Blog
Seeking community ambassadors for energy efficient homes
ElectrifyPDX is looking for 2-4 people to be community ambassadors for energy efficient homes. ElectrifyPDX ambassadors educate Portland residents about powering their homes with clean energy and upgrading to efficient electric appliances. Ambassadors also connect...
Three examples of local governments expanding renewable energy!
When national leadership falters, or even obstructs progress towards emissions reductions and bold climate action, state and local governments are stepping up and taking the lead. Real change begins at the local level, setting examples for the rest of the country and...
Things to look forward to in 2026!
We’re happy to report that, despite federal headwinds, there are several exciting new local clean energy and electrification programs launching in the Portland area this coming year: Energy Friendly Homes Program This PCEF-funded program will deliver funds for 3,100...
Meet Kate, our new Outreach Coordinator!
We are thrilled to introduce Kate Szrom, our new ElectrifyPDX Outreach Coordinator. Kate is passionate about community climate resilience. Most recently, she worked with rural Oregon health departments to share information with their communities, with a focus on...
Tips for a happy heat pump journey: How to request and evaluate heat pump contractor quotes
Upgrading your HVAC system is a big investment, so check out these 6 tips for hiring a trustworthy contractor and ensuring you’re installing the right system for your home. #1: Start by getting an energy audit (or “home energy assessment”) that includes a blower door...
Job opening: Part-time Outreach Coordinator [CLOSED]
Applications are closed for part-time contract outreach coordinator! Position Title: Outreach Coordinator Status: Part-time contract (Average 20 hrs/week) | $30/hr Application Deadline: November 16, 2025, by 5 PM Start Date: Early December Contract Length: Initial...
New state laws set rules for data centers, limit utility rate hikes, and double low-income electric bill aid
In late August, Gov. Tina Kotek signed four bills that reshape how Oregon regulates electricity rates and large energy users, while expanding protections for residential customers. The bills are meant to lower costs, make utilities more accountable, and put...
Use it or Lose it! IRA energy efficiency tax credits will be gone soon, but there’s still time to act
Have you been thinking of getting an EV, rooftop solar, or a super efficient heat pump? Federal legislation signed into law on July 4th has set early expiration dates for the federal tax credits provided by the Inflation Reduction Act. But there is still time to reach...
5 ways to beat the summer heat with a heat pump! (+ take advantage of incentives while they last)
Summer is officially here and the temps are rising, but a heat pump can help keep your home comfy and safe. Here are five tips for getting an efficient heat pump that can cool and heat your home: #1: Get 2-3 quotes from local reputable installers Find a contractor...
Combo washer/heat pump dryers help you save space and energy!
Have you been thinking about upgrading your laundry setup? What if you could get the space-saving benefits of a laundry tower or an all-in-one with the energy-efficiency of an efficient electric heat pump? Let’s start with the basics: a washer/heat pump dryer is a...
Electric yard tools keep your yard gorgeous without the noise, hassle and pollution of gas tools!
It’s no contest! Battery electric outdoor tools are quieter, safer and more convenient. They cost less to operate, don’t endanger our health, are better for the environment, and are powerful enough to handle even the largest yards and gardens. Your neighbors will...
Ready to upgrade? 7 helpful tips for switching to a heat pump
Have you been thinking about switching to a super efficient heat pump? Great idea! Heat pumps are 2-3 times more efficient than gas, oil or electric resistance heating, and they provide year-round comfort with summertime cooling. Here are our tips for a successful...
January 2025 Newsletter
Will energy efficient tax incentives survive a second Trump administration? With Donald Trump returning to the White House later this month, the future of the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) is uncertain. This landmark legislation has provided unprecedented clean energy...
December 2024 Newsletter
How to electrify your new year’s resolutions! Holiday greetings from ElectrifyPDX! We hope you have a delightful and cozy season of celebration. As you ring in 2025, consider adding a few of these electrifying resolutions to your list of goals for the year to come:...
How to electrify—and avoid a costly electric panel upgrade
Are you concerned that electrifying your older home will require a costly electrical panel replacement? It might not. Many homes can fully electrify on an existing 100 Amp panel. It just takes some simple upfront planning—and you’ll get all the cost, health, comfort...
Why it makes sense to ditch your gas appliances as soon as possible
In general, it’s best for the environment to use products as long as possible before replacing them. But appliances that burn fossil fuels are an exception. Mother Nature will appreciate you replacing them as soon as possible with efficient electric alternatives. Like...
