Portland is set to distribute an additional 10,000 free air conditioning units to eligible residents by the end of next year. Interested individuals can apply by calling 311 or by completing an online application form. This initiative is part of the Portland Clean Energy Fund’s Cooling Portland program, which has already surpassed its initial goal of delivering 15,000 units within five years.
Launched in response to the tragic heat dome of 2021, which resulted in nearly 100 heat-related deaths statewide, Cooling Portland offers energy-efficient portable air conditioning units to low-income residents. As of Thursday, the program has successfully installed over 15,770 units, exceeding its original target set for 2022.
Cooling Portland remains one of the few significant government-supported initiatives still providing Oregonians with in-home cooling solutions, following the depletion of funds in two other similar programs established in response to the heat crisis. Many of the individuals who succumbed to heat-related illnesses during the 2021 heat dome were found alone at home without air conditioning.
In addition to Cooling Portland, the Oregon Department of Energy and the Oregon Health Authority have created programs that offer qualified residents access to heat pumps through rebates or at no cost. However, these initiatives have also run out of funding due to high demand.
Environmental and climate advocacy groups are urging lawmakers to allocate funds to sustain these programs, but it remains uncertain whether they will respond positively.
A study by the Oregon Department of Energy last year highlighted that many of the state’s most vulnerable residents lack the necessary cooling equipment for hot summer months. It also revealed that residents in Multnomah County are particularly at risk of extreme heat and have limited means to adapt.
Jaimes Valdez, the strategic partnerships and policy manager for PCEF, emphasized that Cooling Portland aims to bridge this gap. The program is funded through the Portland Clean Energy Fund, which received an additional $10.3 million from city councilors last year to continue its efforts. The initiative specifically targets low-income Portlanders who reside within city limits and cannot afford to purchase cooling equipment. Priority is given to individuals over 60, those living alone, and individuals with medical conditions that increase their vulnerability to heat.
As temperatures continue to rise, with more summer days exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit, programs like Cooling Portland are essential in providing relief to the city’s most at-risk residents. To facilitate access, Cooling Portland has partnered with PDX 311, a city program designed to streamline access to various local government services, including this cooling initiative.
The PDX 311 phone line is available seven days a week from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. Residents can apply online here. The program collaborates with Earth Advantage, a local organization responsible for purchasing the units, managing inventory, and coordinating delivery and installation with community partners.
