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Rural Resilience Analyst Sara Millies-Lucke Reflects on Her Year at ODOE

Rural Resilience Analyst Sara Millies-Lucke Reflects on Her Year at ODOE

Last fall, ODOE welcomed RARE AmeriCorps member Sara Lark Millies-Lucke to the agency to serve as the Rural Resilience Analyst to provide research and recommendations on how ODOE could better serve and communicate with the state’s consumer-owned utilities and rural communities. We’ve shared several stories from Sara Lark and the Community Navigator team on our blog and want to thank her for her work with ODOE. In her final blog post, Sara Lark reflects on her work and lessons learned from the past year with ODOE.

Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, ODOE Team, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving Energy, Success StoriesJennifer KalezAugust 4, 2025RARE Program, Community Navigator, Community Navigator Program, Community Engagement, Public Engagement, On the Road in Oregon

July 2025 Newsletter

July 2025 Newsletter

In this month's newsletter, ODOE prepares to share draft policy recommendations for the Oregon Energy Strategy, launches a new weatherization program supporting consumer-owned utilities, celebrates 50 years of public service, shines a spotlight on storage paired with large energy facilities, and more.

June 2024 Newsletter

June 2024 Newsletter

In this month's newsletter, ODOE launches a new heat pump incentive program, announces a new round of Community Renewable Energy Grant funding (and celebrates the program with a new video), begins implementation of building performance standard efforts, and more.

Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, ODOE Incentives, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezJune 30, 2025Newsletter, newsletter, Federal Funding, Heat Pumps, Incentive Programs, Building Performance Standards, Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, Agriculture

ODOE's New Building Performance Standard Program Addresses Efficiency in Existing Large Commercial Buildings

ODOE's New Building Performance Standard Program Addresses Efficiency in Existing Large Commercial Buildings

The Oregon Department of Energy has launched Oregon’s new Building Performance Standard program, which will involve energy efficiency compliance deadlines for commercial buildings beginning in 2028.

Saving Energy, Press ReleasesKatelyn JacksonJune 25, 2025Building Performance Standards, BPS, Energy Efficiency

ODOE at 50: History of Federal Funding

ODOE at 50: History of Federal Funding

2025 marks 50 years of Oregon Department of Energy public service. As we continue leading Oregon to a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future for the next 50 years (and beyond!), we’re taking time to look back and reflect on what got us here. This month, we review decades of federal funding support.

Energy in Oregon, Federal Funding, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving Energy, USDOEJennifer KalezJune 23, 2025ODOE at 50, ODOE History, Federal Funding, Success Stories

May 2025 Newsletter

May 2025 Newsletter

In May's newsletter, ODOE receives $100,000 from the USDA to support more rural and agricultural energy audits, celebrates the history of home energy scoring in Oregon, hits the road with the Community Navigator program, and more.

Climate Change, Energy in Oregon, ODOE Incentives, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezMay 30, 2025Newsletter, newsletter, Federal Funding, Oregon Rural & Agricultural Energy Assistance Program, Legislative Session, Oregon Legislature, Community Navigator, Home Energy Score, Home Energy Scoring, Oregon Energy Strategy, Community Renewable Energy Grant Program

2025 Legislative Session Update

2025 Legislative Session Update

As we head into June, the 2025 legislative session is winding down — but plenty remains to be seen when it comes to energy, climate, and other bills that may affect the Oregon Department of Energy’s work.

Energy in Oregon, Saving Energy, Safety & Resilience, Renewable EnergyJennifer KalezMay 29, 2025Oregon Legislature, Legislative Session, ODOE Bills, ODOE Incentives

ODOE at 50: a History of Home Energy Scoring

ODOE at 50: a History of Home Energy Scoring

2025 marks 50 years of Oregon Department of Energy public service. As we continue leading Oregon to a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future for the next 50 years (and beyond!), we’re taking time to look back and reflect on what got us here. This month, we take a look at the history of home energy scoring in Oregon.

Energy in Oregon, Home Energy Scoring, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezMay 12, 2025ODOE at 50, Energy History, Home Energy Score, Home Energy Scoring, Energy Efficiency, Energy Conservation, Renters, Homeowners

ODOE Program Supports Energy Assessments for Agricultural and Rural Small Businesses

ODOE Program Supports Energy Assessments for Agricultural and Rural Small Businesses

The Oregon Department of Energy has been awarded a $100,000 Energy Audit and Renewable Energy Development Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to support energy assessments for Oregon agricultural and rural small businesses.

ODOE Grants, Press Releases, Saving EnergyKatelyn JacksonMay 6, 2025Rural & Agricultural Assistance Program, Oregon Rural & Agricultural Energy Assistance Program, Rural Oregon, Energy Assessment, Energy Efficiency

April 2025 Newsletter

April 2025 Newsletter

In April's newsletter, ODOE awards $2 million in grants to support Oregon's energy workforce, celebrates the history of solar in the state, catches up with the Community Navigator Program, relaunches ODOE's Grounded podcast, and more.

Climate Change, Energy in Oregon, Federal Funding, ODOE Grants, Podcasts, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezApril 30, 2025Newsletter, Federal Funding, Energy Workforce, Workforce, Grants

Grounded Podcast Episode 47: Energy Efficiency and Oregon’s Top 10 Ranking

Grounded Podcast Episode 47: Energy Efficiency and Oregon’s Top 10 Ranking

Learn more about energy efficiency, some of the benefits, and things you can do to improve efficiency and decrease energy bills.