Position Closed: Outreach Coordinator
ElectrifyPDX is hiring a part-time Outreach Coordinator Status: Part-time contract position, flexible/variable hours (~24/week): $30/hr Deadline: Applications must be submitted by 5pm on Oct. 30, 2024 Contract length: Initial two-month trial period starting as early...
What’s going on with so many door-to-door solar salespeople? We did some research—and have some recommendations.
When it comes to solar photovoltaic (PV) installations, a few companies are standing out in the local market due to their distinctive door-to-door sales approach. Blue Raven, Ion, and Infinity have brought this strategy to Oregon after honing it elsewhere, and it’s...
Let’s debunk some electrification myths—and get to the facts!
When we talk to folks in the community, we get a lot of great questions and hear some valid concerns about the impacts of electrification. Efficient electrification, powered by clean energy, is a critical strategy in the fight against climate change, and you get a...
Summer Events Calendar!
Get ready for a hot electrification summer! Linnton Neighborhood Association Meeting Wednesday, July 10th • 7pm Linnton Community Center ElectrifyPDX will be presenting at the Linnton Neighborhood Association meeting on July 10th. Are you a Linnton resident? We'd love...
The best-kept secret in clean renewable energy: community solar!
Subscribe to a solar farm, get renewable energy and a discount on your electric bill! The Oregon Community Solar Program allows thousands of Oregonians to power their homes with solar energy by subscribing to large off-site solar projects built here in Oregon. It's...
Oregon EV Rebates return—for a limited time!
If you’ve been thinking about buying or leasing an electric vehicle, then this spring may be the perfect time. In addition to available federal tax credits, the Oregon Clean Vehicle Rebate program offers a cash rebate for Oregon drivers who buy or lease an EV. The...
Get the full picture of your home’s energy use with a home energy audit
Whether you’re trying to lower your energy bills, phase out fossil fuels and cut your home’s carbon emissions, improve your home’s indoor air quality, or make your home more comfortable year-round, it’s important to know your home is as efficient as it can be. Before...
February Newsletter
Tax time approaches—get ready to take advantage of energy efficiency tax credits! It’s February already, which means April 15th is just around the corner. Don’t forget to claim the upgrades you made last year when you file your 2023 tax return! If you made energy...
Tips for making the most of the IRA’s energy efficiency tax credits
It’s February already, which means April 15th is just around the corner. Don’t forget to claim the upgrades you made last year when you file your 2023 tax return! If you made energy efficiency upgrades like installing insulation or a heat pump, you are very likely...
Action: Please Support the Portland Gas Leaf Blower Ordinance
Thanks to hard work and terrific advocacy by our supporters over the past 5 years, and to persistent efforts by Commissioner Rubio and County Chair Vega Pederson, we are pleased to report that the City—with County input—has prepared an initial ordinance to phase out...
It’s shockingly easy to sign up for Community Solar
Follow our step-by-step guide and sign up in under 10 minutes! Rent or Own. No sunny rooftop required. Subscribe to a community solar project. Get clean energy and reduce your electric bill by at least 5%. Really! The Oregon Community Solar Program allows thousands of...
January 2024 Newsletter
Kicked the gas? Here’s how to cut the pipe (and have a little party)! Have you converted your home to all electric—or are you getting really close? Once you’ve transitioned all your gas appliances to efficient electric, you’re ready to join the community of...
Myth check: Which gas appliances actually work during power outages?
With our recent arctic weather, there’s a common misperception that gas appliances will still work during power outages. While natural (methane) gas can still flow into your home during a blackout, many appliances still require electric power to operate. Gas Furnace:...
Kicked the gas? Here’s how to cut the pipe (and have a little party)!
Have you converted your home to all electric—or are you getting really close? Once you’ve transitioned all your gas appliances to efficient electric, you’re ready to join the community of Portlanders who have said goodbye to methane gas in their homes for good. The...
2023 End of Year Report
2023 has been a banner first year for ElectrifyPDX! Thank you to everyone who has taken part in our program, attended an event, volunteered, sponsored, or donated. Since launching our program in late November of 2022, we have: Distributed 116 yard signs to homes that...
November 2023 Newsletter
Let’s talk about quiet, clean, 100% electric yard care The red and gold tones of Portland's deciduous trees have been exceptionally brilliant this year! But as we enjoy the sight of leaves peacefully drifting to the ground, our ears are often assaulted by the loud and...
Quiet, clean, 100% electric yard care
The red and gold tones of Portland's deciduous trees have been exceptionally brilliant this year! But as we enjoy the sight of leaves peacefully drifting to the ground, our ears are often assaulted by the loud and annoying drone of gas-powered leaf blowers. Besides...
