The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) has announced the launch of the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program. Passed by the legislature in 2021, HB 2021 created a $50 million fund 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 will be awarded on a competitive basis with priority 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 to projects that serve environmental justice communities, including communities of color, lower-income communities, rural communities, and others. In addition, at least half of the grant funds will be awarded to projects that support community energy resilience.

Projects eligible for the ODOE Community Renewable Energy Grant Program are also eligible for Solar Development Assistance incentives. Solar Development assistance incentives can be used to offset the cost of a solar or solar+storage system design and grant writing support. See the program guide or contact the Solar team for more information.

For questions about the state’s Community Renewable Energy Grant Program visit the Oregon Department of Energy website or email community.grants@energy.oregon.gov for more information.