for supporting the industrial sector’s electrification. (anatoliycherkas/Adobe Stock)
By Isabel Charle
Oregon ranked ninth this year on The State Energy Efficiency Scorecard. The American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, a nonprofit research organization, ranked states based on their latest policy developments and efforts to save energy.
This year’s scorecard highlighted Oregon’s performance standard for large commercial buildings and efforts to upgrade existing buildings.
Jennifer Kalez, communications director for the Oregon Department of Energy, said even though the state’s energy demands continue to increase with the population, Oregon’s per capita energy consumption is down.
“While we may have more people in our state, we’re using less energy per person thanks to efficiency and conservation efforts,” Kalez explained.
Oregon also scored points for zero-emission vehicle policies, including EV rebates and emissions standards. Energy Trust of Oregon, a nonprofit helping people save energy by making their homes more efficient, was recognized in the scorecard for promoting equity.
Julianne Thacher, communications and marketing lead for the Energy Trust of Oregon, said they are designing programs to meet the needs of utility households in rural areas, those with low and moderate incomes, communities of color and small businesses.
“For the state to save more energy going forward and meet its climate goals, we need everyone to be able to directly participate in our programs and benefit and lower energy bills,” Thacher contended.
The Trump administration has paused key Biden-era funding, including the Inflation Reduction Act, which supports investments in energy efficiency, clean energy and electric vehicle manufacturing. Kalez noted for now, Oregon’s federal funding is still available, and federal energy efficiency programs will continue despite the uncertainty.
Isobel Charlé covers Oregon, her home for almost twenty years. Isobel has worked as a reporter for KBOO Community Radio and a freelance journalist for five years. In 2021, she graduated from the Salt Institute for Documentary Studies with a focus on radio and podcasting. A long time activist, Isobel sees journalism as part of that work and loves covering social and environmental justice movements. She aims to tell stories that inspire listeners to ask questions, make unexpected connections, and make positive change in the world. She lives in Portland, OR.
This article was published on April 9, 2025 at Public News Service.