October 2026 Newsletter
2026 Biennial Energy Report Coming Soon!
OctoBER is coming to a close, which means the Oregon Department of Energy's 2026 Biennial Energy Report (the BER) is getting final polishes before its November release.
The fifth edition of the Biennial Energy Report is full of new and updated data, energy stories from around Oregon, energy technology and resource reviews, energy 101 basics and policy briefs, and more. We'll share more about the report in next month's newsletter. In the meantime, keep an eye on ODOE’s website for the report's launch!
Hood River Harnesses Hydropower with ODOE Grant
The City of Hood River’s water accumulates pressure on its miles-long downhill journey from springs on the slopes of Mt. Hood to homes and businesses in town. With the completion of the Dee Hydro Project, the previously discarded pressure is harnessed as hydropower.
With the help of ODOE’s Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, the city installed a hydroelectric turbine at an existing pumphouse to convert the water pressure to renewable energy. Before the project, valves simply released the pressure. “We already have this incredible source of energy. Why not tap into it?” said Jackie Vanderpuye, City of Hood River community engagement coordinator. “This is something different and unique — something we haven't done before. We see it as part of this greater effort to get us to our energy goals."
The city adopted the Hood River County Energy Plan in 2018, and the Dee Hydro Project is putting plans into action for a zero-emissions energy future. Over its first 30 years, the project is expected to generate roughly 16 million kilowatt hours of electricity. The city will sell the power generated to Pacific Power and add renewable power to the electric grid.
Enhancing clean energy infrastructure within an existing footprint is also in alignment with the Oregon Energy Strategy, which identified clean energy as one of the pathways needed to meet the state’s energy and climate goals.
The project was a recipient of a $500,000 construction grant from the second round of the Oregon Department of Energy’s Community Renewable Energy Program. Dee Hydro is the first inline hydropower project completed through the program, and Assistant Director of ODOE’s Energy Development Services division Pandian Krishnaswamy said he hopes to see similar projects by other water and irrigation districts in the future.
ODOE has awarded more than $53 million across 118 renewable energy and resilience projects across the state. Learn more about the program, grant opportunities, and requirements.
Oregon Senate Confirms New ESFC Members
The Oregon Department of Energy is pleased to welcome Denice Calderon and Les Walton as the newest members of the Energy Facility Siting Council. Both members were appointed by Governor Kotek and confirmed by the Senate. Calderon will serve an interim term from June 22, 2026, through June 30, 2027 followed by an additional term from July 1, 2027 - June 30, 2031. Walton’s first term began July 1, 2026 and will continue through June 30, 2030.
Both new members bring a strong background in public service and technical knowledge to the council. Calderon, a resident of La Grande, grew up in California, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering from San Jose State University and is most recently serving as the Founder & Chief Executive at Aetervaja Technologies & Development. Walton was raised in Linn County, OR and served in the U.S. Navy as a Utilities and Energy Management Director from 1999 to 2019, while most recently working for Shneider Electric as a Power and Energy Solutions Architect.
Calderon and Walton will join current council members Cindy Condon, Ann Beier, Kent Howe, Richard Devlin, and Patty Perry. Members are selected to understand, evaluate, and deliberate complex issues associated with proposed energy facilities under state jurisdiction and how those facilities affect Oregonians, the environment, and nearby communities. The council has the authority to approve or deny site certificates to allow applicants to construct and operate an energy facility. If a site certificate is granted, the council has ongoing regulatory authority over the construction and operation of the facility. The council also regulates the transportation of radioactive materials through Oregon, the disposal of radioactive materials within the state's borders, and the decommissioning of the Trojan Nuclear Power Plant.
To learn more about the council and how to participate in the facility siting process visit the Oregon Department of Energy’s website.
Getting Undergrounded with Coal
On the latest episode of Getting Grounded, our energy fundamentals series of mini episodes, host Katelyn Jackson is joined by Jason Sierman, ODOE senior policy analyst, to discuss coal’s role in Oregon’s energy landscape.
Coal has powered America’s industry and homes for centuries. Made up of compressed ancient plants and dirt buried deep underground, coal takes millions of years to create. Coal burns hot and can be burned directly for use in a fireplace, for example, or indirectly by generating steam to power engines or produce electricity.
Since 2019, the coal used to generate electricity for Oregonians has shrunk from 21 percent to just over 8 percent in 2024. We expect the amount to continue to shrink as Oregon’s largest electricity providers must remove coal from their mix beginning in 2030 (Senate Bill 1547 (2016)).
