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The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) is the chief regulatory agency of the government of the U.S. state of Oregon responsible for matters related to energy production, conservation and related safety and environmental impact.[1] The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) is responsible for over 40 programs. The mission of the department is: "Leading Oregon to a safe, clean, and sustainable energy future." [2]

ODOE was established in 1975 by the Oregon Legislative Assembly as the culmination of recommendations of several task forces and study groups over several years.[3]

Energy in Oregon

The largest source of renewable energy in Oregon is hydropower followed by coal and natural gas. Hydropower makes up 42.9% of the energy used in Oregon. The majority of Oregon's energy consumption comes from transportation, heating and cooling, and electricity.

https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3AThe_Dalles_Dam_(Wasco_County%2C_Oregon_scenic_images)_(wascD0037a).jpg

Caption: The Dalles Dam in Oregon. One of the hydropower sources in Oregon.

Renewable Energy Programs

In accordance with the Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS), renewable energy sources in Oregon are growing. The RPS was created in 2007, but was updated in 2016 to require that 50% of energy consumption in Oregon must come from renewable energy by 2040.[4] The ODOE is responsible for tracking the progress towards this goal in addition to helping institute ways to reach it through various programs. The ODOE offer incentives for using and creating renewable energy to businesses and residents in the form of cash payments, tax credits, grants and loans. [7] Suppliers that provide renewable energy sources contributing to RPS are awarded renewable energy certificates (REC). A REC is received by a supplier for one MegaWatt hour worth of renewable energy. The complete rules for establishing eligibility for a REC are listed in The Oregon Administrative Rules. [6] These companies must submit annual compliance forms in order to continue to receive RECs.

As one of the 40 programs of the ODOE, the Red program serves as a grant program for funding renewable energy programs. [4] The program was created five years ago and can fund up to 35% of eligible project costs.[5] The goal of the program is to fund businesses, nonprofits, and other organizations within Oregon in an effort to improve the energy technology in Oregon.[4]  In May of 2017, the Oregon Department of Energy announced the Red program would fund 13 new renewable energy ideas.[4] Of the projects selected, electricity is created by a range of renewable energies, including: biomass, biogas, photovoltaic, and hydroelectric.