACEEE National Conference on Energy Efficiency as a Resource | October 7, 2025 | ODOE Presenting

Government-to-Government Summit | October 7, 2025 | ODOE Attending

Regional Energy Symposium | October 9, 2025 | ODOE Presenting