just energy policies: reducing pollution and creating...

Just Energy Policies:

Reducing Pollution and

Creating Jobs Oregon Report

2017

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People Environmental and Climate Justice Program

June 2017

08 Fall

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Just Energy Policies and Practices

Oregon Report on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Policies

National Association for the Advancement of Colored People

4805 Mt. Hope Drive

Baltimore, MD 21215

(410) 580-5777

www.naacp.org

Environmental and Climate Justice Program

(410) 580-5794

[email protected]

Lead Author

Jacqui Patterson

Senior Researchers/Authors

Katie Fink, Camille Grant, Sabrina Terry, Lorah Steichen

Assistant Researchers/Authors

Rachel Rosenberg and Chris Walker

Content Editing Support

Lisa Hamilton and Rachel Kriegsman

Copy Editors

Carol Ko and Christine Van Dyk

2017

http://www.naacp.org/

mailto:[email protected]

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June 2017

The NAACP Portland Branch sees Climate Change as one of the biggest Civil Rights Issues of our time. Over the

last 18-months we have worked in collaboration with community organizations, environmental and climate

justice organizations to develop an action plan that will put communities of color in the lead to determine what a

Just Energy Transition will look like and how the communities most impacted by climate change can lead the

transition in a way that creates wins for people of color, low-income community members and others left out of

the economic engine of our state.

We are at a critical time. We can’t expect help from the federal government as the current administration is

filled with Climate Change deniers. We can’t depend on the state because state solutions refuse to center

communities of color in policy developed to address the current and future transition from fossil fuel to clean

energy sources. We must depend on ourselves. We already know when we organize, we win! We are already

seeing the results of communities of color leadership coming together to share our values around attacking the

sources of climate change with an intentional approach of engaging people of color in the solutions for a more

sustainable future.

As we are finalizing this report the City of Portland is poised to pass a resolution on June 1st 2017 that will

articulate a 100% renewable energy Portland by 2050. Multnomah County, the most populated county in the

state will also pass a similar resolution in early June. We are thrilled to have been a part of advocating for these

resolutions and are prepared to support their passage as they come up for a vote. However, resolutions alone

aren’t enough to change the trajectory of climate change, we need actions on the ground that community

members can see, feel and experience.

NAACP Portland Branch is part of the Just Energy Coalition in Portland (other members include APANO, Verde,

NAYA, 350pdx, Sierra Club, and others) that seeks to pass policy that would develop a new pool of resources that

would focus on targeting energy efficiency improvements in low-income communities and communities of color

first, developing the diverse workforce for a new energy future and investing in those most impacted by climate

change. Because this policy was developed and led by communities on the front line in addressing the impacts

of climate change we are optimistic that the implementation and oversight mechanisms we’ve put in place can

be duplicated across the country and will be a model for other communities to enact.

At the NAACP Portland Branch we are optimistic that Oregon will once again be a national model in moving a

Climate Justice agenda that leads with communities of color and intentionally priorities those on the front lines.

We are energized for the work ahead and look forward to partnering with others who share our vision of a Just

Energy Transition for our state.

Sincerely,

Jo Ann Hardesty, President

NAACP Portland Branch

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Greetings,

The NAACP is the nation's oldest civil rights organization being incorporated in 1909 and

we at the Eugene/Springfield branch understand the issues faced by African Americans are

shared by all people--livelihood, care of family and children, independence-- in essence

freedom. In The United States we are blessed with some of the greatest land in the world.

Beginning with the creation of our national parks system the United states has led the

industrialized world in understanding the need to protect the most essential resource we

know of next to the Sun, the very Earth we live on. For Millennia the Earth has sustained us

as we have grown into the industrial society we are today. Our mission calls on us to work

for the equality and dignity of all people and we ask how can one have dignity and work

while at the same time safe guarding the environment from pollution and conditions toxic to

life. The NAACP stands with the African American Community in demanding that the

coming green energy economy be supported and used as a vehicle to right the many wrongs

inflicted upon the poor and communities of color over the last century. In the State of Oregon

Blacks make up barely 3% of the State’s population yet suffer at higher rates of Asthma and

other health problems due to their tradition of placement in harm’s way while being denied

services and information. This report is the first step in engaging communities of color and

others around the importance Environmental Justice and Clean Energy policies. The

Eugene/Springfield NAACP Stands ready to defend the great people and progress that the

State of Oregon has so far supported. There is more to do and we will be there as motivated

advocates!

Eric Richardson

President- Eugene/Springfield NAACP

541-484-1119

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NAACP Corvallis Area Branch #1118

PO Box 870, Corvallis, OR 97339 | 541-829-3023

www.naacpcorvallisbranch.com | June 1, 2017

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” -- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

The NAACP Corvallis Area Branch is excited to endorse the Oregon Report on Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Policies. This report pays special attention to our state of Oregon. It is part of a nationwide campaign by the NAACP to educate decision-makers and help them to understand that the increasingly strong effects of climate change are already impacting Oregon's communities of color and low-income populations especially hard.

Communities of color and low-income communities have historically had less access to good jobs and safe housing in safer, less polluted, neighborhoods. As climate change continues to grow stronger, these populations will continue to suffer the most from the consequences of climate change, such as the already increasing cost of food (e.g. California's drought), and continued pollution from coal-fired power plants and other fossil-fuel related industrial pollution. Our people are on the front lines of the increased human suffering caused by increasing climate change.

Since communities of color are bearing the brunt of pollution and its health effects, cost increases, and higher intensity storms, it makes sense that Oregon ensure that Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) receive equity in economic opportunities going forward (see pages 8 and 9 of the Report for more information). See also Oregon's Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Policy Profile beginning on page 15 of the Report.

Our branch is working to collaborate with local organizations to weaken and prevent the increasing harm to our communities of color and low-income communities due to climate change. The City of Corvallis has recently adopted a Climate Action Plan and its task force is currently working to finish a plan for its implementation, for which we will be submitting our input.

Our community also has a Sustainability Coalition, in which reducing climate change is a major part. There is also an innovative local program ("Harvest Sunshine") that helps families -- who ordinarily would not be able to afford it -- to purchase solar energy panels for their roofs. There is also a "buy local, eat local" campaign here. There are other efforts to fight climate change going on here as well, including a coalition of several churches.

The following NAACP Just Energy Plan report is comprehensive and provides critical information regarding the particularly strong impacts of accelerating climate change on Oregon residents, and especially those who are low-income and communities of color.

Frederick J. Edwards President, CEO NAACP Corvallis Area Branch #1118

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WHY THE NAACP IS STANDING UP FOR JUST ENERGY POLICIES

Since 1909 the NAACP has addressed a vast array of civil rights issues including education, employment, housing, civic engagement, health, and criminal justice. Communities of color nationwide continue to be beset by human and civil rights violations including disproportionate exposure to pollution from sources such as power plants, incinerators, toxic sites, brownfields, and roadways. African Americans who reside near energy production facilities including coal-fired, nuclear, or biomass power plants are more likely to suffer the negative health impacts of prolonged exposure to smog, lead, asbestos, mercury, arsenic, sulfur dioxide, nitrogen oxide, and other toxins than any other group of Americans.

1234

This prolonged exposure to pollution correlates with birth defects, heart disease, asthma attacks, lung disease, learning difficulties, and even lower property values. Approximately 68% of African Americans live within 30 miles of a coal-fired power plant; which in 2016 generated the second largest proportion of electricity in the United States (30.4%), just behind natural gas (33.8%).

56 The health conditions

associated with exposure to toxins emitted from these plants disproportionately impact African Americans. An African American child is three times as likely to be admitted to the hospital and twice as likely to die from an asthma attack than a white American child. Though African Americans are less likely to smoke, they are more likely than white Americans to die of lung disease.

7

At the same time, many of these same pollution sources are major contributors to the greenhouse gas emissions that drive global climate change. The power sector is responsible for about one third of U.S. greenhouse gas emissions, the largest emitter ahead of transportation.

