The Oregon Department of Energy helps schools understand their energy needs, identify improvements, and connect with financial resources to improve learning environments.
ODOE staff supports public schools throughout the state to implement cost-effective energy efficiency projects. ODOE helps assess building needs, prioritize and plan projects, and work with school leadership to access resources.
Where do I start?
Our Schools Team wants to hear from you. Tell us about your district's energy and project needs. Are your buildings too cold? Running up high electricity bills? Leaking air through outdated windows? Do you have several projects, but you're not sure where to start? Our experts have the passion and expertise to help your school district find the right path to increase energy efficiency and savings.
What services can the Schools Team provide?
Expertise and Advice
Tell us what your school needs to be successful. We're here to listen and brainstorm solutions with you. We can help assess your buildings' needs, prioritize and plan projects, and talk about what makes sense for your schools and students.
Energy Partners and Resources
Educational Opportunities
Our engineers and experts enjoy visiting classrooms at all learning levels, from joining Career Day panels to talking about basic energy concepts, energy saving tips, and supporting student “green teams.”
What financial or incentive programs are available to my school?
Senate Bill 1149 requires that Oregon's two largest investor-owned utilities, Portland General Electric (PGE) and PacifiCorp, collect a one and a half percent "public purpose charge" from customers. Public K-12 schools within the PGE and PacifiCorp service areas receive twenty percent to implement energy efficiency projects and/or purchase zero emissions vehicles or electric vehicle chargers within the school districts.
Performance contracting uses a single procurement method to complete a package of services through an energy services company (ESCO). The ESCO can provide “turn-key” services and perform energy efficiency improvements.
The ESCO guarantees the energy savings and delivers a project that should pay for itself in energy savings. We offer guidance to help schools understand how to use this service.
Why should schools invest in energy-efficient projects?
One of the main benefits to increasing your energy efficiency is lower energy bills!
In addition to saving money, energy-efficient buildings are typically more comfortable, provide better lighting and have fewer energy-related maintenance issues. It all adds up to an improved learning and teaching environment for students and educators.