Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) released a new proposed rule for its Energy Conservation Helping Oregonians Weatherization Guidelines. The proposed rule adopts newest program manuals and allows for fuel switching and greenhouse gas reduction goals. In Oregon’s 2021 legislative session HB 3141 was passed, which will increase funding for the ECHO program, beginning in July of 2022, by no less than 60 percent annually. Current changes afforded in the new statute that impact the public purpose charges mandate a new directive that will be focused on Part (C). For purposes of this paragraph and as further determined by the Housing and Community Services Department, purposes related to new low-income weatherization includes providing funding for participants in programs by low-income weatherization service providers to change energy sources from bulk fuels to electricity service.
OHCS will hold a virtual hearing from 2:30 to 3 p.m. PT on July 20, join here. Comments can be sent to Steve Divan at Steven.Divan@hcs.oregon.gov by August 5 at 5 p.m. PT.
