As Oregon launches one-stop guide to energy rebates, financial support for some rebates is in peril

By Monica Samayoa (OPB)
July 2, 2025 9:34 p.m.

Oregonians interested in finding out what federal, state or local energy rebates they qualify for can find all that information on one website — at least for now.

But many of the federal incentives the website features could have a limited lifespan. The U.S. Senate has approved a Republican-backed plan to slash federal funding for renewable energy programs, and it’s now being considered by the House.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Meanwhile, Oregon lawmakers did not allocate funding to continue some of the state’s own rebate programs or for long-term support of the website — so it may not continue beyond the next two years.

The Oregon Department of Energy has launched the Energy HIPPO, or the Hub for Incentive Programs and Projects in Oregon. Its goal is to help homeowners, renters and even contractors learn more about what energy rebates they qualify for instead of having to navigate several different websites or government departments to figure that out.

Those incentives support investments like switching to an induction stove top, installing electric vehicle chargers, or getting heat pumps.

FILE - The rooftop solar array on a south-facing roof at the home in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 1, 2022.

FILE - The rooftop solar array on a south-facing roof at the home in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 1, 2022.

Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB

The website uses household information, like whether you are a homeowner or renter, along with your zip code, household income and size, to then calculate a list of what federal, state and local utility rebates you qualify for.

“It’s also really a great tool for combining several different incentives to make your energy projects more affordable,” Oregon Department of Energy incentives analyst Bryce McManus said. “It’s pretty much for anyone really who’s interested in saving using energy efficiency products in their home.”

The website uses a tool created by Rewiring America, a national nonprofit that focuses on helping people switch to electrifying their homes.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Related: Oregon Department of Energy officially launches new heat pump program

In addition to helping people find incentives, McManus said the website’s also a great resource to find information that homeowners, renters and contractors need to help make the best decision for their purchase.

“For example, homeowners and renters can get information about heat pumps, how they work, how to choose which heat pump is right for your home, how to find and select contractors for your products,” McManus said.

“For contractors, there are several training videos and resources and also links for how to become a state-approved contractor for state-run programs — and many other resources.”

FILE - An induction range at a home in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 1, 2022, which is powered by an electromagnetic field under the surface of the glass cooktop.

FILE - An induction range at a home in Portland, Ore., on Dec. 1, 2022, which is powered by an electromagnetic field under the surface of the glass cooktop.

Kristyna Wentz-Graff / OPB

McManus said the website is updated periodically to add new incentive programs, like the Oregon Department of Energy’s Heat Pump Purchase Program.

Last year, Oregon was awarded nearly $200 million in federal funding aimed at lower greenhouse gas emissions, with a focus on reducing energy costs. If those programs develop, funding could become available for more rebates — though it’s not clear if the Republican-based federal spending bill will rescind some of that federal funding.

Energy HIPPO was created as part of the 2023 Climate Resilience legislative package. Originally, the program was called the “One Stop Shop” or a place where Oregonians can get all the information they need in one place.

Related: Oregon’s latest climate package targets building resilience, and hefty federal dollars

This year, advocates asked legislators to allocate more funding for the program, but that bill failed to pass. State Department of Energy staff said the agency has the capacity to continue to run the program for about two years, but additional funding would have helped with providing more language translations and website enhancements.

Since launching in January, the website has received about 5,000 visits, energy department officials said. The website is also available in several different languages.

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

Related Stories