The money will help city continue its EV CarShare program and launch a Home Energy Score initiative
By Chad Woodward
This summer the city of Ashland received two grants from the Energy Efficiency and Community Block Grant program through the Oregon Department of Energy. These grants will support the launch of a new Home Energy Score initiative and the continuation of the city’s electric vehicle CarShare program. Both initiatives are designed to benefit residents within the city’s federally recognized Justice 40 Zone, which encompasses over 1,900 residents, nearly 10% of Ashland’s total population.
Home Energy Scores
Home Energy Scores serve two key purposes:
- Real estate insight: Home Energy Scores are increasingly included in real estate listings to provide potential buyers with information on a home’s energy efficiency, making it easier to compare homes before purchasing.
- Energy audits: For current homeowners and renters, the scores are used to audit homes, offering guidance on how to make energy-efficient improvements.
Think of an HES as similar to a car’s miles per gallon rating — though improvements can often enhance a home’s efficiency. Ashland’s HES program will offer residential energy audits and information on making energy-efficient upgrades to home buyers, homeowners and renters.
Energy savings will vary based on each home’s condition. By providing access to HES information and optional low-interest loans, the city aims to equip residents with the knowledge and resources needed to make climate-friendly changes that can lead to significant long-term savings.
The city previously launched a voluntary HES program in partnership with the Rogue Valley Realtors Association. The program was halted, however, due to the pandemic and staffing changes. With renewed funding, the city is excited to relaunch and advance this initiative.
While other cities have implemented mandatory HES programs, Ashland is focusing on developing a voluntary market. The energy efficiency grant will help subsidize the cost of over 200 HES assessments. The city will also offer educational resources on building electrification, improving building performance and understanding available incentives.
The program is in development and is expected to launch in the coming months. In the meantime, visit the city’s website for current incentives at ashlandoregon.gov/ResidentialIncentives.
EV CarShare
What is CarShare? Car sharing allows individuals to access a network of vehicles for short-term rental. While traditional car sharing has featured gasoline-powered cars, recent programs focus on climate-friendly electric vehicles.
With the GoForth CarShare program, once you verify your driver’s license and set up an account, you can locate and reserve vehicles using a web app. The first ride is free, with a small hourly fee for additional rides.
Ashland’s CarShare program, launched in spring 2023, currently offers a Chevy Bolt. Learn more about this program at ashlandoregon.gov/TransportationIncentives.
The block grant will extend the CarShare program for an additional two years, during which data will be collected to evaluate the program’s long-term viability.
In the upcoming months, the CarShare program will relocate to the public parking lot at Lithia Way and Pioneer Street (130 N. Pioneer St.), within Ashland’s Justice 40 Zone. A Justice 40 Zone is a designated area where 40% of the benefits from federal investments in clean energy and infrastructure are directed toward underserved communities to promote equity and environmental justice.
The city is excited about the next two years for several reasons:
- Equitable access: Provides affordable access to an EV for daily travel, reducing carbon footprints without the need to invest in an EV. This also allows individuals to try an EV before committing to purchase.
- Cost savings: Helps households reduce transportation costs by potentially replacing one or two personal vehicles.
- Strategic location: The Justice 40 Zone’s central, densely populated area ensures that affordable transportation benefits those who need it most.
Stay tuned for updates and more information on these programs.
Chad Woodward is climate and energy analyst for the city of Ashland. Email letters to the editor and viewpoint submissions to [email protected]. To see the archive of all City Corner (and Council Corner) columns, click here.
