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
|
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Workshop #4
Thursday, July 28, 2022
9 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Meeting Recording
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Focus: Project Recap & Possible Recommendations
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Workshop #3
Tuesday, June 28, 2022 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meeting Recording
|
Focus: Economic, Resilience, and Other Benefits
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Workshop #2
Friday June 3, 2022 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meeting Recording
|
Focus: Opportunities and Barriers
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Workshop #1
Thursday, April 28, 2022 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
Meeting Recording
| Focus: Ownership and Access
|
Friday, December 3, 2021
9 - 11 a.m.
Meeting Recording
| |