This bill summary was last updated January 28, 2025.
This bill is motivated by the perception that Oregon’s existing programs to provide energy assistance to its citizens are not being fully utilized. It would thus require the state’s Department of Energy (ODOE) to create a statewide clearinghouse for energy and energy efficiency incentive programs. Better public access and understanding of the available programs would financially benefit Oregon households while helping to meet state climate goals.
Under the clearinghouse, ODOE would develop a single universal application form and process, that can be used to apply for all incentive programs. It would be able to cross-check an applicant’s eligibility among programs, facilitating maximum access to benefits. Other capabilities would include maintaining lists of households that qualify for means-tested benefits, supporting consumer energy consultations with a whole-home approach, and establishing a list of qualifying appliance models across the incentive programs.
Within multifamily residences, the bill provides that all individual homes will qualify for benefits under an energy or energy efficiency incentive program, once it is established that any one home in the building is qualified.
The bill specifies that ODOE must include other local, state and federal governments as participants in the program, and must further coordinate access by utilities and outside providers of energy services.
The bill also provides a detailed revised and expanded text for section 469.161 of the Oregon regulatory code, implementing the provisions above.