Oregon legislation · 2025 Legislative Measures
Oregon SB1143: Relating to thermal energy networks; prescribing an effective date.
Status: Failed, June 27, 2025
Digest: Makes the PUC create a program to have each gas company create a thermal energy network pilot project. Makes each gas company apply to create a pilot project. Makes labor standards for certain covered projects. (Flesch Readability Score: 64.4). [ Digest: Makes the PUC create a program to have each gas company create a thermal energy network pilot project. Makes each gas company apply to create a pilot project. (Flesch Readability Score: 65.7). ] Directs the Public Utility Commission to establish a pilot program that allows each natural gas company to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network pilot project to provide heating and cooling services to customers. Requires each natural gas company to file a proposal and plan to develop a pilot project or an explanation for why the natural gas company is not submitting a proposal. Identifies criteria the commission shall take into consideration in evaluating a proposal. Establishes labor standards and reporting requirements for certain thermal energy network projects. Takes effect on the 91st day following adjournment sine die.
What the bill says
From the introduced text, April 14, 2025:
83rd OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2025 Regular Session SENATE AMENDMENTS TO SENATE BILL 1143 By COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND ENVIRONMENT April On page 2 of the printed bill, after line 35, insert: "SECTION 2. (1) As used in this section: "(a) 'Apprentice,' 'apprenticeable occupation' and 'training agent' have the meanings given those terms in ORS 660.010. "(b) 'Covered project' means: "(A) A project that facilitates the construction, repair or maintenance of the development of a thermal energy network; or "(B) A thermal energy network pilot project. "(c) 'Journeyworker' has the meaning given that term in ORS 660.010. "(d) 'Natural gas company' means a public utility, as defined in ORS 757.005, that provides natural gas services to customers. "(e) 'Registered apprenticeship training program' means a program, as defined in ORS 660.010. "(f) 'Thermal energy network' means a network of pipes and heat pumps that uses noncombustible fluids within the network to distribute thermal energy between and among ground, air and surface water sources and buildings connected to the network. "(g) 'Thermal energy network pilot project' means a thermal energy network pilot project developed under section 1 of this 2025 Act. "(2) A natural gas company that operates a covered project shall require each contractor with which the natural gas company has entered into a contract for the performance of work on the covered …