Overview
In 2021 Oregon State Legislature passed the Clean Energy Targets bill (HB 2021) requiring certain electricity providers serving electricity in Oregon to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the electricity they provide. The legislation sets targets requiring Portland General Electric, PacifiCorp and Electricity Service Suppliers to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions associated with electricity sold in Oregon to:
- 80 percent below baseline emissions levels by 2030;
- 90 percent below baseline emissions levels by 2035; and
- 100 percent below baseline emissions levels by 2040
Implementation of the program is shared between the Public Utility Commission and DEQ. DEQ's primary responsibility is to collect greenhouse gas emissions data, determine baseline emissions, determine the reductions necessary to meet the targets and verify projected emissions reductions. DEQ's determination and verification is based on emissions data reports submitted by the electricity providers under
OAR-340-215 to Oregon's
Greenhouse Gas Reporting Program.
For more information, PUC produced a
summary of HB 2021 and published an
implementation strategy. Interested stakeholders may also be interested in the following PUC investigations and dockets:
- UM 2225 - Investigation into Clean Energy Plans
- AR 651 - Direct Access Rulemaking
Upcoming informational meeting
DEQ is hosting an informational session to provide an overview of DEQ's role in implementing the greenhouse gas reduction requirements associated with electricity sold in Oregon, reviewing the required emissions quantification methodology, and allowing for an opportunity for individuals to ask clarifying questions to staff.
Meeting Information: Feb. 16, 2023, 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. PT
Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82399962075
Meeting ID: 823 9996 2075
Join by phone: +1 253 215 8782 US
Or, dial by your location: Find your local number.
Order
In May of 2022, DEQ issued an order determining the baseline emissions levels and emission reductions necessary for retail electricity providers to meet clean energy targets.
- Order determining the baseline emissions level for each electric company and the amount of emissions reduction necessary for each retail electricity provider, under Oregon Laws 2021, chapter 508, section 5 (HB 2021 (2021))
Baseline and Emissions Reduction Determinations
Electric Companies
Baseline emissions levels for Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp are calculated as the annual average emissions associated with electricity sold to retail consumers in Oregon for 2010, 2011 and 2012. These determinations are based on emission data reports submitted to DEQ adjusted to as specified in House Bill 2021.
Electricity Service Suppliers
Under HB 2021 the baseline determination for an Electricity Service Supplier is measured as an emissions intensity, on a per megawatt-hour bases. The initial baseline is equivalent to 0.428 metric tons of carbon dioxide equivalent per megawatt-hour (MTCO2e/MWh). For a supplier certified under ORS 757.649 on or after the effective date of HB 2021 the baseline emissions level is adjusted downward to a level that reflects the progress made by other electricity service suppliers to meet the clean energy targets.
Greenhouse Gas Emissions Projections
HB2021 requires Portland General Electric and PacifiCorp to submit Clean Energy Plans that include emissions projections showing that the planned actions will result in the required reductions for each of the milestones shown above.
DEQ's responsibility is to provide the emission factors to be used in those projections and review the provided projections to ensure that the calculations and emission factors used comply with DEQ's requirements for GHG accounting under our existing GHG Reporting Program. Read about how DEQ assigns emission factors to generating sources.
Detailed information on GHG emissions accounting and emission factors for use in Clean Energy Plan projections can be found below:
Contacts