8 Not only do low-income

neighborhoods and communities of color suffer more of the direct health, educational, and economic consequences of pollution-emitting facilities, but these are the same communities that are hit first and worst by devastating natural disasters, extreme weather patterns, food and clean water insecurity, and other disruptive impacts of a warming climate. While African Americans endure many of the harmful impacts of energy production, they also reap few of the benefits from the energy sector. According to a 2010 study by the American Association of Blacks in Energy, while African Americans spent $41 billion on energy in 2009, they only held 1.1% of energy jobs and only gained .01% of the revenue from the energy sector profits.

9 Clearly, the burdens and benefits of

the energy industry are grossly inequitable. As documented in the NAACP report, “Lights Out in the Cold: Reforming Utility Shut-Off Policies as If Human Rights Matter,” energy costs have a disparate burden on households with limited income.

10 Low-

income, African American, Latino, low-income multifamily, and renter households all spend a greater proportion on energy than the average family, shouldering a higher energy burden.

11 Low-income

households spend 8.8% of income on electricity, about three times the 2.9% average across all income levels.

12

There is correlated evidence that both increased energy efficiency and expanded access to renewable energy would help alleviate this disproportionate energy burden. If the average African-American housing stock was brought up to the efficiency levels of the average American household, 42% of excess energy burden would be eliminated.

13 Distributed energy generation such as rooftop solar can provide significant

and sustaining financial relief while also decentralizing and democratizing our energy system Given that African Americans are more than twice as likely as white Americans to live in poverty or be unemployed and the average wealth of white Americans is 13 times that of African Americans, it is past time to revolutionize the relationship communities of color have with the multi-billion dollar energy industry.

14 Leading in a new energy economy serves as pathway out of poor health, poverty, and

joblessness while establishing a foundation of clean, efficient, and resilient energy resources for generations to come. The NAACP will continue to build upon its legacy of advocating for equity, economic justice, and environmental justice within the energy sector, especially in the broader context of climate change. The following diagram outlines the NAACP’s recent policy precedence and the foundation for the recommendations we pose to enact change in the energy sector.

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NAACP’s Most Recent Just Energy Policy Resolutions

“2000-2016”

2001 Environmental Protection Resolution:

calls for state and local branches, as well as

the assembly of a task force to examine the

impacts of waste disposal policies and

facilities in communities of color, such as

incinerators. 2003

Climate Change and Discriminatory

Practices Resolution: commits to

advocating for socially just solutions for the

environment and global warming that will

reduce racial and ethnic economic

disparities.

2006

Fossil Fuel Resolution: calls for President of

the United States to roll back cost of fossil

fuels and for Congress to enact emergency

legislation that halts rising gas costs.

Jobs vs. The Environment Myth Resolution:

opposes any efforts that promise jobs to a

community of color to coerce residents into

accepting a polluting industry in their

neighborhood and demands that environmentally

regulated facilities fulfill job promises.

2008

NAACP Supports Long-Term, Aggressive

Energy Policy to Insulate US Against

Future Situations Resolutions: calls on all

interested parties to develop long-term

strategies to reduce the global demand for

gasoline.

NAACP Support for Present and Future

Green Jobs Appropriations and Policies:

advocates for the Green Job Act funding

and inclusion of African Americans in

emerging green energy sector.

2010

NAACP in Opposition to Expanded

Offshore Drilling Without Adequate

Safety Technology and Clean Energy

Matter in Place: supports the

exploration of clean energy alternative,

including wind, solar, hydro, and

geothermal solutions, in addition to

energy conservation and reduction

strategies. 2011

Clean Air Act-Greenhouse

Gases-Coal Fired Power Plants:

advocates health and sustainable

alternatives to the current

overreliance on coal for energy.

2012 Renewable Energy Resolution: commits to

increase community involvement in ensuring that

energy related policies and practices do no harm.

2014

Promoting Equitable Access to Clean

Energy Alternatives: support policies and

programs that ensure affordable access to

clean energy sources and advocates for

sustainable job opportunities for low-to

moderate-income communities.

2015

Advancing Clean Energy Resource: commits

to support clean energy resources and

advocates for affordable access to clean energy

options for all.

2016

Resolution Against Natural Gas as a

Climate Solution, or a “Bridge” Fuel

to a Clean Energy Future: calls for

authorities to protect vulnerable families

from the pollution of fracking gas and

stop the fossil fuel industry from burning

natural gas-emitting methane.

2007

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WELCOME In opening this document, you have made a commitment to understand and advance just energy policies and practices. This energy policy compendium will give you the information you need to stand up for a just energy future. The rapid depletion of Earth’s non-renewable resources coincides with increased energy consumption in the United States. With a growing understanding of the harmful impact of fossil fuel-based energy production on communities of color and low income communities, it is more important now than ever before that our communities take a stand to move our country to an energy efficient and clean energy future. Our intention in creating this compendium is that it will serve as a resource and will spur states to make sure their energy policies protect communities from harmful energy production processes while simultaneously providing equitable access to economic opportunities in energy efficiency and clean energy.

Focal Policies

Renewable Portfolio Standards

A Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires electric utility companies to supply a specific

minimum amount of customer load with electricity from eligible renewable energy sources over a

prescribed timeline. Since the electric power sector is responsible for nearly 30% of total U.S.

greenhouse gas emissions, strong Renewable Portfolio Standards have the potential to greatly

reduce national greenhouse gas emissions and significant climate impacts.15

In

setting standards for the content of RPS, the NAACP distinguishes that our

sources and processes must be clean energy, recognizing that not all

renewable energy has been proven safe with minimal impact on the

environment and communities. Under this definition, we focus efforts

on advancing solar, wind, and geothermal energy.

Energy Efficiency Resource Standards

Energy Efficiency Resource Standards (EERS) establish a

requirement for utility companies to meet annual and cumulative

energy savings targets through a portfolio of energy efficiency

programs. EERS not only reduce energy use and decrease emissions, but

they also save money. Given our current dependence on harmful energy

production practices, we should reduce our demand for energy altogether.

Net Metering Standards

Net Metering Standards require electric utility companies to provide retail credit for net renewable

energy produced by rooftop solar panels or other distributed energy technologies that are tied to

the electric grid. Meaning, if the consumer generates more energy from solar panels or wind

turbines than they use, they can sell it back to the utility at the same rate at which they purchase

electricity. In order to incentivize clean energy practices at the consumer level, we need to offer

the opportunity for bill savings and revenue-generation for individuals and small businesses that

contribute to the grid through energy production. When implemented fairly, net metering

standards make distributed renewable energy such as rooftop solar more accessible and

affordable. In order to incentivize use and reach lower income markets, rate structures must be

designed to fairly compensate for excess electricity generated and sent back to the grid. In

addition to cost-savings for ratepayers, net metering allows for the broadening of ownership of

energy assets, a necessity in building a more equitable energy system. Net metering helps

decentralize and democratize our energy system.

Source: cleanchoiceenergy.com

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Equity in Energy Enterprise Policies

Income inequality in the country continues to grow. In the United States today, the average white family has thirteen times the wealth of the average black family.16 Communities of color and low-income communities historically have less access to jobs and business development opportunities. As part of the effort to advance just energy policies and practices, it is essential to review state policy provisions to ensure that they foster economic growth for local communities and expand economic opportunities for those who have been historically excluded from the economic engine. When implemented effectively, two key provisions that can help ensure equity in economic opportunities afforded by state policies are ‘Local Hire’ and ‘Minority Business Enterprise.’

Local Hire

Local Hire is a goal or requirement to hire people who live near their place of work. States achieve this goal by requiring contractors that are awarded publicly funded projects to recruit a specified proportion of local residents as workers on the project. This provision: 1) ensures that tax dollars are invested back into the local economy; 2) reduces the environmental impact of commuting; 3) fosters community involvement; and 4) preserves local employment opportunities in construction.

