ODOE To Launch Program To Help Farms Be More Energy Efficient

The Oregon Department of Energy has been awarded a $100,000 USDA grant intended for Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Development Assistance. Jennifer Kalez, with the ODOE, said the funding will support energy audits for Oregon agricultural producers and rural small businesses.

"What that audit will do is analyze energy consumption and hopefully identify potential efficiency improvements that will reduce the businesses energy use and ultimately their cost.”

The cost of an audit can run from $5,000 up to $20,000, and this grant will allow ODOE to cover 75% of the cost of the audit. Kalez added those audits can include inspections of buildings, agricultural processes as well as equipment.

"An auditor will look at various things in the business or farm that could benefit from energy efficiency improvements and then well help prioritize those based on cost, payback period, and other factors. That might be something as simple as replacing lighting with more efficient LEDs.”

Kalez says the hope is to launch the audit program this summer.

Visit the ODOE's Website if you’d like to learn more, or sign up for updates about the audit program.

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