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 accepted applications through February 28, 2025. Nineteen
counties applied to participate in the program. Counties must submit the
program completion form and a copy of their plans by August 1, 2025.
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
ODOE hosted two informational webinars on June 6 and June 25 to share more about the County Energy Resilience Program. Each virtual event offered a presentation on the program, followed by a question and answer session. Find the recordings below.
Funding for Tribes