HB 3081
Requires the State Department of Energy to coordinate with other organizations, conduct outreach, establish a statewide navigation and support system, identify and address gaps and overlaps between programs and provide information in multiple languages, as part of the department's single resource for providing information and assistance related to available energy efficiency incentives and programs.
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Sign in to take actionPublic sentiment
Support
96%
Oppose
4%
- Introduced
- Passed House
- Passed Senate
- To Governor
- Became Law
Bill overview
This bill directs the State Department of Energy (ODE) to establish a single, statewide resource for information and assistance related to energy efficiency incentives and programs. The ODE will coordinate with other organizations, conduct outreach, and create a navigation and support system, ensuring information is available in multiple languages. A key component is the creation of a statewide clearinghouse with a universal application process to streamline access to these programs.
Key provisions
- The State Department of Energy (ODE) must create a single resource for energy efficiency information.
- ODE must coordinate with other organizations and agencies to improve program access.
- A statewide navigation and support system, including a call center, will be established.
- Information must be provided in at least five commonly spoken languages in Oregon.
- ODE will develop a preferred contractors list.
- A statewide clearinghouse will be created with a single application process.
- The clearinghouse will cross-check eligibility for multiple programs.
- ODE will support consumer energy audits and match projects with funding sources.
Who is affected
- Oregon Residents
- Energy Efficiency Program Providers
- Federal and State Agencies
- Utility Providers
- Low-Income Households
Notable changes
- Establishes a centralized resource for energy efficiency programs, replacing fragmented information.
Sponsors
Official sponsors from legislative records.
Primary sponsor
Emerson Levy
Cosponsors
Arguments in favor
Reasons to support this legislation.
Supporters of House Bill 3081 advocate for a one-stop shop for upgrades and rebates, creating good-paying jobs in clean energy and helping communities affected by climate change. They believe incentives for efficiency can help accelerate Oregon's energy and carbon reduction goals, but acknowledge the challenge in finding and applying for existing incentives. Proponents emphasize the need to remove bureaucratic barriers and ensure that all residents, regardless of socioeconomic status or linguistic background, can easily access essential energy efficiency resources. Many testifiers share personal experiences with navigating complex energy efficiency upgrade processes, highlighting the importance of simplifying access to these resources to improve health outcomes, reduce pollution, and drive economic growth through small contracting businesses.
Source: Testimony Summaries
Arguments opposed
Reasons to oppose this legislation.
Opponents of HB 3081 express concerns about the potential impact on customer understanding and utility operations. According to testimony, the state's single resource website for energy efficiency programs may be inaccurate, leading to confusion among customers and potentially inapplicable incentives. Additionally, some argue that the bill's added administrative overlay will cause unnecessary costs and hinder the successful history of direct communication between customer-owned utilities and their constituents, which has achieved notable energy efficiency and conservation achievements through such personalized approaches.