August 2024 Newsletter
Oregon Energy Strategy: Summer Update
The Oregon Energy Strategy is closing in on its first major milestone – finalizing a Reference Scenario. Scenarios are used in an energy system model to show different pathways to meeting Oregon’s energy and climate goals.
The Reference Scenario will become the core pathway built by the model to achieve Oregon’s “anchor” energy policy objectives: Executive Order 20-04 (reduce economy-wide greenhouse gas emissions 80 percent by 2050), HB 2021 (100 percent clean electricity targets), and the Department of Environmental Quality’s Climate Protection Program (90 percent greenhouse gas emissions reductions for fuels by 2050). In addition to those objectives, other modeling inputs on existing trends and policies identified by the Energy Strategy Advisory Group, Working Groups, State of Oregon peer agencies, and public comments are incorporated into the scenario. As ODOE works to finalize the Reference Scenario, we will continue to accept comments on it through September 4.
Once the Reference Scenario is finalized, the next step in the development of the energy system model is to create five alternative scenarios for comparison against the Reference Scenario. Alternative scenarios will produce different pathways to achieve Oregon’s goals. The alternatives start with the same assumptions of the Reference Scenario, and then make one or two significant changes that help address a “what if” question, such as “What if electricity transmission is constrained in the future?” or “What if transportation electrification is slower than expected in the medium- and heavy-duty vehicle sector?” ODOE will publish a draft list of these alternative scenarios soon and provide opportunity for comments through the comment portal on our website. Sign up for Energy Strategy email updates to be notified when new information or requests for comment are posted.
Once completed, these alternative scenarios will be compared against the Reference Scenario to provide information on the differences in costs between them. We don’t expect the Energy Strategy model to provide the final answer to how the state should achieve its energy objectives; it is a tool for understanding the effects of different energy pathway choices. ODOE and our consultants will further evaluate the effects of different scenarios on equity, environmental justice, land use, jobs, air quality, and public health. The information we gather will provide a basis for analysis and discussion around what policies are needed to achieve the clean energy transition while maintaining a resilient and affordable energy system — and create a more equitable energy future for Oregon. Modeling results are expected to be available by the end of 2024.
Want to learn more? Check out ODOE’s Energy Strategy webpage to learn more about the project and view past meetings and materials. And please join us on September 24 at 1 p.m. for a project update webinar (log-in information available online).
Grounded Podcast: Road Trip Across Oregon
On the latest episode of Grounded, host Bryan Hockaday catches up with Sarah Moehrke, ODOE’s Community Navigator. In her role, Sarah is often on the road and meeting with Oregonians all across the state. In the past year, Sarah has logged nearly 15,000 miles as she connects cities and counties with resources to help with community-scale sustainable improvement projects. Give it a listen on ODOE's blog or your favorite podcast app.
Grounded listeners can read more about Sarah’s travels in the blog series, On the Road in Oregon. Also enjoy a bonus Grounded episode, where Sarah takes listeners on a vividly narrated tour, starting on the stunning shores of the Oregon coast, going through the mid-Willamette Valley, and heading across to the spectacular vistas in eastern Oregon.
ODOE Energy Programs Support Back to School
It's hard to believe it's already that time of year when students and educators across Oregon head back into the classroom. The Oregon Department of Energy is proud to administer programs and offer expertise to school districts statewide to help them understand their energy needs, identify improvements, and connect with financial resources.
ODOE facilitates the administration of school district "Public Purpose Charge" funds, which are collected from Oregon's two largest utilities, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power. The Public Purpose Charge supports energy projects throughout the state, with funding directed to school energy and fleet audits and improvements. The funds support new windows, upgraded heating and cooling, energy efficient lighting, hot water systems, zero emission vehicles (including school buses!), electric vehicle chargers, and more.
School upgrades that improve energy efficiency not only lower energy costs, they also mean more comfortable buildings, better lighting, and fewer energy-related maintenance issues. It all adds up to an improved learning and teaching environment. Learn more about ODOE's schools program on our website, and here's to a great 2024-2025 school year!
ODOE's Community Heat Pump Deployment Program Adds New Administrators
The Oregon Department of Energy's Community Heat Pump Deployment Program provides financial assistance to homeowners for the purchase and installation of energy efficient heat pumps. ODOE partners with Tribes and regional administrators to develop local programs that distribute the incentives to applicants. Eligible homeowners can receive up to $5,000 for heat pumps that meet minimum efficiency requirements, and up to $7,000 for heat pumps that meet higher efficiency requirements.
This summer, ODOE announced one additional Tribe and two new regional administrators supporting the program: the Coquille Indian Tribe, R3 Strategies Consortium serving the Greater Eastern Oregon region, and Wallowa Resources serving the Northeast Oregon region. More information about the program and a list of all available administrators and Tribes is available on ODOE's website. We look forward to continuing to work with these important partners to get more potentially life-saving heat pumps in homes across the state!
Reports from Around the Agency
Join our team! Keep an eye on ODOE's website for open recruitments and please share with your networks.
August marks two years since the passage of the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act, which is bringing unprecedented federal energy and climate funding to states, including Oregon. ODOE Grants Officer Emily Salmeri joined OPB's Monica Samayoa to discuss how IRA awards are already supporting the state – with more to come!
ODOE Radiological Emergency Planning Coordinator Mark Reese hosted an information booth at the Umatilla County Fair this month. Mark connected with fair-goers about ODOE's programs and our work in emergency response and the Hanford Nuclear Site cleanup.
Sarah Moehrke, ODOE's Community Navigator, was pleased to join Oregon Trail Electric Co-op's third annual Power Eastern Oregon Economic Summit on August 28. The summit was designed to offer a platform to discuss and share insights on challenges and opportunities facing the region.
ODOE Energy Analyst Tom Elliott and Energy Policy Analyst Wendy Simons attended Wy'East Resource Conservation & Development's 30th Anniversary event in The Dalles on August 1. For three decades, Wy'East has been providing education, outreach, and development assitance to producers and rural small businesses in Oregon. We are grateful for Wy'East's important work and their partnership!
The Oregon Department of Energy submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Energy regarding the draft Hanford Tri-Party Holistic Negotations Agreement. The draft agreement outlines a new approach to treating and transporting certain tank waste at the Hanford Site. Oregon’s comments focus on three critical areas: solidifying tank waste before transport, the means of transport, and clarity on National Environmental Policy Act requirements.
As we shared in last month's newsletter, the Pacific Northwest Hydrogen Association received the first portion of up to $1 billion in funding from the U.S. Department of Energy to develop a clean hydrogen hub in the region. On August 21, ODOE Director and PNWH2 Board Co-Chair Janine Benner joined the association for an informational webinar on the hub's plans for Phase 1, including a focus on community and Tribal engagement, labor opportunities, and other regional benefits. Learn more about PNWH2 online.
As ODOE's new Building Performance Standards Program gets up and running, the agency is hosting public meetings as administrative rules are developed. Learn more and see upcoming meeting dates on our website.
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.
ODOE has several incentive programs up and running. Learn more about our energy incentives on ODOE's website.
UPCOMING MEETINGS
Oregon Climate Action Commission | September 17, 2024 | Via Webinar
Energy Code Stakeholder Panel | September 19, 2024 | Via Webinar
Energy Facility Siting Council | September 19-20, 2024| Clatskanie and Via Webinar
Oregon Energy Strategy Phase 1 Update | September 24, 2024 | Via Webinar
Oregon Hanford Cleanup Board | October 23, 2024 | The Dalles and Via Webinar
Current Rulemakings (click to see details)
Other Stakeholder Groups (click to see details)
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