State of Oregon: Energy in Oregon - Recent Federal Investments in Energy and Climate

Congress passed two major pieces of legislation related to investments in energy and climate, including the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) in 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) in 2022. Billions of dollars are available to states to develop and provide new programs, including energy incentives.

In addition to providing federal funds to state governments like Oregon for infrastructure, energy, and climate programs and initiatives, there are also programs available to applicants from private businesses, institutions of higher education, community-based organizations, utilities, tribes, and local governments directly from federal agencies. Oregon Department of Energy staff are available to answer questions about this funding and encourages Oregonians to research and take advantage of opportunities that may support programs and projects in Oregon.

How ODOE is Working to Bring
Federal Funding to Oregon

ODOE has developed a tracking spreadsheet (opens in Excel) of energy-related funding opportunities through the IIJA and IRA. You'll find columns for program type, eligible recipients, available funding, relevant links, and more. We'll update the spreadsheet weekly with the latest information and highlight changes from the previous week in yellow – links will be checked monthly.

ODOE has also developed a timeline (subject to change) of the various programs that may be coming to Oregon:

Specific Funding Information
(click to expand information)

State Energy Program

Status: ODOE Awarded

In May 2023, ODOE received an award of $5,664,180 under the State Energy Program available for the next five years. The State Energy Program funds will support work at ODOE related to energy security, clean energy, energy efficiency, resilience, and sustainable transportation.

One of the specific projects to be completed with IIJA SEP funds is an update to the State Energy Security Plan. More information on this project can be found on the Energy Security Plan program page.

Grid Resilience: Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid

Status: Awarded, ODOE Program Launched

Learn more on the program page.

Assistance for Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption

Status: Application Open

Formula Funds: The U.S. DOE has issued the Administrative and Legal Requirements Document for the Latest and Zero Building Energy Code Adoption under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Through the IRA, Congress appropriated $1 billion to support states and local governments in the effort to improve new and existing residential and commercial buildings, increase energy efficiency, and workforce training. This announcement makes available $400 million in formula funding. However, there are very targeted code specifications required to access these funds. The entity with the authority to adopt codes must submit a Letter of Intent by January 31, 2024 if an application is to be considered in the future. In Oregon, that entity is the Building Codes Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services. ODOE is coordinating closely with the Building Codes Division to assess the opportunity and prepare a Letter of Intent.

Competitive Funds: On December 18, 2023, U.S. DOE released the Funding Opportunity Announcement making available up to $530 million in competitive funding available to states, territories, and units of local governments. Applicants may propose projects that “adopt and implement the latest building energy codes, zero energy building codes, or equivalent codes or standards" across three topic areas. For the first round of funding, concept papers are due February 9, 2024 and full applications are due April 30, 2024. ODOE and the Building Codes Division of the Department of Consumer and Business Services are coordinating closely to plan for this opportunity. Local governments interested in this opportunity can learn more on the U.S. DOE's program page.

Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs

Status: Pending Award Negotiations

The U.S. Department of Energy announced that the Pacific Northwest H2 Association (PNWH2) was one of seven proposed Hydrogen Hubs selected for award negotiations in October 2023. The PNWH2 Hydrogen Hubs project is expected to 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. Learn more on the PNWH2 website.

Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant

Status: Program Launched, ODOE Accepting Applications

Program details and applicaton materials are available on the EECBG program page.

Coordinating with the State and adjacent communities is a requirement of the EECBG program. Local communities who received a direct allocation can communicate their program plans to ODOE here.

Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation

Status: Pending

On December 19, 2022, the U.S. DOE opened the application for competitive funding under the Resilient and Efficient Codes Implementation grant, authorized as part of IIJA. While ODOE was not a primary applicant, we provided letters of commitment for two applications which could benefit Oregonians, through different approaches if awarded. Both applications were submitted in late March to U.S. DOE and both applications were selected for award and are still under negotiation.

One application, led by ASHRAE, will develop and deliver comprehensive energy code training to building officials as part of a partnership between ODOE, Oregon Building Codes Division, other states, NASEO, ASHRAE, and ICC.

The other application, led by Earth Advantage, will examine pathways to support the adoption of Building Performance Standards in Oregon. Other members of the application included the New Buildings Institute, City of Eugene, City of Milwaukie, and City of Portland.

