The Oregon Energy Security Plan Report 2026 published by the Oregon Department of Energy presents an overview of the state’s energy infrastructure, quantifies the threats and hazards that could cause energy insecurity, and proposes measures that the state and its partners can implement to reduce risk. The energy sector — including electricity, liquid fuels, and natural gas — is vital to the health, well-being, safety, economy, and way of life for Oregonians. Nearly all commerce and critical activities in the state rely on power and liquid fuels to operate and function. A disruption to Oregon’s energy infrastructure can directly affect the security and resilience of other necessary systems, such as water or wastewater, health care, education, emergency response, and many others.
The Energy Security Plan analyzes natural hazards and human-made risks, including cyberattacks and physical attacks on infrastructure. New risks to our energy systems also emerge as rising electricity demand is forecast for Oregon and the region. In a world facing increasing challenges from the consequences of climate change, including extreme weather events and wildfires, as well as risks from earthquakes and human-made threats from foreign and domestic terrorism, a statewide, collaborative approach to assessing threats, reducing risk, and improving energy security is vital. In recent years, Oregon’s energy systems have sustained multiple impacts from emergency events that limited service availability to Oregonians.
Physical impacts of natural hazards on Oregon energy systems also lead to extreme financial impacts on individuals, families, businesses, communities, and energy providers. Recovery from physical damage is difficult, especially for small cooperative utilities or locally owned utilities that may not have the resources to recover in a timely manner without external support or raising rates for members and customers. A statewide coordinated effort at improving our energy security can help Oregon strengthen preparedness for the next hazard, better withstand the next impact, and reduce recovery time.
Access the report here