Energy Efficiency Program:

In 1999, legislation (SB1149) to restructure the electric utilities also led to the creation of the Oregon Energy Trust. The state’s two large IOUs (Pacific Power and Portland General Electric) had to collect a 3% public service charge from customers to promote energy efficiency and renewable energy. Funds were to be allocated 56.7% for energy efficiency, 17.1% for renewable energy, 11.7% for low-income weatherization, 5% to low income housing assistance, and 10% for school energy efficiency. In 2002, the OPUC authorized the Energy Trust to administer these programs. The Energy Trust is an independent, public purpose non-profit with its own board of directors and bylaws. Consumer-Owned Utilities operate their own energy efficiency programs in coordination with BPA.

Building Codes:

Oregon adopted the first statewide energy code in the country in the 1970s. Oregon’s 2021 residential energy code is among the most efficient codes in the nation, includes multiple Oregon-specific strengthening amendments to make it more efficient than the model energy codes, and puts Oregon on the path to meetings its goal of US DOE Zero Energy Ready Home equivalency by 2023. For commercial buildings, Oregon references ASHRAE 90.1-2019 as the leading national model energy code. Oregon’s commercial and residential codes are both on a policy-driven path to reduce energy use by 60% by 2030, compared to a 2006 code baseline.

Appliance Standards:

In 2005 Oregon established the state’s first efficiency standards for 11 product categories. Oregon subsequently added 6 new standards in 2007, and then 3 more in 2013. Most recently, in 2021 Oregon established 9 new state efficiency standards and updated 2 existing standards. Over time, some of Oregon’s state product standards have been preempted by federal efficiency standards, and as of 2022 Oregon currently maintains 16 product efficiency standards for products that are not covered by federal standards. Oregon will periodically update its standards to at least equivalent to the most stringent among West Coast jurisdictions.