Podcasts, Saving EnergyKatelyn JacksonApril 23, 2025Podcast, Grounded, Grounded Podcast, Energy Efficient, Energy Efficiency, Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant, ACEEE

From the Desk to Deer Island: Interviewing Partners on Grant Programs Across Oregon

From the Desk to Deer Island: Interviewing Partners on Grant Programs Across Oregon

We continue On the Road in Oregon, a blog series that takes you on a journey through the heart of Oregon's diverse communities with our Community Navigator Program. This month, we hear from RARE Member Sara Lark Millies-Lucke as she meets with communities from Southern Oregon to northwest of Portland.

Energy in Oregon, Funding Opportunities, ODOE Team, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezApril 14, 2025On the Road in Oregon, Community Navigator, Community Navigator Program, RARE Program, Rural Oregon, Community Building

Energy 101: Climate Change + the Energy System

Energy 101: Climate Change + the Energy System

Our 2024 Biennial Energy Report features a set of Energy 101-style pieces designed to build the foundation of Oregon’s energy story. The 101s were developed for people new to energy or specific energy topics, along with those looking for a resource to help tell the story of how energy systems affect their work and interests. One of our 101s focused on climate change effects on the energy system – a timely topic for Earth Month.

Climate Change, Energy in Oregon, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezApril 9, 2025Biennial Energy Report, Climate Change, Clean Energy, Renewable Energy, Resilience, Demand, Energy 101

Oregon Energy Strategy: April Public Engagement Opportunities

Oregon Energy Strategy: April Public Engagement Opportunities

The Oregon Department of Energy continues work developing the Oregon Energy Strategy, and we are hosting public information and listening sessions this month to hear perspectives from Oregonians to inform recommendations for the strategy. We hope you can join us for these important conversations as we work toward a final energy strategy in November 2025.

Climate Change, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Public Meeting, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezApril 2, 2025Oregon Energy Strategy, Get Involved, Public Meeting, Energy Future

March 2025 Newsletter

March 2025 Newsletter

In this month's newsletter, ODOE awards 19 County Energy Resilience Grants, celebrates a return to the top 10 most energy efficient states, reflects on 50 years of the Energy Facility Siting Council, and more.

Climate Change, Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, ODOE Incentives, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezMarch 31, 2025Newsletter, newsletter, County Resilience, Resilience, Energy Efficiency, ODOE at 50, Energy History

Oregon Department of Energy Celebrates No. 9 Ranking for Most Energy Efficient States

Oregon Department of Energy Celebrates No. 9 Ranking for Most Energy Efficient States

The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy ranked Oregon at No. 9 in its nationwide State Energy Efficiency Scorecard, which measures policy and program standards that support energy efficiency.

Press Releases, Saving EnergyKatelyn JacksonMarch 18, 2025ACEEE, Efficiency, Scorecard, Energy Efficiency

Young Oregon Energy Innovators Compete in Oregon Coast Renewable Energy Challenge

Young Oregon Energy Innovators Compete in Oregon Coast Renewable Energy Challenge

On March 4, the Oregon Department of Energy was proud to sponsor the 2025 Oregon Coast Renewable Energy Challenge at the Hatfield Marine Science Center in Newport. Students from public elementary and middle schools along the coast created their own renewable energy devices to compete for best design.

Climate Change, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Renewable Energy, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezMarch 7, 2025Get Involved, Oregon Coast Renewable Energy Challenge, Education, Young Oregonians, Public Schools

February 2025 Newsletter

February 2025 Newsletter

In this month's newsletter, ODOE provides an update on federal funding, invites Oregonians to get involved with the Oregon Energy Strategy, continues celebrating 50 years of public service, and more.

Climate Change, Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Federal Funding, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezFebruary 28, 2025Newsletter, Renewable Energy, ODOE at 50, Energy History, Federal Funding, Energy Facility Siting, Compliance

Oregon Department of Energy to Host Public Forums February 27 on Oregon Energy Strategy Development

Oregon Department of Energy to Host Public Forums February 27 on Oregon Energy Strategy Development

The Oregon Department of Energy will host two online public forums on February 27, 2025 to present key takeaways from Oregon Energy Strategy modeling results and gather feedback from Oregonians to help inform ODOE staff as the project moves into policy discussions.

Climate Change, Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Press Releases, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezFebruary 20, 2025Oregon Energy Strategy, Energy Strategy, Statewide Energy Strategy, Get Involved, Public Meeting, Energy Future, News Release

Save the Dates! Get Involved with the Oregon Energy Strategy

Save the Dates! Get Involved with the Oregon Energy Strategy

The Oregon Department of Energy has kicked off the next phase of developing the Oregon Energy Strategy, and there are many ways Oregonians can weigh in over the next several months. We hope you can join us for these important conversations as we work toward a final energy strategy in November 2025.

Climate Change, Energy Facilities, Energy in Oregon, Get Involved, Renewable Energy, Safety & Resilience, Saving EnergyJennifer KalezFebruary 11, 2025Oregon Energy Strategy, Statewide Energy Strategy, Renewable Energy, Resilience, Energy Future