October 2023 Newsletter
How to harness the incentives that are making electrification more affordable than ever. The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest clean energy investment America has ever made, and includes upfront discounts and tax credits that provide money for every household to...
Harness the incentives that are making electrification more affordable than ever before.
The Inflation Reduction Act is the largest clean energy investment America has ever made, and includes upfront discounts and tax credits that provide money for every household to electrify the machines you rely on to drive, heat the air and water in your home, cook...
September 2023 Newsletter
Get ready for Electrify Portland! Saturday, Oct. 7th | 11am-3pm The Redd on Salmon St. The Electrify Portland! Home Electrification Fair is a free, festive, one-day event for homeowners and renters curious about transitioning their homes from gas (or old electric) to...
August 2023 Newsletter
The Joy (And Efficiency!) Of Induction Cooking By switching to induction, you’ll get cleaner indoor air quality and a superior cooking experience. How it works: Induction is magnetic heat. The magnets in the cooktop create a magnetic field that excites the electrons...
Discover the Joys (and Efficiency!) of Induction Cooking
By switching to induction, you’ll get cleaner indoor air quality and a superior cooking experience. How it works: Induction is magnetic heat. The magnets in the cooktop create a magnetic field that excites the electrons in your metallic pan, creating heat. The...
Electrify Portland! Home Electrification Fair: Sat. Oct. 7th 11am-3pm
The Electrify Portland! Home Electrification Fair is a free, festive, one-day event for homeowners and renters curious about transitioning their homes from gas (or old electric) to efficient electric. The Redd’s main hall, demonstration kitchen and parking lot will be...
Merch Alert! ElectrifyPDX shirts now available!
We're thrilled to announce the arrival of ElectrifyPDX t-shirts and sweatshirts! With three designs and multiple colors to choose from, you can pick your style and share the joys of electrification! Powering your home with clean energy is one of the biggest climate...
June 2023 Newsletter
It’s shockingly easy to sign up for Community Solar Follow our step-by-step guide and sign up in under 10 minutes! Rent or Own. No sunny rooftop required. Subscribe to a community solar project. Get clean energy and reduce your electric bill by at least 5%. Really!...
May 2023 Newsletter
FROM THE BLOG: Peak Time Rebates—a great way to save a little on your energy bill and support Oregon’s clean energy future. PGE’s Peak Time Rebates program rewards you for shifting your energy use during peak times—when energy demand and prices are highest. How it...
How to save money on your electric bill and support a green grid
Introducing… Demand Response programs! Sounds wonky, but they can help you save on your bill and support a greener grid. At ElectrifyPDX, we’re often asked whether the electrical grid can handle additional demand as more people power their homes with clean...
April 2023 Newsletter
FROM THE BLOG: Ready to start electrifying? Conduct a home inventory—and start swapping things out. Home electrification is a process, not a single project. You may take months, or even years, to fully transition your home, and the process will look a little different...
Electrification 101 Webinar: May 3rd at 1pm Pacific
Join us on Wednesday, May 3rd from 1-2pm for our first Electrification 101 Webinar! In just an hour, you'll learn about the many advantages of electrifying your home, from reducing your household emissions to saving money on your energy bills. We’ll share insights and...
Ready to start electrifying? Conduct a home inventory—then start swapping things out.
Home electrification is a process, not a single project. You may take months, or even years, to fully transition your home. The process will look a little different for everyone, but there is one first step that applies to every home: Conduct a home inventory and take...
8 handy tips for renters who want to electrify
The 47% of Portland households who rent have more options than ever to power their home or apartment with clean electricity. ElectrifyPDX welcomes renters and owners alike to join. If you’re renter interested in electrifying, here are some actions you can take right...
A sample letter to send your landlord about electrification
In our recent post "8 handy tips for renters who want to electrify", we suggested that, as a renter, you may benefit from introducing your landlord to their electrification options. Your landlord might not know about heat pumps for heating/cooling, heat pump water...
February 2023 Newsletter
Greetings! We hope your 2023 is off to a great start. A warm welcome to all of the folks who have recently started down the path towards a 100% clean, renewable electric home! Below you’ll find some great tips about how to switch to renewable electricity, info about...
Getting your electricity from renewable sources is probably easier than you think
Clean up your electric supply—today! By far the easiest and least expensive badge to earn in the ElectrifyPDX program is the one for getting your electricity from renewable sources. If you haven’t done so already, it’ll probably take less than half an hour—and will...