Minority Business Enterprise

Minority Business Enterprise is defined as a business that is at least 51% owner- operated and controlled on a daily basis by people who identify with specific ethnic minority classifications, including African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American. MBEs can be self-identified, but are typically certified by a city, state, or federal agency. The predominant certifier for minority businesses is the National Minority Supplier Development Council. Often publically funded projects set a requirement or goal to source MBEs as suppliers.

Financial Incentives for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Tables listing each state’s incentives and rebates for energy efficiency and renewable energy

are included in each state profile in the compendium. Each incentive has a short description and

a hyperlink to more information.

Statewide Incentives

Statewide incentives are generally rebates and loan programs that individuals and businesses may claim according to the provisions of state law. Incentives may also include Local Options enacted by municipal governments.

Utility-Specific Incentives

This section relates to the incentives offered by specific utilities in each state, and in some cases interstate utilities. Some programs are only available to either electric or gas customers of a certain utility. Different programs are available for residential and commercial customers.

Local Incentives

Local incentives are those offered by counties, cities, and towns. Not all states have local incentives.

Non-Profit Incentives

Non-profit incentives are offered by non-profit organizations. These are only available in some states.

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ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND CLEAN ENERGY POTENTIAL

To effectively promote energy efficiency and clean energy policies in any state, we must know the potential for energy efficiency and clean energy. Energy efficiency potential has been studied across the United States. However, while some states have conducted studies about energy efficiency potential, there is not a collection of studies completed for every state. Clean energy potential is available through state by state analysis done by the National Renewable Energy Lab. Energy Efficiency Potential

Energy Efficiency Potential (EEP) is the amount of energy savings possible from implementing energy efficiency programs and policies. Energy efficiency initiatives offer diverse benefits at a relatively low cost but are greatly underutilized. Despite evidence that clearly shows there is potential for all states in America to become more energy efficient, there is no national energy efficiency standard or policy. If the United States implements nationwide energy efficiency measures, there can be a range of benefits and savings by 2020 through a variety of sectors.

Renewable Energy Potential Renewable Energy Potential (REP) is the estimated annual generating capacity of renewable energy technologies that can be provided for a given region. Proceed directly to page 18 of this report for an outline of Oregon's Renewable Energy Potential. The NAACP is committed to advancing sources of renewable energy that have been proven to be clean and contribute minimal harm to our communities and environment. These specific types of renewable energy include solar, wind, and geothermal energy. Renewable energy potential in the United States should be compared to current energy trends. Most of the electricity in the U.S. is generated using fossil fuels, about 65%. In 2016, natural gas was the largest energy source, followed by coal. Nuclear energy produces about 20% of electricity. Renewable energy is the smallest proportion, providing only about 15% of electricity in the United States in 2016. Less than 10% of electricity was produced from non-hydroelectric renewable energy sources.

17

Source: energy.utah.gov

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BENEFITS OF ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND RENEWABLE ENERGY

There are countless benefits that accompany the potential for energy efficiency and clean renewable energy in the United States. These technologies are transforming the energy industry and providing more opportunities for communities of color to become leaders in a sector where there has been scarce participation to date. Energy efficiency and clean renewable energy benefits are both macro and micro -- they bolster and sustain our domestic economy while also strengthening local communities, households, and businesses. Energy efficiency produces a host of diverse benefits. Better building materials associated with energy efficiency generate health benefits by improving indoor air quality and creating safeguards for respiratory illnesses. The energy savings that result from efficiency measures reduce emissions, improve community resilience, and help alleviate disproportionate energy burdens.The energy efficiency sector is also a job-intensive field, making up the largest sector of the U.S. clean energy economy and employing nearly 1.9 million people nationwide.

18 With that said, energy efficiency also tends to be less diverse than the rest of

the workforce-- African Americans make up only 8% of energy efficiency jobs compared to 12% national workforce averages.

19

Clean renewable energy benefits similarly increase community savings in the long-term and they offer a tremendous opportunity to develop assets within communities that can be leveraged for more economic and social benefits. The renewable energy sector is creating jobs twelve-times faster than the rest of the U.S. economy. In recent years, jobs in solar and wind have increased at a rate of about 20% annually.

20

In fact, economic modelling demonstrates that investments in renewable energy and energy efficiency create significantly more jobs than the equivalent investments in fossil fuels ($1 million spending produces 7.49 FTE jobs in renewables, 7.72 FTE jobs in energy efficiency, and 2.65 FTE jobs in fossil fuels).

21 In 2016 solar power employed more than coal, gas, and oil combined.

22

Energy Efficiency and Clean Renewable Energy Benefits:

Stabilizes and bolsters communities of color through

economic and job training opportunities.

Reverses historically exclusionary nature of energy sector.

Energy Efficiency

Enterprise and Job Potential

Household and Consumer

Savings

Worker Productivity

Health

Clean Renewable

Energy

Enterprise and Job Potential

Community Savings

Asset Development

Models

Community Development

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RECOMMENDED ENERGY POLICY STANDARDS

The NAACP has established recommendations for Renewable Portfolio Standards, Energy Efficiency Resource Standards, and Net Metering Standards to provide guidelines for state energy policies. Based on sector analysis, these standards are attainable. If adopted nationwide, these policies will protect the well-being of communities as well as help to prevent climate change. Also, as part of its economic equity and justice agenda, the NAACP advocates for strong Local Hire and Minority Business Enterprise provisions to better support economic opportunities for African American entrepreneurs, businesses, and communities in the energy sector.


A Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) requires electric utility companies and other retail electric providers to supply a specific minimum amount of customer load with electricity from eligible renewable energy sources.

Recommended Standard Minimally 25% renewable by 2025

Mandatory/Voluntary Mandatory

Allowable Sources Definition includes renewable electric energy sources, which naturally replenish over a human, rather than geological, period. The clean energy sources the NAACP supports are wind, solar, and geothermal.

Energy Efficiency Resource Standards Energy Efficiency Resource Standards (EERS) establish a requirement for utility companies to meet annual and cumulative energy savings targets through a portfolio of energy efficiency programs.

Recommended Standard Minimally 2% annual reduction of previous year retail electricity sales



Net Metering Standards require electric utility companies to provide retail credit for net renewable energy produced by a consumer.

Capacity Limit Recommendation Per System: 2,000 kW (minimally)


Allowable Sources Definition includes renewable electric energy sources, which naturally replenish over a human, rather than geological, period. The sources the NAACP supports are wind, solar, and geothermal.

Source: votesolar.org

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Recent studies indicate that when combined with energy efficiency measures,

the typical residential solar array would be able to generate more than half of a

typical low-income household's energy needs.

Local Hire

Local Hire is a goal or requirement to hire people who live near their place of work. States achieve this

goal by requiring contractors with publicly funded projects to recruit a specified proportion of local

residents as workers on the project. The practice ensures that tax dollars are invested back into the local

economy, reduces the environmental impact of commuting, fosters community involvement, and

preserves local employment opportunities in construction.

Components of Provision

Extra renewable energy credit multipliers for in-state

Installation and in-state manufactured content;

Renewable energy credits for a utility providing incentives

to build a plant in-state;

Renewable energy credits for a utility that makes an

investment in a plant located in-state;

Quota for government assisted construction project

employers to hire a percentage of workers locally;

Bidding preferences for companies that hire a percentage

of their employees in-state for state-funded public works

projects and service contracts.


A Minority Business Enterprise is a business that is at least 51% owned, operated, and controlled on a

daily basis by people who identify with specific ethnic minority classifications, including African American,

Asian American, Hispanic American, and Native American. MBEs can be self-identified, but are typically

certified by a city, state, or federal agency. The predominant certifier for minority businesses is the

National Minority Supplier Development Council. Often publically funded projects set a requirement or

goal to source MBEs as suppliers.

Components of Provision/Certification

The MBE certification process is administered at the state level and may include the following:

Provide training opportunities;

Notify MBEs of state business opportunities;

Set-aside funds for MBEs.

