Episode 58: Back to school with energy projects

All year round, the Oregon Department of Energy helps schools understand their energy needs, identify improvements, and connect with financial resources to improve learning environments.

One of those financial resources is the Public Purpose Charge (SB 1149) Schools Program. Eligible schools can use funds to conduct energy audits, make energy efficiency improvements, and purchase or lease electric vehicles or install chargers.

In this episode of Grounded, we're joined by Christie Sphoon, ODOE's schools program lead, and Anne Birky, Bend-La Pine Schools' Facilities Support Supervisor. They walk us through the Public Purpose Charge Schools Program and what the funds look like when put to use - from lighting projects to heating and cooling systems, to insulation for a new roof.

Advancing energy efficiency across buildings and transportation is one of the Oregon Energy Strategy's five pathways for Oregon. In addition, projects help provide a more comfortable learning environment for students and teachers.

About the Public Purpose Charge

The funding for the Public Purpose Charge Schools Program is one piece of Senate Bill 1149. It directed Oregon's two largest investor-owned electric utilities, Portland General Electric and Pacific Power, to collect a public purpose charge from their customers to fund energy efficiency, development of new renewable energy, and low-income weatherization projects throughout the state. With an update in 2021 through House Bill 3141, PGE and Pacific Power collect funds equal to 1.5 percent of their total revenue, and school districts in their territories receive 20 percent of the collected funds.

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