HB 2021 created a $50 million fund at ODOE to provide grants for planning and developing community renewable energy and energy resilience projects.
The Community Renewable Energy Grant Program is open to Oregon Tribes, public bodies, and consumer-owned utilities. Public bodies include counties, municipalities, and special government bodies such as ports and irrigation districts. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis and priority will be given to projects that support program equity goals, demonstrate community energy resilience, and include energy efficiency and demand response.
At least half of the grant funds will be awarded for projects that serve environmental justice communities, including communities of color, lower-income communities, rural communities, and others. Similarly, at least half of the grant funds will be awarded to projects that support community energy resilience.
Grant Amounts
Planning a community renewable energy project
| $100,000
| 100%
|
| Planning a community energy resilience project | $100,000
| 100%
|
Constructing a community renewable energy project
| $1,000,000
| 50%
|
Constructing a community energy resilience project
| $1,000,000
| 100%
|
A minimum of $1 Million is reserved for planning projects that qualify as a community energy resilience project and a minimum of $1 Million is reserved for planning projects that do not qualify as a community energy resilience project.
Program Budget
$64,726,395
| $41,045,115
| $23,681,280
|
Updated December 9, 2024
Grant Opportunity Announcements
No opportunities currently open
Eligible Projects
Eligible projects include renewable energy generation systems like solar or wind, and energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging stations, or microgrid technologies paired with new or existing renewable energy systems. Eligible applicants are encouraged to partner with community groups, non-profits, private businesses, and others on potential projects. Additional information about eligible projects is available in the opportunity announcements and in the
Administrative Rules.
Advisory CommitteeODOE has appointed an
advisory committee to support development and implementation of the grant program. Specific advisory committee responsibilities include:
- Providing guidance on program rules
- Establishing program equity metrics
- Adopting a methodology to identify qualifying communities.
- Supporting statewide community outreach efforts
- Supporting application review processes
Advisory committee meetings will be open to the public —
learn more.