ODOE is thrilled to welcome a new RARE member, Sara “Lark” Millies-Lucke to the agency. Sara Lark is working with the Community Navigator Program and will be analyzing ODOE programs in various stages of implementation to help us learn about how we can better reach and serve rural communities and support their energy resilience. 

The Oregon Department of Energy published its 2024 Biennial Energy Report on November 1, featuring fundamental information and data about energy in Oregon, highlights of emerging energy resources, and foundational “Energy 101s” on current topics and technologies.

In this month’s newsletter, ODOE announces a new $113M federal award to develop home energy rebate programs, celebrates Hispanic Heritage Month, provides an update on the Oregon Energy Strategy, plugs into a new Grounded podcast episode, and more.

The Energy Facility Siting Council, which is staffed by the Oregon Department of Energy, is a seven-member volunteer council appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate. EFSC is responsible for overseeing the development of large electric generating facilities, high-voltage transmission lines, gas pipelines, radioactive waste disposal sites, and other projects. This state-level oversight of energy facilities helps ensure Oregon has the energy supply it needs while protecting Oregon’s environment and public safety. This oversight includes updating and implementing Oregon Administrative Rules.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of Oregon’s Energy Facility Siting Council will be held virtually on Friday, October 25.

From September 15 to October 15 each year, we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month. This is the time to enthusiastically recognize the multitude of contributions that Hispanic and Latino/a/e/x people have made and continue to contribute to the history and culture of the United States. This month, ODOE Community Equity & Inclusion Analyst Lauren Rosenstein reflects on the celebration.

Class is back in session, and nearly 550,000 students in Oregon make the trip to and from school each day. On this episode of Grounded, we tag along and venture into the magic world of clean-running and electric school buses.

The Oregon Climate Action Commission will meet on October 15, 2024. The public meeting will be held from 1 to 4:30 p.m. online.

The Oregon Department of Energy has been awarded over $113 million from the U.S. Department of Energy for two new home energy rebate programs that will provide financial incentives to single-family and multifamily households for eligible high-efficiency home improvements, appliances, and equipment. ODOE expects that rebates will be available in late 2025 or early 2026.