ODOE Works to Bring Millions in Federal Dollars to Oregon
The 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act authorized billions of federal dollars for infrastructure spending and energy and climate programs. From strengthening the resilience of the electric grid to offering rebates for home energy improvements, the funding can make a big difference for Oregonians across the state.
Significant federal programs like these take time to roll out, but the Oregon Department of Energy and our partners have been working hard behind the scenes to ensure we are well positioned to receive and distribute Oregon’s share of these federal dollars. We’ve been engaging with the public, Oregon Tribes, and various stakeholders and partners on program development and design, putting together application materials to the U.S. Department of Energy to secure Oregon’s funding, and hiring new ODOE team members to help administer the new programs coming our way.
The Latest Updates:
Home Energy Rebates – In July 2023, the USDOE released guidance for states to apply for Home Energy Performance-Based, Whole-House Rebates (HOMES or HER) and High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (HEEHR or HEAR) dollars. These two programs will provide single-family and multifamily households with varying discounts for efficiency upgrades and rebates on high-efficiency home appliances and equipment. ODOE is currently planning for these programs to determine how these rebates will best work with other programs in Oregon and to determine eligibility and potential rebate amounts for any individual or household. While the application is not due to USDOE until January 31, 2025, ODOE will prioritize rapidly deploying this program, while ensuring a thorough and efficient implementation design. Check out our Frequently Asked Questions for more, and attend a series of webinars we’ll hold in October to weigh in.
Contractor Training Grants – Federal formula funds have also been made available to the state through Contractor Training Grants to aid in workforce development. The grant application is due January 31, 2024, and ODOE intends to apply for just over $2 million in funds to help prepare for the workforce that will be needed to support the influx of home energy upgrades that will be made possible through the Home Energy Rebates programs. ODOE is considering a program that will reduce the cost of training contractor employees; provide access to workforce development tools for contractors such as testing and certification; and partner with community organizations to develop and implement an equitable state program.
Solar For All – ODOE intends to apply – as part of a Coalition in partnership with Energy Trust of Oregon and Bonneville Environmental Foundation – for a competitive grant under the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Solar for All program. This grant opportunity can provide funding over a five-year period that will focus on providing benefits from solar energy to low-income households and disadvantaged communities. The grant funds can support financial assistance to individual households for solar and storage technology, as well as the enabling upgrades necessary to install solar technology on the residence. The program can support various aspects of solar technology, including community solar programs, workforce development and high-quality jobs, and supporting critical facilities that serve low-income and disadvantaged communities. The agency submitted a Notice of Intent that we’ll apply to the EPA on July 28, 2023, and will seek legislative approval to apply for the grant prior to the submission deadline of October 12, 2023.
State Energy Program – ODOE already receives federal SEP dollars that support work related to energy security, clean energy, energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainable transportation. The amount of available funding increased thanks to the IIJA, and ODOE received nearly $5.7 million in May 2023, to be spent over the next five years. As part of this funding, ODOE is developing a new Energy Security Plan that will identify risks to electricity, liquid fuel, and natural gas/propane systems, and propose ways to mitigate those risks. Learn more on ODOE’s website and sign up for email updates.
Grid Resilience – ODOE was awarded nearly $20 million over five years through the Grid Resilience State and Tribal Formula Grants Program, with another $30 million over the next three years anticipated. The funds, which ODOE must subgrant to eligible entities, will help improve the all-hazards resilience of the electric grid against disruptive events; generate community benefit in reducing the likelihood and consequences of disruptive events; advance equity, environmental, and energy justice priorities; and invest in the workforce. Learn more on ODOE’s website.
Zero Building Energy Code Adoption – The U.S. Department of Energy issued an Administration and Legal Requirements Document announcing the opportunity, which will help states adopt and implement the latest model energy codes and zero energy codes on September 19, 2023. ODOE anticipates working with other agencies to evaluate this initial opportunity. We also expect competitive opportunities in the future.
Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs – ODOE collaborated with the Pacific Northwest H2 Association (PNWH2) to develop an application for federal "hydrogen hub" dollars. If selected for this competitive grant, it would bring up to $1 billion in federal money to the region to fund projects that accelerate the transition to clean hydrogen energy production and use, as well as create potentially thousands of jobs across many trades. U.S. DOE is expected to make initial award decisions this fall, with possible grantee funding available in early in 2024.
Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant – In July 2023, ODOE submitted an application to the USDOE for EECBG formula funds. ODOE expects to receive $1.9 million in state funding, of which at least 60 percent will be subgranted to local governments who are not eligible for a direct federal award. Awarded funds will support community projects for building audits and retrofits; building efficiency and electrification campaigns; energy savings performance contracts; solar plus storage projects; electric vehicles for municipal fleets; and EV charging infrastructure for the community. While awaiting a response from USDOE, ODOE will begin to design an application for subgrant opportunities.
Get even more details on ODOE’s federal funding work, including additional federal programs, on our website — and sign up for email updates to stay in the loop.