ODOE Now Accepting Applications Through July 8 for Community Renewable Energy Grant Program In March, the Oregon Department of Energy announced four opportunity announcements for $12 million in grant funding through our Community Renewable Energy Grant Program. ODOE's online application portal is now live and accepting applications through July 8, 2022 Grant dollars are available to support planning and construction of renewable energy or energy resilience projects for Tribes, public bodies, and consumer-owned utilities. Four types of projects are eligible: planning a renewable energy project, planning a renewable energy project that also has a resilience component, construction of a renewable energy project, or construction of a renewable energy project with a resilience component. Eligible projects include renewable energy generation systems like solar or wind, and energy storage systems, electric vehicle charging stations, or microgrid technologies paired with new or existing renewable energy systems. Eligible applicants are encouraged to partner with community groups, non-profits, private businesses, and others on potential projects. Because the application portal is opening later than expected, ODOE has extended the deadline to July 8, 2022 (see complete application and review timeline on ODOE's website). In addition to the online application portal, ODOE has a checklist of information applicants will need to gather, a Q&A document summarizing questions we've received from potential applicants and our responses, and a list of other resources applicants may find helpful. Interested applicants are also invited to attend a webinar on May 25 at 9 a.m. for more information and an opportunity to ask questions. Please register online to attend. Learn more about the program and access additional materials on ODOE's website: https://www.oregon.gov/energy/Incentives/Pages/CREP.aspx
Program Background
The Community Renewable Energy Grant Program was created by the Oregon Legislature in 2021 to support projects outside Portland city limits, with a total budget of $50 million. ODOE will make additional rounds of funding available through 2024. ODOE will offer grants up to $100,000 for eligible planning projects and up to $1 million for eligible construction projects. Planning grants can cover up to 100 percent of eligible costs for renewable energy and energy resilience projects. Construction grants for renewable energy projects can cover up to 50 percent of eligible costs, while construction grants for resilience projects can over up to 100 percent. Awards will be made on a competitive basis, and priority will be given to projects that support energy resilience and that serve qualifying communities, including communities of color, low-income communities, Tribes, rural areas, and other traditionally underserved groups. | 
