State of Oregon: DATA & REPORTS - Small-Scale & Community-Based Renewable Energy Projects Study

HB 2021 directed ODOE to convene a workgroup to examine opportunities to encourage development of small-scale and community-based renewable energy projects in Oregon.

Passed by the Oregon Legislature in 2021, HB 2021 directed the Oregon Department of Energy to convene a diverse workgroup of Oregon stakeholders to conduct the Small-Scale Renewable Energy Projects Study.

ODOE published the study on September 30, 2022. The study examines opportunities to encourage development of small-scale and community-based renewable energy projects that can contribute to economic development and local energy resilience.

Engagement

ODOE convened a workgroup, including energy stakeholders who represent a wide range of communities, interests, and perspectives. HB 2021 required that the workgroup include one state representative, one state senator, and individuals representing:

Renewable energy developers
Investor- and consumer-owned electric utilities
Electricity service suppliers
Residential, commercial, industrial ratepayers
Cities, counties, and tribal governments
The renewable energy workforce
Environmental justice communities
Business Oregon
Dept. of Land Conservation and Development
Oregon Public Utility Commission
Energy Trust of Oregon
Bonneville Power Administration

To meet the study objectives, the workgroup investigated topics including barriers to project development, economic benefits of projects, potential contributions of projects to local energy resilience, opportunities and models for diverse access and ownership, rate impacts, and potential legislation to encourage small-scale renewable energy projects in Oregon.

Meetings

ODOE convened the workgroup between December 2021 and July 2022. The meeting schedule and activities are published below.

Meeting	Materials
Workshop #4 Thursday, July 28, 2022 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. Meeting Recording	Focus: Project Recap & Possible Recommendations Meeting Presentation Draft Report Outline
Workshop #3 Tuesday, June 28, 2022 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meeting Recording	Focus: Economic, Resilience, and Other Benefits Meeting Agenda Meeting Presentation Background
Workshop #2 Friday June 3, 2022 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meeting Recording	Focus: Opportunities and Barriers Meeting Agenda Background Meeting Presentation
Workshop #1 Thursday, April 28, 2022 9 a.m. - 1 p.m. Meeting Recording	Focus: Ownership and Access Meeting Agenda Background Key Questions Meeting Presentation
Friday, December 3, 2021 9 - 11 a.m. Meeting Recording	Agenda Workgroup Members Meeting Presentation

RESOURCES

House Bill 2021

2022 Small-Scale & Community-Based Renewable Energy Projects Study

QUESTIONS OR COMMENTS? CONTACT:

Rob Del Mar