It’s National Drive Electric Week, and the Oregon Department of Energy wants Oregonians to know that now is a great time to go electric. From September 8-16, we’re celebrating zero emissions with plenty of torque, widespread availability of plug-in all-electric and hybrid vehicles, and an expanding network of charging infrastructure to support EV adoption.

At the Oregon Department of Energy, we’re involved in emergency preparedness planning year round. This includes planning for disasters in our state and/or possible disruptions to our fuel systems. We know how important it is to be ready for tough times.

ODOE’s August newsletter includes updates about solar in Oregon, Gresham Wastewater Treatment Plant’s newly-earned thermal renewable energy certificates, info about National Drive Electric Week, and more.

The Oregon Department of Energy today announced that the City of Gresham Wastewater Treatment Plant is the state’s first facility to be certified as eligible to earn renewable energy certificates for producing thermal energy.

On our latest episode of Grounded, Alan Johnston, Senior Engineer for the City of Gresham Wastewater Treatment Plant, talks about the plant’s operations (everybody poops!), and how they’ve implemented energy projects onsite that end up producing more electricity than the plant can even use. From renewable solar power to energy and heat from fats, oils, and grease, Gresham is walking the talk when it comes to sustainability.

Summer is the time for road-trips. At the Oregon Department of Energy, that means hitting the state’s highways and byways to connect with Oregonians. We enjoy getting out of the office and talking to Oregonians about the projects we’re working on. And as a result, our projects get better by having you involved.

A request for an amendment to the Golden Hills Wind Project in Sherman County – a facility that is approved but not yet constructed – will be the main topic of discussion at the next Oregon Energy Facility Siting Council meeting on August 23-24 in Boardman.

ODOE’s July 2018 Newsletter includes updates about the 2019-21 Agency Request Budget, Energy Facility Siting Council rules, upcoming events, and more.

The Hanford Nuclear Site, from the early days of the Manhattan Project to today’s ongoing environmental cleanup, will be the topic of the OMSI Science Pub in Portland on August 2. Ken Niles and Jeff Burright, nuclear experts from the Oregon Department of Energy, are the featured speakers.

Are you looking for a fun summer energy activity? Or even – dare we say – a back-to-school energy activity? We've got you covered! We invite parents, teachers, and kids to download these fun activities and learn something about energy along the way.