PORTLAND, Ore. — May 1, 2026 — The Portland Clean Energy Community Benefits Fund (PCEF) has entered the fifth and final year of its Cooling Portland initiative, a flagship effort aimed at protecting residents most vulnerable to extreme heat. Applications for free heat pump cooling units are now open and will be accepted through June 30, 2026, via the City of Portland website or by calling 3-1-1.
“PDX311 is proud to help community members apply for cooling units that can make a real difference during extreme heat,” said Betsy Drake-Studstill, 311 Program Manager. “Our customer service representatives are ready to answer questions, explain the process, and make sure people feel supported every step of the way.”
A response to a deadly heat event
Cooling Portland was launched בעקבות the historic June 2021 heat dome that gripped the Pacific Northwest. The extreme weather event resulted in nearly 100 deaths across Oregon, including 72 in Multnomah County, marking the deadliest natural disaster in the county’s recorded history.
In response, PCEF created the five-year program to provide energy-efficient portable cooling units to low-income and heat-vulnerable residents, aiming to reduce the risk of heat-related illness and death.
Surpassing expectations
The program has exceeded its original goals. Managed by Earth Advantage, Cooling Portland coordinates procurement, storage, and installation of cooling units through a network of Community Distribution Partners.
Over the past four years, more than 20,500 units have been delivered and installed across Portland. Officials say the program is on track to reach its goal of 25,000 units ahead of schedule.
“This program is a testament to what’s possible when community partners and residents work together,” said Pilar Calderin, Senior Manager of Climate Justice Programs at Earth Advantage. “We’re honored to have partnered with so many dedicated organizations to deliver real impacts for Portland’s most vulnerable residents.”
Transitioning to long-term solutions
As Cooling Portland winds down, PCEF is shifting its focus toward longer-term resilience efforts. One such initiative, Energy Friendly Homes, will provide broader home energy upgrades designed to improve efficiency, lower utility costs, and better prepare households for future climate challenges.
Residents who have already received cooling units can access maintenance and troubleshooting resources through the City of Portland’s website.
About the program and partners
The City’s Bureau of Planning and Sustainability oversees PCEF and leads efforts in climate policy, energy efficiency, and sustainable development. The fund itself was approved by 65% of Portland voters in 2018 and represents a first-of-its-kind initiative in Oregon, prioritizing climate investments that benefit historically underserved communities.
PDX311 continues to serve as a key access point for residents seeking assistance, offering multilingual support and non-emergency services seven days a week.
Officials encourage eligible residents to apply early before the June 30 deadline as demand is expected to remain high amid rising temperatures.
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