Give the episode a listen on our blog or your favorite podcast app.
Reports from Around the Agency
Join our team! We are currently recruiting for a Senior Siting Analyst (Utility & Energy Analyst 3). Learn more and please share with your networks!
In case you missed it, ODOE is now accepting applications for the Building Energy Reduction Incentive, which provides funding to building owners implementing energy efficiency improvements to comply with the Oregon Building Performance Standard. Applications are considered on a first-come, first-served basis until all funding is awarded or until the application closes on December 11, 2026. Learn more and join ODOE's monthly office hours to get your questions answered about the program.
ODOE’s Codes and Standards team has been busy with outreach for the Oregon Building Performance Standard. Blake Shelide, Codes and Standards Manager, joined the Eugene Area Chamber of Commerce Local Government Affairs Council on October 22 to discuss the Oregon BPS, answer questions, and provide resources. Policy Analyst Madeline O’Dwyer presented to the Lake Oswego City Council on October 13 and to the Institute of Real Estate Management on October 27. If you would like ODOE staff to present to your group about BPS, please email the team.
ODOE Associate Director for Strategic Engagement Ruchi Sadhir joined the City of Tualatin to celebrate a ribbon-cutting for its new micro-hydro project, which turns drinking water system pressure into electricity. ODOE was proud to support the project with a $100,000 Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant in 2024. The HydroXS unit has a digitally enabled control valve that can serve as a pressure recovery value and a renewable energy generator. Check out KGW’s coverage of the event.
The Oregon Climate Action Commission is accepting comments on draft recommendations for the Commission's 2026 biennial report to the legislature. Review the draft online and submit comments by email by noon on November 13, 2026.
ODOE was proud to sponsor the Oregon Citizens' Utility Board 2026 Energy Policy Conference this month. The conference theme this year was "harnessing local energy." ODOE Energy Policy Team Lead Edith Bayer was a panelist discussing data centers and how large load energy users affect the overall system.
Energy Security Manager Traci Naile presented on cybersecurity threats to industrial control systems in energy and other critical infrastructure during Oregon Emergency Management Association's annual conference in Pendleton. Learn more about ODOE's energy security work.
ODOE Director Janine Benner moderated a panel on Energy Efficiency, Demand-Side Management, and Grid Enhancing Technologies during the fall meeting of the Committee on Regional Electric Power Cooperation and Western Interconnection Regional Advisory Body (CREPC-WIRAB). Energy Policy Team Lead Edith Bayer joined Janine at the conference. This gathering of western state energy office officials and public service commissioners provides an opportunity to discuss energy topics of regional importance such as market development, resource adequacy, and transmission.
Director Benner also attended the 2026 National Association for State Energy Officials (NASEO) Annual Meeting in Colorado in her role as a Western Regional Representative on the NASEO Board. Janine met with other state energy officials to discuss topics within the meeting's theme, Accelerate Innovation, and to celebrate 40 years of NASEO. Janine moderated a panel during the conference on Cashing in on Efficiency: Capturing Value at Residential Resale.
ODOE was proud to sponsor the 2026 League of Oregon Cities Conference. ODOE Community Navigator Sarah Moehrke attended to connect with city leaders from across the state to discuss ODOE’s programs and services.
Sarah also participated in the 2026 Oregon Economic Development Association Conference. The conference brings together public and private-sector leaders, business professionals, and community advocates to share knowledge, discuss challenges, and collaborate on innovative solutions that drive economic growth and resilience throughout the state.
ODOE Government Relations Coordinator Christy Splitt attended the Oregon Coast Economic Summit, organized by the Coastal Caucus. The summit serves as bi-partisan space for policymakers, lawmakers, and agency representatives to come together and talk about the future.
Planning to join a virtual ODOE meeting? We have transitioned all of our public meetings to the Microsoft Teams platform. Check out this handy guide to get started. We hope to see you in a meeting soon!
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.
LOOKING AHEAD
Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board | November 2, 2026 | Hood River and Via Webinar
Oregon Climate Action Commission |November 13, 2026 | Via Webinar
Energy Code Stakeholder Panel | November 17, 2026 | Via Webinar
Energy Facility Siting Council | November 19-20, 2026 | Boardman and via Webinar
Energy Advisory Work Group | December 14, 2026 | Via Webinar
Current Rulemakings (click to see details)
Other Stakeholder Groups (click to see details)