In 2023, the Oregon Legislature passed
HB 3630, which directed the Oregon Department of Energy to create a grant program to support Oregon counties with energy resilience planning. Specifically, HB 3630 provides up to $50,000 per county to develop an energy resilience plan.
The County Energy Resilience Grant Program provides grants to Oregon counties to develop energy resilience plans that:
- Map current energy infrastructure, natural hazard risks, and communities that experience social vulnerability.
- Identify needs to increase resilience.
- Identify steps for implementation.
- Engage with environmental justice communities to identify communities that experience social vulnerabilities.
Exact requirements for plan content are stipulated in
HB 3630.
The Oregon Department of Energy has up to $50,000 per Oregon county available for this program for a total of $1.8 million. This is a noncompetitive grant program with no match requirement. Every one of Oregon’s 36 counties are eligible to receive funds provided they meet the eligibility requirements. Counties may work together and pool funds in a cohort.
Opportunity Announcement
ODOE posted the
Opportunity Announcement for funding on May 22, 2024 and is now accepting applications through February 28, 2025. Applications should be sent to the progam team
via email. Applications will be reviewed once they are received
Counties must submit the program completion form and a copy of their plans by August 1, 2025. If a county already has an energy resilience or other type of energy plan, the funding can likely be used to update that plan as per the requirements of
HB 3630 - please contact
ODOE staff to discuss that option.
The
resources document is a great tool for assiting in the development the plan. It includes a list of technical assistance providers, mapping resources, example plan information, and more. The County Energy Resilience Program Coordinator is also available to answer questions and provide connections to further resources.
Stakeholder Engagement
Join ODOE for one of two informational webinars on June 6 and June 25 to learn more about the County Energy Resilience Program. During each virtual event there will be a presentation on the program, followed by a question and answer session.
Funding for Tribes