Home Energy Rebates (HOMES/HEAR)

Status: Pending

On July 27, 2023, the Home Energy Performance-Based, Whole-House Rebates (HOMES) and the High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate Program (HEEHR or HEAR) guidance was released by the U.S. DOE. 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. Although the application is not due until January 31, 2025, ODOE applied for both programs on March 27, 2024 and will prioritize rapidly deploying this program, while ensuring a thorough and efficient implementation design. The applications for these programs are the first of many steps necessary to launch these programs in Oregon (read the HOMES and HEAR submitted narratives for more information). While ODOE awaits U.S. DOE’s review of its applications, ODOE will continue developing implementation blueprints, as well as creating a Request for Proposals for an implementer to deliver rebates in consumer-owned utility and Idaho Power service territories. Energy Trust of Oregon has been selected to deliver rebates in investor-owned utility service territory and will partner with ODOE to finalize program determinations.

Please review our Frequently Asked Questions and answers about these programs. We will update this document as we have new information to share.

In the meantime, federal tax credits may be available for energy efficiency upgrades. Please consult a licensed tax professional for how these tax credits may apply to your circumstances. Interested in a program that isn't listed here? Please sign up for email updates, and as we receive information about new opportunities, we will send out communications. There are many details to these new programs that have not yet been released by federal agencies.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants - Planning Grants

Status: Pending

In April 2023, the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality, in partnership with ODOE and other agencies, submitted an application to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for a planning grant under the Climate Pollution Reduction Fund. This planning grant will support the establishment of Priority Climate Action Plans and Comprehensive Climate Action Plans. To learn more about the application and how you can be involved, please see DEQ's webpage for The Climate Pollution Planning Grant. You can also read about the opportunities the Climate Pollution Reduction Fund provides for Oregon in a new release from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

More information on ODOE's effort to develop a State Energy Strategy, which is part of the Comprehensive Climate Action Plan, is described on the program page for the State Energy Strategy.

Climate Pollution Reduction Grants – Implementation Grants

Status: Application Open

In September 2023, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency released Funding Opportunity Announcements for the general competition and the Tribes and Territories competition. ODOE is reviewing this information and considering options. Other levels of governments are eligible to apply as well. Interested parties can find the announcements on the EPA's website: CPRG Implementation Grants | US EPA

Solar for All

Status: Pending

Solar for All is focused 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 Oregon Solar for All Coalition applied for this competitive funding as part of a coalition application, with ODOE serving as the coalition lead. Energy Trust of Oregon and Bonneville Environmental Foundation are coalition members in this application. The agency submitted its Notice of Intent to US EPA on July 28, 2023 and received legislative approval to apply for the grant prior to the submission deadline of October 12 , 2023 with our request totaling more than $138 million.

More details are available on ODOE's Solar For All program page.

Training for Residential Energy Contractors

Status: Pending

Related to the Home Energy Rebates through the IRA, an additional allocation of federal formula funds has been made available to the state through Training for Residential Energy Contractors to aid in workforce development. ODOE applied for these funds on November 17, 2023 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 program. In its application, ODOE proposed the development of a program that makes subgrants available to entities 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 implement an equitable state program (read more in our submitted program narrative). ODOE’s share of the formula grant is $2,028,480 and will now await U.S. DOE’s review of the proposal.

Energy Auditor Training

Status: Application Open

Under the IIJA, there is an opportunity for training energy auditors, and on December 20, 2023 the U.S. DOE released the funding opportunity announcement for this program. Program funds can be used to offer auditor training certifications in two topic areas – residential and commercial energy auditors. On March 22, 2024 ODOE submitted two concept papers that focus on the need for investment in residential and commercial energy auditors, in an effort to grow the workforce needed to assist with energy projects. U.S. DOE will review concept papers and encourage full applications from strong project concepts. If encouraged to apply, full applications for this competitive program are due on June 28, 2024.

Tax Incentives

There are numerous federal tax credits available under the Inflation Reduction Act. These tax credits may be available for individual consumers who make qualifying purchases (see 25C Non-Business Energy Property/Energy Efficient Home Improvement Credit and 25 D Residential Clean Energy Credit) and programs for businesses (see the 179D Energy Efficient Commercial Buildings Deduction and the 45L Energy Efficient Home Credit).

You can also use the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency® to search for incentives by a wide range of criteria.

We recommend you consult with a licensed tax professional for information which pertains to your specific circumstances.

Public Engagement Opportunities

ODOE is working to request funding as new opportunities arise. Please check back frequently for updates for individual programs.

If you would like to sign up to receive email updates related to these activities, please subscribe to our Federal Funding updates list.

