Energy Trust of Oregon is requesting proposals to conduct a comprehensive gap analysis focused on identifying what information and support people need to navigate clean energy decisions across residential, commercial, industrial, and agricultural sectors. The analysis will examine barriers that homeowners, building operators, residents, and business owners face when evaluating energy management options, technologies, and funding sources, as well as identifying risks of scams and confusion resulting from inadequate information access.
The gap analysis will synthesize existing knowledge from Energy Trust documentation, program evaluations, market research, and external sources to develop a "gap map" that catalogs information and support needs across customer segments and technologies. The contractor will extract learnings regarding people and businesses' challenges accessing or understanding information for energy-related decisions, noting how gaps impact particular customer segments and technologies. The work will document ongoing efforts to address identified gaps and identify where additional support is needed, particularly for vulnerable populations including those with low and moderate incomes, communities of color, and rural communities.
The project includes substantial stakeholder engagement with approximately 30 external collaborators including community-based organizations, utilities, and other clean energy sector participants. The contractor will develop and execute a stakeholder engagement plan using multiple formats (one-on-one interviews, focus groups) with flexibility to accommodate diverse participants across Oregon. Engagement will be conducted through warm introductions via Energy Trust's existing relationships and will focus on validating identified gaps, understanding shared perspectives, and identifying ongoing work to address customer needs.
Key dates include an Intent to Bid deadline of January 20, 2026, and proposal submission deadline of February 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. Pacific Time. The draft final report is due June 15, 2026, with a final report due within two weeks of receiving comments. The contractor will also deliver a presentation at a public webinar and maintain regular communication through weekly check-in meetings and monthly status reports throughout the project duration.