Many Oregon residents lack air conditioning in their homes, leading to dangerous indoor temperatures during extreme heat waves, which are becoming more common. After the deadly heat dome event in 2021, Oregon passed legislation to protect the state’s vulnerable populations from rising temperatures. To support this legislation, Energy Trust of Oregon offers incentives for multifamily property owners and managers to help create community cooling spaces for their renters.

Through the Landlord-Provided Cooling Spaces offer, Energy Trust provides incentives for ductless heat pumps, and portable or window air conditioners sized to provide safe cooling spaces in common areas, such as lobbies, dining areas, community rooms or laundry rooms. Multifamily properties and manufactured home parks in Oregon can receive incentives of up to 100% of project costs to create a safe community cooling space. Incentives are available up to:

• $1,400 for portable or window air conditioners (maximum $700 per unit)
• $7,000 for ductless heat pumps, heat pumps, and hard-wired air conditioners

The Landlord Provided Cooling Spaces offer has supported development of 48 common area cooling spaces for more than 40 customers as of July 2024. Energy Trust would like to raise awareness of this offer to help bring this program to even more people in need.

If you have a project that might be eligible, or to learn more about becoming involved as a contractor, please visit Energy Trust’s Landlord-Provided Cooling Spaces page or contact Heath Heiberg, Existing Buildings trade ally manager, at 503.307.3328.