Portland, Ore. – The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF), housed within the City of Portland’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS), and program administrator Earth Advantage are proud to announce that Cooling Portland: A PCEF-funded climate resilience program, has met its initial goal of installing 15,000 portable heat pump cooling units 18 months ahead of schedule.
Created in response to the deadly 2021 heat dome, Cooling Portland is a climate resilience program that provides free, energy-efficient cooling units to low-income Portlanders most vulnerable to extreme heat. Originally launched in 2022 with a five-year timeline, the program prioritizes seniors, people with disabilities, and others at heightened risk of heat-related illness or death.
With the original goal met early, program efforts are now focused on installing an additional 10,000 units by 2026. This next phase is made possible by a $10.3 million expansion from PCEF’s Climate Investment Plan (CIP), approved by City Council in late 2024.
“This milestone represents the kind of climate investments PCEF was designed to support – community-centered, equity-driven, with real benefits for Portlanders who need it most,” said Jaimes Valdez, PCEF strategic partnerships and policy manager. “We are grateful for Earth Advantage and the Community Distribution Partners who have worked hard to make this program a possibility. Sign-ups and installations happen year-round, so we encourage eligible households to apply whenever it’s right for them.”
Cooling Portland is administered by Earth Advantage, which is responsible for equipment procurement, storage, and coordination with a network of Community Distribution Partners (CDPs). These CDPs, which include both housing providers and community-based organizations, identify eligible households, install units, and provide user education.
“Meeting the original goal early is a testament to the strength of the systems we’ve built with our distribution partners,” said Pilar Calderin, senior climate justice program manager at Earth Advantage. “But it also shows the depth of need in our community. With continued support, we’re committed to reaching the thousands more Portlanders who still need help to stay healthy during extreme heat.”
Thanks to a partnership with the City of Portland’s PDX 311 Program, Portlanders can call 3-1-1 to determine eligibility and get connected with a CDP.
“Cooling Portland is one example of how we’re working to make local government more accessible and responsive,” said Michelle Kunec-North, PDX 311 Program Manager. “Need help? Just call 311. We're here to connect everyone in Multnomah County to local government programs and services—no matter your language, income, or access to technology. Our goal is to make it easy for you to get the support you need.”
How to apply
Portlanders can find out if they’re eligible and apply for a free unit by calling 3-1-1 or visiting PCEF’s website. Sign-ups and installations happen year-round, so residents are encouraged to apply at any time, regardless of season.
About the City of Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability
The Portland Bureau of Planning and Sustainability (BPS) oversees a world-renowned waste and recycling system and leads the country in its commitment to digital equity, open data, and protecting communities in the application of technologies. Staff collaborate with partners on neighborhood, economic, historic, and environmental planning and provide research, policy, and technical services to advance energy efficiency and renewable energy, as well as policies and actions to address climate change. The bureau also oversees the innovative Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF).
About the Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund
The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) initiative was passed by 65% of Portland voters in November 2018. It provides a consistent, long-term funding source and oversight structure to ensure that our community's climate action efforts are implemented to support social, economic and environmental benefits for all Portlanders, particularly communities of color and low-income residents. The initiative was supported by a broad coalition of groups and individuals and represents the first environmental initiative in Oregon led by communities of color.