Bill > HB3620

This bill eliminates the public purpose charge for electric companies and Oregon Community Power, effectively repealing ORS 757.612 and related provisions. The bill removes references to the public purpose charge throughout various Oregon statutes, specifically targeting provisions related to energy efficiency, renewable energy, and low-income energy assistance programs. It abolishes the Housing and Community Services Department Electricity Public Purpose Charge Fund and transfers any remaining funds to the General Fund. The bill maintains existing energy efficiency and low-income assistance programs by shifting funding and administrative responsibilities to other mechanisms, such as the existing energy efficiency requirements under ORS 757.054 and the Low-Income Electric Bill Payment Assistance Fund. The legislation modifies multiple sections of Oregon Revised Statutes to remove mentions of the public purpose charge, ensuring that energy conservation, renewable resource, and low-income assistance efforts can continue through alternative funding and administrative structures. Key changes include removing references to public purpose charge revenues in utility regulations, energy project financing, and reporting requirements, while preserving the underlying intent of supporting energy efficiency and assistance programs.

Agriculture and Natural Resources

https://olis.oregonlegislature.gov/liz/2025R1/Measures/Overview/HB3620