This provision establishes requirements for a certain percentage of the dollar amount spent on

construction, professional services, materials, supplies, equipment, alteration, repair, or improvement by a

state governmental entity to go toward MBEs.

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SUMMARY OF FINDINGS In studying the Renewable Portfolio Standards of the 50 states, we found the following:

28 states, plus the District of Columbia have Mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standards, while 10 states have Voluntary Renewable Energy Portfolio Goals.

o The states with mandatory standards include: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Iowa, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

o Out of these 29 states and the District of Columbia, the states that meet or exceed the NAACP recommended standard of 25% by 2025 are: California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Minnesota, Nevada, New York, and Oregon.

The states that have Voluntary Renewable Portfolio Goals are: Alaska, Indiana, Kansas, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, and West Virginia.

Each state could tighten up on their definitions of renewable energy to comply with the NAACP recommended energy sources which are wind, solar, and geothermal, as all state RPS’s include sources that are potentially harmful.

In examining the Energy EfficiencyResource Standards of the 50 states, we found the following:

Eighteen states have Mandatory Energy Efficiency Resource Standards, and 8 states have Voluntary Energy Efficiency Resource Standards.

o The states with mandatory goals are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Washington, and Wisconsin.

o The states with Voluntary Energy Efficiency Resource Goals are: Arkansas, Delaware, Maine, Missouri, Oregon, Texas, Vermont, and Virginia.

The state standards that are comparable to the NAACP Recommended Standard of 2% annual reduction of previous year retail electricity sales are: Arizona, Delaware, Illinois, Indiana, Massachusetts, New York, and Vermont.

In reviewing the Net Metering Standards of the 50 states, we found the following:

Net Metering Standards are the most pervasive standards in the United States with 43 states plus the District of Columbia having Mandatory Net Metering Standards, while 3 states have Voluntary Net Metering Goals.

o The states with Net Metering Standards are: Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.

The states with Voluntary Net Metering Goals are: Idaho, South Carolina, and Texas. States that meet or exceed the NAACP recommended standard for Net Metering with a maximum

of 2,000 kW or more are: Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Utah, Vermont, and West Virginia.

In investigating the economic opportunity provisions for local workers and MBEs in energy policies for the 50 states, we found the following:

Only 9 states had explicit Local Hire provisions within the Renewable Portfolio Standards, Energy Efficiency Resource Standards, and Net Metering Standards.

o The states with Local Hire Provisions are: Arizona, California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, and Montana.

There were no states with Minority Business Enterprise provisions specific to energy policies.

Nationwide data and analysis current as of June 2016

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OREGON

ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND

RENEWABLE ENERGY POLICY

PROFILE

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Economic Opportunities

Local Hire Provision: Yes The Clean Energy Works Oregon High Roads Agreement helps residential homeowners save energy, lower utility bills, improve home comfort, and reduce carbon pollution. Approximately 80% of the 1,300 jobs created by this program will be from local communities (CITE).

MBE Provision/Certification: Yes Business Oregon certifies MBEs for contracting opportunities with city, county, state, and special jurisdictions.

43%

34%

13%

6%

3% 1%

Oregon Electricty Mix

Hydroelectric

Coal

Natural Gas

Wind

Nuclear

Other

SB 1547 (2016) mandated the complete phase-out of coal-fired power from Oregon's electricity mix by 2030.

OREGON

Renewable Portfolio Standards Policy Name and Date Senate Bill 1547, 10 March 2016

Standard Large investor-owned utilities: 50% renewable by 2040 Large consumer-owned utilities: 25% renewable by 2025 Small utilities: 10% renewable by 2025 Smallest utilities: 5% renewable by 2025


Allowable Sources Solar Thermal Electric, Solar PV, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Geothermal Electric, Municipal Solid Waste, Hydrogen, Anaerobic Digestion, Tidal Energy, Wave Energy, Ocean Thermal

Energy Efficiency Resource Standards Policy Name and Date Energy Trust of Oregon Strategic Plan, December 18, 2009

Standard

Electricity: annual reduction of 1.4% through 2019 Natural Gas: annual reduction of 0.7% in 2015-2019

Mandatory/Voluntary Voluntary (goal achievement requires funding increases from 2009 levels)

Net Metering Standards Capacity Limit Per System: 2,000 kW for non-residential & 25 kW for residential PGE and PacifiCorp customers; 25 kW for muni, co-op and PUD customers; no limits specified for Ashland customers. Entire State: No limit specified for PGE and PacifiCorp; 0.5% of utility's historic single-hour peak load for munis, co-ops, PUDs Mandatory/Voluntary Mandatory

Allowable Sources Solar Thermal Electric, Solar PV, Landfill Gas, Wind, Biomass, Hydroelectric, Fuel Cells, Anaerobic Digestion, Small Hydroelectric, Fuel Cells using Renewable Fuels

Oregon at a Glance:




2012-2014 Oregon electricity resource mix data courtesy of the Oregon Department of Energy.

One in fifty jobs added in the US in 2016 was created

by the solar industry. In the same year, Oregon

experienced a 50% solar jobs growth and ranked fourth

in the nation for green jobs per capita.

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A REVIEW OF OREGON’S STATE POLICIES


With the passage of Senate Bill 1547 in 2016, Oregon increased its mandatory renewable portfolio standard to 50% by 2040. Targets depend on utility’s type: 50% by 2040 for large investor-owned utilities, 25% by 2025 for large consumer-owned utilities, 10% by 2025 for small utilities, and 5% by 2025 for the smallest utilities. Oregon should require that all utilities and retail electric providers supply minimally, 25% of electricity with renewable energy sources by 2025, with a focus on solar, wind, and geothermal as allowable sources.


Oregon has a limited energy efficiency resource standard. Oregon’s EERS draft set voluntary targets at 1.4% annual reduction for electricity through 2019. Natural gas targets for 2015-2019 are 0.7% of forecasted sales. Energy efficiency targets have not been legislated but are managed through The Energy Trust of Oregon. The state of Oregon must establish a mandatory minimum 2% annual reduction target each year compared to each previous year’s retail electricity sales, in order to lead the country for energy-efficiency.


Oregon has mandatory net metering standards. System capacity limits are up to 2,000 kW for non-residential and 25 kW for residential Pacific Gas & Electric (PGE), People’s Utility District (PUD), and PacifiCorp customers, as well as for municipal utilities and co-op, customers. Overall state limits are not specified for PGE and PacifiCorp, but are 0.5% of a utility's historic single-hour peak load for municipal utilities, co-ops, PUDs. Setting a straightforward policy that establishes system capacity limits of least up to 2,000 kW would provide more flexibility and incentive for the production of renewable energy generated in the state, and would help individual consumers and small businesses to affordably access clean energy resources.

Local Hire

Oregon has a limited Local Hire Provision. Clean Energy Works Oregon

has a pilot High Roads Standards agreement, which created over 1,000

“high quality, family supporting” jobs in Portland and its surrounding

communities, with nearly half of the hours worked by people of color.

Nevertheless, the state should expand and institutionalize such programs,

creating local jobs in the energy sector statewide.


Business Oregon certifies MBEs, including women-owned businesses, for opportunities within the state. To improve its MBE model, however, Oregon must offer training opportunities to spur MBE effectiveness, establish a proactive notification system beyond a directory of MBEs, and set aside funds to ensure that the state’s MBEs have dedicated access to a share of the state’s procurements. State policymakers must take action to strengthen the state MBE program, so that the certification is taken seriously and provides a meaningful pathway to expanded participation and success of minority owned businesses in Oregon’s economy.

Source: suncommon.com

Community Solar

There are many physical and

financial barriers to current

renewable energy options such as

residential rooftop solar. When

designed well, community solar

programs expand access to locally

generated renewable energy by

allowing customers to subscribe to

an offsite solar project and earn

credit on their utility bills for their

portion of the clean power produced.

