As Cooler Temperatures Hit the State, Oregon Department of Energy Updates Weatherization Program

CONTACT:
Rachel Wray, 503-689-0294
Cliff Voliva, 503-378-3637

SALEM — Just in time for winter, the Oregon Department of Energy has updated rules for its State Home Oil Weatherization program. With the help of stakeholders, ODOE has updated incentives available for energy efficiency and conservation improvements made to Oregon households that heat with oil, propane, kerosene, butane, or wood.

The amended SHOW rules align energy conservation measure requirements with other ODOE programs so that only those options most effective for energy efficiency and conservation are eligible. Further, the updated rules adjust the amount of cash payments available for various energy improvements, including energy efficient furnaces, windows, storm and exterior doors, and insulation. These adjustments allow an individual household to receive more per measure, though the overall program maximum for individual households of $500 remains the same.

Incentive amounts and overall program rules had not been updated since 2008. ODOE developed the program updates in partnership with stakeholders across the state. Over the past year, the agency held four public meetings and incorporated feedback into program revisions. Stakeholders recommended changes to reduce barriers for community action agencies and simplify the cash payment process for individual households.

One of agency’s oldest programs, SHOW was established in 1978 to help expand energy efficiency options to Oregon households that heat with oil, propane, kerosene, butane, or wood. SHOW-eligible homeowners can conduct their own energy audit and apply for cash payments for energy efficiency and conservation measures.

The program also extends resources to eligible households that qualify for the U.S. Department of Energy’s Low Income Home Weatherization Program. Eligible low-income households apply for SHOW incentives through 17 community action agencies across the state.

New program rules went into effect on October 1, 2015. For more information about the SHOW program, please visit our website.

More information:

Oregon’s Community Action Agencies http://www.caporegon.org/our-network/members