The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) released its 2020 Biennial Energy Report on November 1, 2020. The Report is the next iteration of their inaugural report released in 2018, and is the state’s official energy report. The Report covers a range of energy topics germane to the state, and is designed to inform the legislature, state and local governments, other key stakeholders, and the public on policy development, planning, and investments. The Report also provides an overview of the process ODOE used to draft and develop the document over the past two years.
The 2020 Report differs from the 2018 Report by providing shorter discussions on a wider array of energy topics, including decarbonization, the transition of the electric grid, innovation in the natural gas system, cleaner transportation options, the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on the energy sector, and the built environment and Oregon’s communities. The Report shows that Oregon is transitioning to a cleaner, low carbon energy future, and uses data and examples to illustrate Oregon’s sustained investments in energy efficiency, affordability, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Finally, the Report discusses how these trends will impact the state in the near future.
ODOE will begin scheduling new stakeholder meetings in 2021 to share information and prepare to draft the next iteration of its energy plan. ODOE requests interested stakeholders with comments and questions about the Report and future planning process to contact them at askenergy@oregon.gov.