SB 1547 (2016) mandated the

creation of community solar

programs in Oregon. The bill

requires 10% of community solar

projects to benefit low-income

families. The Oregon Public Utility

Commission is required to adopt

rules implementing the project no

later than 1 July 2017. It is of crucial

importance that the program is

designed to be accessible and

broadens the reach of the benefits of

renewable energy to those who have

been so-far been left behind, without

cutting back on programs that

otherwise benefit these same

communities.

P a g e | 18

Clean Energy Potential in Oregon

Oregon outpaces most states in terms of renewable energy generation, making it a national leader. At the same time, there is great potential for renewable energy expansion in Oregon. The data outlined below is based off of analysis completed and published by the National Renewable Energy Lab.

Solar: Oregon has urban utility-scale PV potential of 25,783 GWh (46.7% of total net generation), rural utility-scale PV potential of 3,740,479 GWh (over 100% of total net generation), rooftop PV potential is 8,323 GWh (15% of total net generation) and concentrated solar power potential is 2,812,126 GWh (over 100% of total net generation).

Wind: Onshore wind power potential is 68,767 GWh (over 100% of total net generation) and offshore wind power potential is 962,723 GWh (over 100% of total net generation).

Geothermal: The potential for hydrothermal power potential is 18,200 GWh (33% of total net generation) and enhanced geothermal systems potential is 914,105 GWh (over 100% of total net generation).

23 Oregon is

ranked third in the nation for states with the most geothermal potential.24

P a g e | 19

INCENTIVES IN OREGON

In addition to regulating emissions and implementing policies that promote renewable energy generation

and consumption, states can also offer incentives to encourage energy efficiency and renewable energy

use. While this report seeks to highlight the many incentive programs that exist from state, utility, local,

and non-governmental entities, the NAACP also calls on these bodies to increase the accessibility of

incentives. Low and moderate income families make up 40% of the U.S. populations, but only 5% of

rooftop solar owners (the most common form of distributed energy generation).25

The barriers that

produce this disparity must be recognized and addressed, acknowledging that those who could benefit

the most from energy efficiency and renewable energy are usually given the least access.

Renters, for example, have fewer opportunities to take advantage of incentives that are primarily

designed for homeowners. Almost 10% of all residential energy is consumed by low-income renters

nationwide.26

In addition to reducing emissions, projections show that installation of basic energy

efficiency upgrades could bring significant bill-savings to these households (nearly four billion dollars

annually) and also stimulate local employment in this job-intensive industry.27

Where physical conditions

do not serve as barriers, financial limitations should also be accounted for in crafting incentives programs.

Most rebates and tax incentives require consumers to be able to afford up-front costs of efficiency

upgrades or energy installations. Loan programs are often exclusionary. Even direct subsidy programs

are often underutilized for reasons that include lack of community outreach or accessibility of

information.28

In order to bring energy efficient homes to the communities that stand to benefit the most, incentives must

be crafted to be inclusive and accessible. To be meaningful and effective, incentives should create

pathways for broad participation in the green economy, not just function as tax breaks for the wealthy.

Policymakers should also consider the limitations of incentives in crafting creative policy solutions to

facilitate the just transition to an inclusive and renewable energy future our communities need.

The following table outlines the existing clean energy and energy efficiency incentives that are currently

available in Oregon:

Type Incentive Description

Statewide Biomass Producer or

Collector Tax Credit

The Oregon Department of Energy provides a tax credit for agricultural producers or

collectors of biomass.

Commercial Energy

Efficiency Rebate for

Existing Buildings

Energy Trust of Oregon offers incentives for commercial, agricultural and institutional

customers of any of the state's investor owned utilities to increase the energy

efficiency of their existing buildings.

Clean Energy Works Oregon Clean Energy Works is a state loan program for energy efficiency improvements such

as duct/air sealing, building insulation, window upgrades, etc.

Commercial Scale Wind

Incentive Program

Energy Trust of Oregon’s Commercial Scale Wind offering provides resources and

cash incentives to help communities, businesses land owners, and government

entities install wind turbine systems up to 20 megawatts (MW) in capacity.

Community Renewable

Energy Feasibility Fund

Program

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) provides grants for feasibility studies for

renewable energy, heat, and fuel projects under the Community Renewable Energy

Feasibility Fund (CREFF).

Custom Renewable Energy Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives and project development assistance for

http://programs.dsireusa.org/system/program/detail/5050






https://energytrust.org/renewable-energy/wind/commercial/

https://energytrust.org/renewable-energy/wind/commercial/





P a g e | 20

Projects renewable energy projects that are 20 MW or less in capacity.

Energy Conservation Tax

Credits - Small Premium

Projects (Corporate)

The Oregon Department of Energy periodically releases Opportunity Announcements

for tax credits for corporate energy conservation projects with a total cost of less than

$20,000.


Credits - Competitively-

Selected Projects

(Corporate)


for tax credits for corporate energy conservation projects with a total cost of more than

$20,000.


Credits - Competitively-

Selected Projects (Personal)


for tax credits for personal energy conservation projects with a total cost of more than

$20,000.


Credits - Small Premium

Projects (Personal)


for personal energy conservation projects with a total cost of less than $20,000.

Home Energy Solutions for

Existing Homes

Energy Trust of Oregon offers a variety of incentives and services through their Home

Energy Solutions Program.

Industrial and Agricultural

Production Efficiency

Program

Energy Trust of Oregon offers the Industrial and Agricultural Production Efficiency

Program to customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and

Cascade Natural Gas.

Local Option - Local

Improvement Districts

Oregon has authorized the creation of "local improvement districts" where cities and

counties provide financing for the installation of renewable-energy systems and

energy-efficiency improvements to residential, commercial, industrial or other

qualifying real property.

Local Option - Rural

Renewable Energy

Development Zones

Cities, counties, or several contiguous counties in Oregon can set up Rural

Renewable Energy Development Zones. The zone can only cover territory outside of

the urban growth boundary of any large city or metropolitan area. Businesses must

meet certain employment and/or investment requirements to be eligible.

Multifamily Home Energy

Solutions Program

Energy Trust of Oregon offers owners of multi-family properties, with five or more

units, cash incentives for upgrades to windows, appliances, water heaters, building

envelope, heating and cooling, energy efficient lighting and more.

New Buildings Program Energy Trust of Oregon offers commercial businesses in Oregon a menu of services

and incentives for new building construction or major renovation projects that utilize

energy efficient equipment and design standards.

New Homes Incentive

Program

Energy Trust's New Homes Program offers builders cash incentives for energy

efficient measures included in new homes, where the measures exceed the building

code.

Renewable Energy

Development Grant Program

The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) offers competitive grants to renewable

energy projects as part of ODOE's Energy Incentives Program.

Renewable Energy Systems

Exemption

Oregon law states that any change in real market value to property due to the

installation of a qualifying renewable energy system is exempt from assessment of the

property’s value for property tax purposes.

Residential Energy Star

Appliance Rebate Program

Energy Trust of Oregon offers rebates for Energy Star refrigerators, freezers and

clothes washers to Oregon residential electric service customers of Portland General

Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power and to Oregon residential natural gas service



































P a g e | 21

customers of NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas.

Residential Energy Tax

Credit

Homeowners, renters and third-party owners who pay Oregon income taxes are

eligible for the Residential Energy Tax Credit if they purchase premium efficiency

heating systems, duct systems, premium efficiency biomass combustion devices,

closed-loop geothermal space or water heating systems, solar water and space

heating systems, photovoltaic systems, wind systems and fuel cells.

State Energy Loan Program The Oregon Small-Scale Energy Loan Program (SELP) - created in 1981 after voters

approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the sale of bonds to finance small-

scale, local energy projects - is administered by the Oregon Department of Energy.

Small Wind Incentive

Program

The Energy Trust of Oregon’s Small Wind Incentive Program provides resources and

cash incentives for customers of Portland General Electric and Pacific Power that are

installing turbines up to 50 kilowatts (kW).

