The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) was established in 1975 by the
Oregon Legislative Assembly
The Oregon Legislative Assembly is the state legislature for the U.S. state of Oregon. The Legislative Assembly is bicameral, consisting of an upper and lower house: the Senate, whose 30 members are elected to serve four-year terms; and the Ho ...
as the culmination of recommendations of several task forces and study groups over several years. The state agency helps Oregonians make informed decisions and maintain a resilient and affordable energy system. ODOE advances solutions to shape an equitable clean
energy transition
The energy transition is the process of downshifting fossil fuels and re-developing whole systems to operate on low carbon energy sources. More generally, an energy transition is a significant structural change in an energy system regarding ...
, protect the environment and public health, and responsibly balance energy needs and impacts for current and future generations. ODOE's vision is: "A safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future."
."
Energy in Oregon
The largest source of renewable energy in Oregon is hydropower.
The majority of Oregon's energy consumption comes from the transportation sector, followed by industrial use, residential use, and commercial use.
Renewable Energy Programs
In accordance with the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), renewable energy sources in Oregon are growing. The RPS was created in 2007, but was updated in 2016 to require that 50% of energy consumption in Oregon must come from renewable energy by 2040.
ODOE is responsible for tracking the progress towards this goal in addition to helping institute ways to reach it through various programs. Suppliers that provide renewable energy sources contributing to RPS are awarded renewable energy certificates (REC).
A REC is received by a supplier for one MegaWatt hour worth of renewable energy.
The complete rules for establishing eligibility for a REC are listed in The Oregon Administrative Rules. These companies must submit annual compliance forms in order to continue to receive RECs.
Between 2012 and 2019, ODOE awarded over $9 million for 92 renewable energy projects statewide, including solar, hydropower, biogas, biomass, and geothermal installations. Th
RED Grant programpromoted investment in and development of renewable energy projects by providing a grant up to $250,000 for businesses, organizations, public bodies, schools, nonprofits, and tribes that install and operate a renewable energy system that produces electric energy.
References
External links
Oregon Department of Energy(official website)
Energy, Oregon Department of
1975 establishments in Oregon
Energy in Oregon
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