Meeting Details:

Date/Time	Meeting Materials
Grid Resilience Grant Program Webinar: Overview of Round 1 Subgrant Opportunity Open for Utilities to Apply for Grid Resilience Funding Wednesday, April 17, 2024 2 - 3 p.m. Join online via Webex Or Join by phone: 408-418-9388 Webinar number: 2336 116 0533 Webinar password: grid (4743 from phones and video systems) Access code: 233 611 60533	Materials coming soon.
Grid Resilience Grant Program Public Hearing Review Program Narrative for Additional USDOE Award March 21, 2024 11 a.m. Meeting Recording	Meeting Notice ODOE Grid Resilience Program Narrative Proposed Edits to Program Narrative Meeting Presentation
Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant Informational Webinar March 20, 2024 1 - 2 p.m. Meeting Recording	Meeting Presentation
Home Energy Rebates Update Webinar March 6, 2024 3 p.m. Meeting Recording	Webinar Presentation
Home Electrification and Appliance Rebates Deep Dive October 11, 2023 2 – 4 p.m. PT Meeting Recording	Home Energy Rebates FAQ Home Energy Rebates Questionnaire Meeting Presentation
Home Efficiency Rebates Deep Dive October 10, 2023 2 – 4 p.m. PT Meeting Recording	Home Energy Rebates FAQ Home Energy Rebates Questionnaire Meeting Presentation
Home Energy Rebates Kick-Off October 4, 2023 2 - 3:30 p.m. PT Meeting Recording	Home Energy Rebates FAQ Home Energy Rebates Questionnaire Meeting Presentation
Webinar: Solar for All (SFA) Overview August 8, 2023 2:30-4:30 p.m. Meeting Recording	Meeting Presentation Weigh in on program design through our online comment portal.
U.S. Department of Agriculture Webinars on Inflation Reduction Act Programs to Advance Clean Energy Initiatives in Rural America June – August 2023 Multiple Webinars	More Details
Eastern Oregon Open House on Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid Wednesday, May 24, 2023 10 a.m. - noon Meeting Recording	Meeting Agenda Meeting Presentation Recent Opportunities for Consumer-Owned Utilities FAQ on Build America Buy America Act FAQ on Justice 40 FAQ on National Environmental Policy Act FAQ on Davis-Bacon Act
Western Oregon Open House on Preventing Outages and Enhancing the Resilience of the Electric Grid Tuesday, May 23, 2023 10 a.m. - noon Meeting Recording	Meeting Agenda Meeting Presentation Recent Opportunities for Consumer-Owned Utilities FAQ on Build America Buy America Act FAQ on Justice 40 FAQ on National Environmental Policy Act FAQ on Davis-Bacon Act
ODOE Webinar: Energy Efficiency & Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program Listening Session Tuesday, April 25, 2023 Meeting Recording	Meeting Presentation Weigh in with your suggestions on EECBG funding on our online portal by April 28.
U.S. Department of Energy Informational Webinar on the Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas Program Wednesday, March 29, 2023 Register Here	More details
Public Hearing: Grid Resilience Funding Wednesday, March 15, 2023 Meeting Recording	Hearing Presentation ODOE Draft Proposed Program Narrative for IIJA Grid Resilience Weigh in with your comments and suggestions on grid resilience funding on our online portal by March 17. Prompting Questions for Public Comments
ODOE Webinar: Federal Funding Update Wednesday, February 15, 2023 2 - 3:30 p.m. Meeting Recording	How ODOE is working to bring federal dollars to Oregon Meeting Presentation
U.S. Department of Energy Public Roundtable on The Inflation Reduction Act Residential Energy Rebates and Contractor Training Programs January 12, 2023, 1 p.m. - 2:30 p.m. ET Register Here	The U.S. Department of Energy is hosting a roundtable open to the public to inform plans for the home energy rebate programs and contractor training funds.
Virtual Workshop for Oregon Stakeholders: Regional Clean Hydrogen Hubs Friday, September 16, 2022 9 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. Meeting Recording	Meeting Presentation Agenda
Public Hearing on Application for Federal Funding to Enhance Oregon's Grid Resilience Wednesday, August 31, 2022 - 2 p.m. Meeting Recording	Meeting Presentation Slides Draft Program Narrative for IIJA Funding Comment Portal (comments due September 2) List of prompting questions in the Portal Attendee List
IIJA Informational Webinar Wednesday, July 20, 2022 6 - 7 p.m. Meeting Recording	Prompting Questions/Input Guide Comment Portal Presentation FAQs
IIJA Informational Webinar Tuesday, July 12, 2022 1 - 2 p.m. Meeting Recording	Prompting Questions/Input Guide Comment Portal Presentation FAQs
Workforce Development & Supply Chain Challenges and Opportunities March 16, 2022	March 16, 2022 Meeting Summary & Presentation