Solar Electric Incentive

Program

Energy Trust of Oregon’s Solar Electric Incentive Program, launched in May 2003, is

available to customers of Pacific Power and PGE who install new photovoltaic (PV)

systems on new or existing homes, commercial and community buildings, farms, and

municipal facilities.

Solar Water Heating

Incentive Program

Energy Trust of Oregon's Solar Water Heating (SWH) Incentive Program offers

incentives to customers of Pacific Power, PGE, NW Natural Gas and Cascade Natural

Gas who install solar water or pool heating systems on their homes, office buildings,

community buildings, agricultural, and municipal facilities.

State Energy Loan Program

The Oregon State Energy Loan Program (SELP) was created in 1981 after voters

approved a constitutional amendment authorizing the sale of bonds to finance small-

scale, local energy projects and is administered by the Oregon Department of Energy.

The sale of bonds is made on a periodic basis and, occasionally, may be done to

accommodate a particularly large loan request.

State Home Oil

Weatherization (SHOW)

Program

Oregon homeowners and renters who heat with oil, wood, propane, kerosene, or

butane are eligible for home weatherization rebates of up to $500.

Utility Scale Solar Incentive

Program

HB 4037 of 2016 created the Solar Incentive Program for utility-scale solar

development. The bill directs Oregon's Business Development Department (the

Department) to establish and administer a program to provide a production incentive

to solar developers, and establishes the Solar Incentivization Fund to provide the

incentives.

Utility-

Specific

Ashland Electric Utility -

Bright Way to Heat Water

Rebate

The Bright Way to Heat Water Program offers homeowners who use electric water

heaters cash rebates.


Commercial Conservation

Loan Program

City of Ashland Conservation District has no-interest loans to help commercial

customers finance energy efficiency improvements in facilities.


Photovoltaic Rebate

Program

The City of Ashland Conservation Division offers electric customers installing

photovoltaic systems a rebate of either $0.75 per watt (residential) or $1.00 per watt

(commercial), up to a maximum of $7,500 per system.


Residential Conservation

Rebate Program

The City of Ashland Conservation Division offers incentives to residential customers

for buying and installing energy efficient appliances, insulation and equipment.

Customers can also choose to receive a zero-interest loan to purchase equipment in

lieu of a rebate. Detailed rebate information is available on rebate applications or by








https://energytrust.org/renewable-energy/solar/residential/

https://energytrust.org/renewable-energy/solar/residential/



















P a g e | 22

contacting the Conservation Division.


Residential Energy

Efficiency Loan Program

City of Ashland Conservation Division has no-interest loans to help its residential

customers finance energy efficiency improvements to homes.


Residential Energy

Efficiency Rebate Programs

The City of Ashland Conservation District offers a wide variety of incentives for

residential customers to increase the energy efficiency of eligible homes, or build new

homes that meet efficient design standards.


Solar Water Heater Loan

The City of Ashland Conservation Division offers a solar water heating program to

residential electric customers who currently use an electric water heater. Under this

program, qualified home owners may take advantage of the City's zero-interest loan

program or a cash rebate up to $1,000. Interested customers are provided site

evaluations, consumer education, information about available solar systems, and

names of qualified contractors.

Central Electric Cooperative

- Residential Energy


The Central Electric Cooperative (CEC) offers a variety of financial incentives to

promote energy efficiency among residential members.

Central Lincoln People's

Utility District - Residential

Energy Efficiency Rebate

Programs

Central Lincoln People's Municipal Utility District (CLPUD) offers a variety of energy

efficiency programs for residential customers to save energy in eligible homes.

Central Lincoln People's

Utility District - Renewable

Energy Incentive Program

Central Lincoln People's Utility District provides financial incentives for its commercial

and residential customers to install photovoltaic (PV), solar water heating, wind, and

hydroelectric systems on their property.

Columbia River PUD -

Commercial Energy


Columbia River PUD offers a variety of rebates to commercial and industrial

customers who make energy saving improvements to facilities.

Columbia River PUD -

Residential Energy


Columbia River PUD offers a variety of rebates to residential customers for making

energy efficient improvements to electrically heated homes.

Consumers Power, Inc. -

New Homes Energy

Efficiency Program

Consumer's Power, Inc. (CPI) offers a $1,500 incentive for homes that attain

Northwest Energy Star Certification.


Residential Energy

Efficiency Rebate Program

Consumers Power Inc. offers rebates to its residential members for a wide variety of

energy efficient products and measures.


Solar Energy System Rebate

Consumers Power, Inc. (CPI) offers rebates to its residential customers who install

solar water heating systems or solar photovoltaic (PV) systems from October 1, 2012

to September 30, 2013.

Douglas Electric Cooperative



Douglas Electric Cooperative offers rebates to its members for the purchase of energy

efficient products and measures.

Douglas Electric Cooperative


Efficiency Loans

Douglas Electric Cooperative offers financing for heat pumps and weatherization.

Emerald PUD - Residential Emerald People's Utility District (EPUD) has two different loan programs to help








































P a g e | 23

Energy Efficiency Loan

Programs

residential customers improve the energy efficiency of their homes.

Emerald PUD - Commercial

and Industrial Energy


Emerald People's Utility District (EPUD) offers financial incentives for commercial

customers to increase the energy efficiency of their facilities.

Emerald PUD - Residential


Program

Emerald People's Utility District (EPUD) offers several incentives for its residential

customers to increase the energy efficiency of homes.

Emerald PUD - Solar Electric

Program

Emerald People's Utility District offers incentives to customers installing a qualified

solar photovoltaic (PV) system. Systems must be 25 kW or smaller to qualify.

Systems must be pre-approved by Emerald PUD for grid interconnection and net

metering, must meet the acceptable solar resource requirement, and must be installed

by an approved solar contractor.

EWEB - Residential Energy

Efficiency Loan Programs

Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) assists residential customers in financing

energy efficiency improvements through a variety of loan programs.

EWEB - Residential Solar

Water Heating Loan

Program

Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB) offers residential customers a loan and cash

discount program called, "The Bright Way To Heat Water."

EWEB - Existing Facilities


Program

Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) offers an extensive list of energy efficiency

rebates for existing facilities that apply to both specific equipment, as well as

customized rebates for more comprehensive facility improvements.

EWEB - Residential Energy


Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) provides cash incentives to help residential

customers increase the energy efficiency of homes through several different rebate

programs.

EWEB - New Facilities


Program

Eugene Water and Electric Board (EWEB) provides design assistance and rebate

incentives for new construction and major renovation projects.

EWEB - Solar Electric

Program (Rebate)

The Eugene Water & Electric Board's (EWEB) Solar Electric Program offers financial

incentives for residential and commercial customers who generate electricity using

solar photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Forest Grove Light & Power -


Programs

Forest Grove Light & Power offers a variety of rebates through Conservation Services

Department.

Idaho Power - Commercial

Custom Efficiency Program

Large commercial and industrial Idaho Power customers that reduce energy usage

through more efficient electrical commercial and industrial processes may qualify for

an incentive that is the lesser of either 12 cents per kilowatt-hour (kWh) saved per

year or 70% of the project cost.

Idaho Power - Easy

Upgrades for Simple

Retrofits Rebate Program

Idaho Power offers incentives for its commercial and industrial customers in Idaho and

Oregon to upgrade to more efficient equipment in their facilities.

Idaho Power - Irrigation

Efficiency Rewards Program

Through Idaho Power's Irrigation Efficiency Rewards Program, agricultural irrigation

customers qualify to receive an incentive for a portion of the cost to install a new,

more efficient irrigation system or to make energy efficient improvements to an

existing one.

Idaho Power - New Building Idaho Power offers incentives for its commercial and industrial customers in Idaho and














http://dsireusa.org/incentives/incentive.cfm?Incentive_Code=OR103F&re=0&ee=0





















P a g e | 24

Efficiency Program Oregon to install new equipment above code in participating facilities.

