Energy Efficiency Resource Standard:

The Oregon Energy Strategy identifies energy efficiency as a key pathway to achieve state clean energy targets and objectives at the lowest economywide cost. Oregon does not have a standalone energy efficiency resource standard, but it requires the state’s two largest electric utilities and all natural gas utilities to collect a 1.5% public purpose charge to fund energy efficiency programs. (SB 1149, 1999; HB 3141, 2021) These are largely administered by the Energy Trust of Oregon, which provides incentives, technical assistance, and resources for residential and commercial consumers. Additional policies and recent legislation, such as HB 3409 (2023), broaden efficiency programming for low‑ and moderate‑income households and establish a building performance standards framework. The Bonneville Power Administration also supports consumer‑owned utilities with energy efficiency programs.

Beyond standard Energy Trust offerings, the public purpose charge supports programs run by the Oregon Department of Energy, Oregon Housing and Community Services, and others to improve efficiency in schools, homes, businesses, and industry, with a focus on low‑income homes. Oregon’s broader policy landscape emphasizes low‑income energy efficiency, minimum standards for housing and manufactured homes, and cooling access for renters. ODOE also promotes Home Energy Scores and manages programs that improve the efficiency of public buildings, while state agencies collectively support heat pumps, weatherization, workforce development and training, and other community energy efficiency projects.

Building Codes:

Oregon’s residential (Oregon Residential Specialty Code, Chapter 11) and commercial (Oregon Energy Efficiency Specialty Code) energy codes are updated every 2-3 years.  Oregon’s residential energy code is “homegrown” and not directly based on a national model code.  Oregon’s commercial energy code is based on ASHRAE Standard 90.1-2022 with Oregon amendments. Both have consistently ranked among the most efficient energy codes nationally.  Oregon’s most recent residential energy code became mandatory on April 1, 2024 and the commercial energy code on July 1, 2025. The next residential code is anticipated to become effective in late 2026.

While not a building code, the Oregon Department of Energy administers the Building Performance Standard program, requiring owners of existing buildings 20,000 square feet and larger to identify energy targets and benchmark energy use. Owners of existing buildings that are 35,000 square feet and larger must also enhance operations and meet energy targets or implement measures to reduce energy use. Compliance dates begin in 2028 and are phased in over time, based on building type and size. ODOE uses EPA Climate Equity and Resilience Through Action (CERTA) funds to support early compliance actions. (ORS 469.275-469.291; SB 3409, 2023)

Appliance Standards:

Oregon’s appliance efficiency standards are codified at ORS 469.229-469.260 and administered by the Oregon Department of Energy in OAR 330-92. Oregon passed initial standards legislation in 2005, 2007, and 2013 establishing standards for 20 products; 13 were subsequently preempted by federal standards under the Energy Policy Act of 2005 and the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007. HB 2062 (2021) added appliance standards for 11 products, HB 4057 (2022) added spray sprinkler bodies, and HB 2531 (2023) also adopted a clean lighting policy.