ODOE’s Energy Efficient Rebuilding Program Issues More than 850 Incentives to Wildfire Survivors

More than 5,000 structures and over 1 million acres were burned during the 21 wildfires that devastated Oregon communities over Labor Day weekend in 2020. Hardest-hit counties included Clackamas, Douglas, Jackson, Klamath, Lane, Lincoln, Linn, and Marion.

The Oregon Department of Energy’s Energy Efficient Wildfire Rebuilding Incentive Program offered funding to support rebuilding efforts and encourage energy efficient design and equipment. Created by the Oregon Legislature through HB 5006 in 2021, ODOE’s program issued incentives for site-built homes, manufactured homes, multi-family buildings, and commercial structures across the Oregon counties affected by the Labor Day fires.

The Energy Efficient Wildfire Rebuilding Incentive Program was originally authorized to accept applications through May 2023, but many wildfire survivors were still recovering and trying to rebuild their homes and businesses. In response to the ongoing need, the legislature passed a bill to extend the program to June 1, 2025.

ODOE issued 852 incentives in eight counties, totaling about $5.8 million over the life of the program. ODOE recently published a wrap-up report to share results from this important program.

Jackson County had the highest number of destroyed and damaged structures from the 2020 Labor Day wildfires, at 2,660. It was also the county with the highest number of rebuilding incentives issued by ODOE. Jackson County communities experienced a lot of damage, as shown in the time-based aerial photos below of a neighborhood in Phoenix, OR.

Google Earth images show a Jackson County neighborhood before the fires, just after them, and recovered a few years later.

Effect of Wildfire on South Pacific Highway Neighborhood in Phoenix, OR (Google Earth)

The 2020 wildfires were devastating to Oregon communities, and the Oregon Department of Energy was proud to offer this program to support rebuilding efforts. While successful in issuing 852 incentives across affected counties, ODOE did not spend the full budget amount by the end of the program. Several factors made it difficult for some survivors to participate, including survivors who had understandably relocated and were difficult to reach, as well as long rebuilding timelines.

Read ODOE’s complete wrap-up report on our website and learn more about our other incentive programs.

Climate Change, Energy in Oregon, ODOE Incentives, Saving Energy, Success StoriesJennifer KalezEnergy Efficient Wildfire Recovery Incentive, Energy Efficiency, Wildfire, Wildfire Rebuilding, Success Stories, Incentives