Electrification Policy
The City is investigating options to reduce community use and reliance on natural gas in homes and buildings as a way to achieve our climate action goals.
Electrification Supports Bend’s Climate Action Goals
Our climate action goals, established in Resolution 3044, are to:
- Reduce communitywide fossil fuel use by 40% by 2030 and by 70% by 2030 compared to our 2016 baseline
- Reduce fossil fuel use by 40% by 2030 and by 70% by 2050 in City facilities and operations compared to our 2020 baseline
The City is working on a proposed electrification policy designed to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from new residential construction. In 2024, City Council asked the Environment and Climate Committee (ECC) to explore ways to encourage building electrification. After research and community input, Council directed staff to develop a policy mechanism to reduce natural gas in new residential construction and use this tool to help fund incentives for electrification.
Why This Matters
Buildings account for about 50% of Bend’s community-wide greenhouse gas emissions, with residential buildings contributing 28%. By shifting to electricity, especially as Oregon law requires our grid to be 100% renewable by 2040, we can significantly reduce emissions and improve air quality. This approach aligns with Bend’s Community Climate Action Plan, which identifies building electrification as a key strategy for reducing emissions.
What’s Being Considered
• A climate pollution fee on natural gas appliances in new homes
• Using that revenue to fund financial incentives for electrification
• Exploring nonfinancial incentives, such as updates to development codes
Important Clarification
This policy would not apply to existing homes or buildings. If your home currently uses natural gas appliances, this proposal would not require their removal or impose any fees. The climate pollution fee under consideration would apply only to new residential construction.
Work to Date and What’s Next
- June 2024: Launched research process on electrification policy options
- Dec 2024: Environment & Climate Committee recommended policy options to Council
- Feb 2025: Council directed staff to engage with advisory boards and explore incentives
- April 2025: Council directed staff to pursue a climate pollution fee as a foundational element
- May–July 2025: Researched fee policies in other cities and scoped Bend’s approach
- Aug–Oct 2025: Procured consultant support; analyzed policy options; presented to Council
- Nov–Dec 2025: Shared fee scenarios with Council and received direction on public engagement
- Feb 2026: Council directed staff on fee level and policy development process to establish a fee by June 2026
- April 8, 2026: Council‑led stakeholder roundtable focused on fee exemptions and implementation timeline
- April 22, 2026: Final Council work session to provide direction on exemptions, implementation timeline, and remaining policy details
- Late May–Early June 2026: Public hearing on fee adoption and associated policies
- July–Aug 2026: Launch public process to develop incentive program(s)
Learn More About Electrification
Want to learn more about energy efficiency and electrification? Come join us for our Go Electric: Sparking Conversation Around Energy Efficiency workshop series. Go Electric is a free community workshop series connecting residents to practical, affordable ways to reduce energy use and emissions. Learn from local experts, explore incentives, and take real steps toward healthier homes and a cleaner energy future.