Oregon Department of Energy outlines programs, federal awards and budget pressures for 2025–27

Janine Benner, director of the Oregon Department of Energy, and Christy Split, the agency’s government relations coordinator, briefed the House Committee on Climate, Energy and Environment on Jan. 21, 2025, detailing the department’s programs, recent federal awards and the governor’s recommended budget for the 2025–27 biennium.

Benner said the agency’s mission is to “help Oregonians make informed decisions and maintain a resilient and affordable energy system,” and noted 2025 marks the department’s 50th anniversary since its 1975 creation. The presentation described how the department provides technical analysis, reports and program administration to support a statewide clean energy transition.

Christy Split told the committee that the agency functions as a policy and technical resource for the Legislature, preparing biennial reports and ad hoc studies and tracking energy-related bills. She highlighted recent program activity and incoming federal grants that the department is administering.

Key programs and federal awards - Oregon Solar and Storage Rebate: the department reported issuing $3,500,000 in rebates in 2024. The program supported projects across most counties; a bill making a small change to the program was noted as assigned to this…