Pacific Power awards $925K in electric mobility grants, several to Central Oregon organizations

PORTLAND, Ore. (KTVZ) – Pacific Power has awarded $925,000 to 11 organizations in Oregon for projects that will expand electric mobility and connect people across the state to the cost-saving, clean-air benefits of electric vehicles. 

The latest round of Electric Mobility Grants will support a variety of initiatives, including the purchase of electric vehicles and assistance for nonprofits to improve their charging infrastructure. The funding aims to benefit underserved communities., the company said in Wednesday's announcement

Additionally, community-focused organizations and nonprofits will have the opportunity to acquire electric vehicles to help them fulfill their missions. EV charging stations will also be installed in areas lacking adequate public charging facilities.

"Pacific Power is dedicated to creating a sustainable future for our state while benefiting local communities through these transformative grants that will accelerate the transition to clean transportation," said Kate Hawley, manager for customer solutions at Pacific Power.

“Many of the grants are focused on underserved and rural communities, as part of our goal of ensuring that all our customers have equitable access to the benefits of electric transportation.”

About Electric Mobility Grants

Pacific Power has distributed more than $6.5 million in Electric Mobility Grants to Oregon communities since 2020. Funding is made possible by the Oregon Clean Fuels Program, which is administered by the state’s Department of Environmental Quality and aims to reduce the carbon intensity of Oregon’s transportation fuels. Pacific Power raises funds for the grants through the sale of Clean Fuels Program credits that the company aggregates for customers who charge their electric vehicles at home. Grant matching and grant writing support are also available to organizations pursuing EV-related projects. 

The latest round of Electric Mobility Grants will fund a diverse group of innovative projects:

• The Environmental Center to purchase an EV that will help expand the reach of current programming in underserved and rural communities in Central Oregon.
• Central Oregon Irrigation District to purchase an EV dual port charging station and associated infrastructure upgrades, which will help support rural and underserved agricultural communities.
• The High Desert Museum to purchase an electric vehicle that will provide easy access to museum education and experiences for individuals who otherwise would not be able to participate.
• Upper Deschutes Watershed Council to enhance environmental education for underserved groups and promote sustainable solutions through conservation programs in Central Oregon. Funding will support the purchase of an EV to replace an existing internal combustion vehicle.
• Deschutes Basin Land Trust to support the purchase of an electric vehicle for restoration work being completed at Priday Ranch in Madras.
• Jefferson County School District to provide low- or no-cost public charging for the surrounding low-to-moderate income community, workplace charging for school district employees and charging for the school district's first electric fleet vehicle.
• Commute Options to support an e-bike rebate program that provides access to electric bikes for 75 people living on low incomes in Bend.
• Living Opportunities to provide reliable, eco-friendly transportation for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Firebrand Resiliency Collective to purchase a plug-in hybrid minivan and charging equipment to enhance service delivery and provide the first public EV charger in the community.
• B-Line Urban Delivery to provide a micromobility hub for individuals and small businesses to access e-cargo bikes and reduce traffic.
• Hood River County School District to purchase an electric van benefiting underserved students, including students with disabilities, migrant children and students experiencing homelessness, and to install EV charging infrastructure accessibly to the school workforce and public.

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle are now open until June 30, 2025.

For information about the Electric Mobility Grant program and customer rebates for installing EV chargers, please visit PacificPower.net/EV.

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About Pacific Power

Pacific Power provides safe and reliable electric service to more than 800,000 customers in Oregon, Washington and California. The company supplies customers with electricity from a diverse portfolio of generating plants including hydroelectric, natural gas, coal, wind, geothermal and solar resources. Pacific Power is part of PacifiCorp, one of the lowest-cost electricity producers in the United States, with over two million customers in six western states. For more information, visit PacificPower.net.