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50 Years of Service

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In 1975, the Oregon Legislature created the Oregon Department of Energy following the oil crisis of the early 1970s. The statute creating the agency noted that continued growth and demand for non-renewable energy poses a serious and immediate – and future – problem. “It is essential that future generations not be left a legacy of vanished or depleted resources, resulting in massive environmental, social, and financial impact," reads the statute. It also declared a goal that ODOE promote the efficient use of energy resources and develop permanent energy resources – a goal that continues today as ODOE works to develop a new state energy strategy and Oregon prepares for new electricity needs and load growth. 

​It's 2025 and we're marking 50 years of s​erving Oregon! 

We hope Oregonians will join us in celebrating with us as we also look forward to the next 50. We have some activities in mind for the year, so keep an eye on this website, ODOE emails, and our monthly newsletters. ​​​​​

Resources

Oregon Energy History Timeline​

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More About ODOE

ODOE was established in 1975 in response to the oil crisis of the 1970s and was tasked with providing comprehensive leadership on state energy planning and forecasting; supporting research on alternative energy; serving as a central repository for energy data; educating Oregonians about energy issues and conservation; preparing energy programs; and tracking research projects.

Fifty years later, ODOE's vision is to lead Oregon to a safe, equitable, clean, and sustainable future. Our mission is to help Oregonians make informed decisions and maintain a resilient and affordable energy system. We advance solutions to shape an equitable clean energy transition, protect the environment and public health, and responsibly balance energy needs and impacts for current and future generations.

Over its 50 years of service, ODOE has provided:

  • Good stewardship of public dollars
  • Essential energy planning and policy analysis
  • Energy education and technical assistance
  • Incentive and loan programs to help Oregonians save energy, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, invest in renewable energy, and strengthen resilience and energy efficiency
  • Provided incentives to more 10,000 renewable energy projects in Oregon
  • Emergency preparedness expertise for nuclear and radiological safety
  • Leadership in supporting the safe and timely cleanup of the Hanford Nuclear Site
  • Emergency support for fuel acquisition and delivery
  • Analysis and support for the Energy Facility Siting Council to effectively review proposed state jurisdiction energy facilities to ensure they align with Oregon's energy needs and standards
  • Learn even more about What​ We Do

ODOE is excited about its next 50 years serving Oregon as the state transitions to an equitable clean energy future.​

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