Maintaining resilient infrastructure, safety, and community health are critical priorities as the Central Oregon region continues to grow. The Central Oregon Energy Resilience Plan was created to enhance the region’s ability to anticipate, withstand, and recover from power outages while maintaining critical services. The plan represents a multi-agency partnership between the Central Oregon Intergovernmental Council and Crook, Deschutes, and Jefferson counties.

Parametrix partnered with the agencies to lead technical planning and analysis, evaluating energy vulnerabilities throughout the tri-county area. Funded by Oregon Department of Energy grants under HB3630, the team mapped critical infrastructure, identifying community access and service continuity risks, and assessing threats from natural hazards such as wildfire, winter storms, earthquakes, and system failures.

This plan guides counties toward strategic investments to protect essential services during power outages. The plan supports both low-cost, immediate response actions and a longer-term transition towards distributed, renewable energy systems and microgrids to enhance local self-sufficiency and public safety.