Idaho Power - Residential


Programs

Idaho Power offers a variety of incentives for the installation of energy efficient

appliances and heating and cooling systems for residential customers living in both

Oregon and Idaho.

Lane Electric Cooperative -

Manufactured Homes

Rebate Program

Lane Electric Cooperative offers its customers an incentive for buying a new,

EnergyStar manufactured permanent residence home within the service area.

Lane Electric Cooperative

Residential Energy

Efficiency Loan Programs

Lane Electric provides 0% loans to residents for the installation of efficient heat pumps

and weatherization measures through the Home Energy Loan Program.


Residential and Commercial

Weatherization & Energy

Efficiency Program

Lane Electric Cooperative offers energy efficient Weatherization Grant Programs to

Lane Electric residential and commercial members: a residential cash grant for 25% of

measure costs up to $1,000, and a commercial direct fund payment for 50% of total

measure costs up to $2,500.


Residential Efficiency

Rebate Program

Lane Electric Cooperative provides rebates for clothes washers, duct sealing

measures, heat pumps, and newly constructed Energy Star Homes.

McMinnville Water & Light -

Commercial Energy


McMinnville Water and Light Company offers a variety of rebates for commercial and

industrial customers to make energy efficient improvements to eligible facilities.


Conservation Service Loan

Program

McMinnville Water & Light (MWL) offers financing to residential and commercial

customers to make energy efficient improvements to eligible facilities and homes.


Residential Energy


McMinnville Water and Light (MWL) offers rebates on energy efficient homes,

appliances and equipment to residential customers.

Midstate Electric

Cooperative - Commercial

and Industrial Energy


Midstate Electric Cooperative (MEC) encourages energy efficiency in the commercial

and industrial sectors by giving customers a choice of several different financial

incentive programs.

Midstate Electric

Cooperative - Residential

Conservation Rebates

Midstate Electric Cooperative offers its residential customers a variety of cash rebates

for energy efficient improvements and new energy efficient homes.

Monmouth Power & Light -

Residential Energy

Efficiency Program

Monmouth Power & Light offers a wide range of energy efficiency rebates that

encourage residential customers to save energy in their homes.

OTEC - Residential Energy


Oregon Trail Electric Cooperative (OTEC) assists residential members in reducing

electric consumption by providing rebates for energy efficient equipment.

OTEC - Commercial Lighting

Retrofit Rebate Program

The Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative (OTEC) offers a commercial

lighting retrofit program that provides rebates for commercial businesses that change

existing lighting to more energy efficient lighting.

OTEC - Agricultural Energy


Oregon Trail Electric Consumers Cooperative (OTEC) offers two programs to

agricultural customers. The first offers rebates for energy and water saving irrigation

systems. The second offers rebates for installing an electric-free stock watering tank.










































P a g e | 25

Pacific Power - Blue Sky

Community Project Funds

Pacific Power's Blue Sky program is a voluntary program for customers to support

renewable energy. A portion of the voluntary payments through the program is used to

fund new community-based renewable energy projects within Pacific Power's service

territory.

PGE Renewable General

Electric - Heat Pump Rebate

Program

Portland General Electric Company (PGE) offers its customers a voluntary renewable

power option. A portion of the customer payments for renewable power are used to

seed the Renewable Development Fund, which provides financial support for local

renewable power projects.

Portland General Electric -

Heat Pump Rebate Program

Portland General Electric's (PGE) Heat Pump Rebate Program offers residential

customers a $200 rebate for an energy efficient heat pump installed to PGE’s

standards by a PGE-approved contractor.

Salem Electric - Photovoltaic

Rebate Program

Salem Electric offers a rebate to residential customers who install solar photovoltaic

(PV) systems.

Salem Electric - Solar Water

Heater Rebate

Salem Electric residential customers with electric water heating are eligible for a $600

rebate through Salem's Bright Way program.

Salem Electric - Residential,

Commercial, and Industrial


Salem Electric provides incentives for members to increase the energy efficiency of

eligible homes and facilities.

Springfield Utility Board -

Commercial Lighting

Incentive

The Springfield Utility Board (SUB) offers rebates for a wide range of commercial and

industrial lighting retrofits and new construction.


Residential Energy


The Springfield Utility Board offers qualifying customers a 0% loan for the purchase of

qualifying energy efficient heat pumps, insulation upgrades, duct sealing, and energy

efficient windows.


Energy Savings Plan

Program

The Springfield Utility Board provides industrial customers with a comprehensive

report to identify cost effective efficiency improvements.


Residential Energy


Springfield Utility Board (SUB) offers a rebate program targeting heat pumps,

weatherization measures and various household appliances to its residential

customers.

Tillamook County PUD -

Residential Energy


Tillamook PUD offers residential customers a variety of rebates and loans to make

energy efficiency improvements to participating homes.


Dairy Lighting Retrofit

Rebate Program

Tillamook PUD offers the Dairy Lighting Retrofit Program for its agricultural members

to save energy on lighting in eligible barns/facilities.


Residential Energy


The Tillamook County Public Utility District (PUD) offers residential customers

standard rebates on efficient appliances, weatherization measures, and HVAC

measures.

Local City of Ashland - Green

Building Incentive

Developers in Ashland may increase the base density of units in residential

developments by incorporating energy efficiency, architectural creativity and

innovation, and the use of natural features of the landscape.

Incentives catalogued according to the Database of State Initiatives for Renewables and Efficiency






































P a g e | 26

CONCLUSION

State and local policy makers serve an important role in advancing the clean energy transition we need to

protect the health of our communities, correct for generations-old economic inequality, and sustain our

environment. Oregon is recognized as a national leader in passing progressive clean energy policies. As

advocates for environmental and climate justice, the NAACP applauds this leadership but we are also

committed to ensuring that the benefits of clean energy are felt by all—especially those who have borne

the brunt of the fossil fuel economy and are most directly impacted by climate change. When crafting

ambitious energy goals, we must ensure that equity remains at the center. In order to do so, communities

of color and other frontline communities must be in the lead.

From 2012 to 2014, a majority of Oregon’s total electricity consumption was generated from non-

renewable resources. Considering the significant potential to increase energy efficiency and generate

energy in a clean, renewable manner, Oregon must reduce its dependence on dirty energy. Moving

forward, Oregon must raise its mandatory Renewable Portfolio Standard for all utilities across the size

spectrum to a new, aggressive level and refine its list of allowable sources to focus on the development of

the state’s immense solar, wind, and geothermal energy potential as the cleanest possible sources.

In 2016 Oregon ranked seventh in the nation for energy efficiency, down three spots from the previous

year.29 Oregon has long ranked among the top states in the nation for energy efficiency initiatives, but as

more states recognize the diverse benefits of these measures, Oregon's rankings have dropped. Oregon

needs to improve existing programs and find innovative ways to expand the reach of efficiency efforts.

The state lacks a mandatory energy efficiency resource standard, and voluntary standards were modest

and inadequately funded. The state of Oregon must therefore set a mandatory annual target of at least

2% reduction in electricity use over each previous year’s retail electricity sales for all utility providers and

establish a stronger commitment to delivering the benefits of energy efficiency to all.

Oregon has good net metering policies that support distributed energy generation, but the state should

simplify its current net metering standard to allow all systems up to 2,000 kW in capacity, at a minimum,

to sell energy back to utility providers. Raising capacity limits across the board to at least 2,000 kW and

raising or eliminating the current statewide 0.5% cap will spur additional clean energy development, with

proven health, environmental, and economic benefits.

Oregon has an extensive list of statewide, utility specific, and locally administered energy modernization

incentives. With that said, current incentives are insufficient in their reach. Oregon needs to offer

incentives that are more accessible to communities of color and low to moderate income households that

have not benefited equally. In addition, establishing an energy efficiency standard, maintaining ambitious

renewable portfolio standards, and strengthening the net metering policy will further catalyze just and

sustainable energy development in Oregon.

