OR SB1143

Public Utility Commission must establish a pilot program allowing each natural gas company to develop a utility-scale thermal energy network to provide heating and cooling services using pipes, heat pumps, and noncombustible fluids

Each natural gas company must file a proposal and effectiveness measurement plan within 24 months, or explain why they are not submitting a proposal

Commission evaluates proposals based on criteria including service to low-income communities, mix of building types, use of existing gas utility workforce, leveraging federal funding, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Labor standards require contractors to pay prevailing wages, use journeyworkers who completed registered apprenticeship programs (30% in 2026, 45% in 2027, 60% by 2028), and ensure 30 hours of safety training

Pilot program authority expires January 2, 2036; labor standards apply to contracts entered into on or after January 1, 2026