One way Oregonians can thrive is by creating resilient communities that can withstand energy outages and keep core energy-dependent services up and running.
Earlier this year, the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) took an important step in achieving that goal when it announced a new grant program designed to support local energy resilience plans.
Funded by House Bill 3630 during the 2023 legislative session, the County Energy Resilience Program provides up to $50,000 per county to support the development of plans that:
- Map current energy infrastructure and natural hazard risks
- Identify needs to increase resilience
- Identify steps for implementation
- Identify communities that experience social vulnerabilities based on input from environmental justice communities
By providing funding to jumpstart their resiliency plans, ODOE seeks to empower communities to identify the projects most impactful to residents and create plans that align with existing goals for energy efficiency, emergency management and economic development.
Grant funding can be used to pay staff working on the resiliency plan, contract with technical experts and cover expenses for outreach events and additional costs related to plan development.
ODOE is accepting applications through February 28, 2025. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. For more information on the program and its requirements, check out ODOE’s FAQ page.
A core responsibility at Energy Trust is ensuring communities have access to the energy solutions needed to face whatever challenges the future holds, whether that means individual goals or larger community energy plans.
Through its tailored energy planning services, Energy Trust works with city and county officials to determine what approach will best meet their unique circumstances and priorities. These long-term energy plans are a critical component in achieving sustainability and resiliency goals.
Energy Trust also provides support for Resource Assistance for Rural Environments (RARE) members and other community-based programs to increase capacity of rural communities to improve social, economic and environmental quality.