To couple clean energy development with economic justice aims, Oregon can enhance its current hiring,

procurement, and contracting policies. Oregon must expand its limited local hire provision and develop

other innovative ways to pair climate and economic justice in order to build more sustainable and resilient

local communities. Moreover, while Business Oregon certifies MBEs including women-owned businesses,

for opportunities within the state, Oregon must improve its MBE model by offering formal training

opportunities to spur MBE effectiveness, establishing a proactive notification system beyond a directory of

MBEs, and set aside funds to ensure that the state’s MBEs are the ultimate recipients of a share of

state’s procurements.

P a g e | 27

Oregon has tremendous potential to meet the NAACP’s recommended standards while increasing job

opportunities and energy affordability for its residents. More aggressively tapping into its vast renewable

energy sources like wind, solar, and geothermal will help Oregon become a more resilient state.

Additionally, Oregon should expand on its current hiring and procurement policies to strengthen local

economies and ensure that residents benefit from energy efficiency and renewable energy expansions.

NAACP leaders in the state of Oregon are committed to ensuring that the transition to a clean energy

economy centers equity and positions communities of color in the lead and will continue to hold public

officials accountable to doing the same. We intend to monitor the implementation of the growing green

energy economy within our communities in order to ensure that communities of color and low income

communities are given access to the many benefits that renewable energy and energy efficiency provide.

We are confident that in Oregon we can build an equitable green economy, with renewable energy and

energy efficiency for all.

Corvallis-Albany Area Branch

General Meeting: 2nd Thursday of each month 7:00pm 101 NW 23rd Street, Corvallis, OR 97330 at Westminster House

Eugene-Springfield Branch

General Meeting: 3rd Wednesdays of each month 5:30-7:00 pm 330 High Street, Eugene, OR 97401 in the historic Mims House

Portland Branch

General Meeting: 4th Saturday of each month 12:00- 2:00pm 2811 NE Holman St, Portland, OR 97211 at Concordia University, Luther Hall

Salem-Keizer Branch

General Meeting: 1st Monday of each month 6:00 pm Chemeketa Community College Building 3, Room 118

ENDNOTES

1 Margaret Sheehan, Samantha Chirillo, Josh Schlossber, William Sammons, Matt Leonard, "Biomass

Electricity: Clean Energy Subsidies for a Dirty Industry," Energy Justice Network Biomass Accountability Project, Jun 2011, http://www.pfpi.net/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/BAP-Biomass-Projects-Report.pdf.

2 Mary Alldred and Kristin Shrader-Frechette, "Environmental Injustice in Siting Nuclear Power Plants,"

University of Norte Dame 2, 2 (2009), http://www3.nd.edu/~kshrader/pubs/final-pdf-ej-nuke-siting-wi-Alldred_08-0544.pdf.

3 Joseph E. Lowery, Yvonne Scruggs-Leftwich, Connie Tucker, Angela Ledford, "Air of Injustice," Energy

Justice Network, October 2002, http://www.energyjustice.net/files/coal/Air_of_Injustice.pdf. 4 "State of the Air 2017," American Lung Association, 2017, http://www.lung.org/our-initiatives/healthy-air/sota/.

5 http://www.energyjustice.net/files/coal/Air_of_Injustice.pdf.

6 "What is U.S. electricity generation by energy source?," U.S. Energy Information Administration, 18 April

2017, https://www.eia.gov/tools/faqs/faq.php?id=427&t=3. 7 http://www.energyjustice.net/files/coal/Air_of_Injustice.pdf.

8 Basav Sen, "How States Can Boost Renewables, With Benefits For All: Renewable Portfolio Standards and

Distributed Solar Access for Low-Income Households," Institute for Policy Studies, April 2017, http://www.ips-dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/RPS-Report.pdf.

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9 "Energy, Economics, and the Environment: Effects on African American," American Association of Blacks in

Energy, February 2004, http://www.aabe.org/docs/whitepapers/docs/1-State-of-Energy-in-Black-America-Report.pdf.

10 Jacqueline Patterson, Marcus Franklin, Caroline Kurtz, Mike Alksnis, Lorah Steichen, Chiquita Younger,

"Lights Out In the Cold: Reforming Shut-Off Policies as if Human Rights Matter," NAACP Environmental and Climate Justice Program, March 2017, http://www.naacp.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/Lights-Out-in-the-Cold_NAACP-ECJP-4.pdf.

11 Ariel Drehobl and Lauren Ross, "Lifting the High Energy Burden in America's Largest Cities: How Energy

Efficiency Can Improve Low Income and Underserved Communities," American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, April 2016, http://aceee.org/sites/default/files/publications/researchreports/u1602.pdf.

12 Basav Sen, "Report: How States Can Boost Renewables with Benefits for All," Institute for Policy Studies, 24

April 2017, https://www.ips-dc.org/report-how-states-can-boost-renewables-with-benefits-for-all/. 13

http://aceee.org/sites/default/files/publications/researchreports/u1602.pdf 14

"Demographic Trends and Economic Well-Being," Pew Research Center, 27 June 2016, http://www.pewsocialtrends.org/2016/06/27/1-demographic-trends-and-economic-well-being/.

15 http://www.ips-dc.org/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/RPS-Report.pdf

16 Gillian B. White, "In D.C., White Families Are on Average 81 Times Richer Than Black Ones," The Atlantic,

26 November 2016, https://www.theatlantic.com/business/archive/2016/11/racial-wealth-gap-dc/508631/.

17 "Electricity Explained: Electricity in the United States," U.S. Energy Information Administration, 10 May 2017,

https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/index.cfm?page=electricity_in_the_united_states. 18

Sarah Lehmann et al., "Energy Efficiency Jobs in America," Environmental Entrepreneurs, December 2016, https://www.e2.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/12/EnergyEfficiencyJobsInAmerica_FINAL.pdf.

19 "U.S. Energy and Employment Report," U.S. Department of Energy, January 2017,

https://energy.gov/sites/prod/files/2017/01/f34/2017%20US%20Energy%20and%20Jobs%20Report_0.pdf.

20 Eskedar Gessesse, Nathan Grady, Kalee Whitehouse, Jon Crowe, Liz Delany, Kate Hanley, Alex

Marchyshyn, & Natalie McKeon, "Now Hiring: The Growth of America's Clean Energy & Sustainability Jobs," Environmental Defense Fund, 2017, http://edfclimatecorps.org/sites/edfclimatecorps.org/files/the_growth_of_americas_clean_energy_and_sustainability_jobs.pdf.

21 Heidi Garrett-Peltier, "Green versus brown: Comparing the employment impacts of energy efficiency,

renewable energy, and fossil fuels using an input-output model," Economic Modeling, 61 (2017): 439-447.

22 May Bulman, "US solar power employs more people than oil, coal and gas combined, report shows,"

Independent, 23 January 2017, http://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/us-solar-power-employs-more-people-more-oil-coal-gas-combined-donald-trump-green-energy-fossil-fuels-a7541971.html.

23 Anthony Lopez, Billy Roberts, Donna Heimiller, Nate Blair, and Gian Porro. "U.S. Renewable Energy

Technical Potentials: A GIS Based Analysis, " National Renewable Energy Laboratory, July 2012, http://www.nrel.gov/docs/fy12osti/51946.pdf.

24 "Oregon State Profile and Energy Estimates," U.S. Energy Information Administration, 17 November 2016,

https://www.eia.gov/state/analysis.php?sid=OR. 25

Patrick, Sabol, "From Power to Empowerment: Plugging Low Income Communities Into The Clean Energy Economy," Groundswell, https://groundswell.org/frompower_to_empowerment_wp.pdf.

26 Ibid.

27 Ibid.

28 Ibid.

29 "State and Local Policy Database," American Council for an Energy-Efficient Economy, July 2016,

http://database.aceee.org/state/oregon.

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