Difficult economic times have severely reduced state revenues, forcing legislatures throughout the country to make deep cuts in state budgets. Nearly half the states have found that temporary closures and unpaid furloughs are necessary ways to save money while preserving the important functions and services of state government.

As part of its strategy to address its own budget cuts, Oregon's state government will close most agencies on 10 Fridays throughout the current two-year budget period. The closures will require our employees to take mandatory unpaid furloughs on those days and will save about $2 million a day statewide.

The Oregon Department of Energy will close its offices (Salem and Hermiston) on Friday, March 19. While no one will be available to answer the phone or e-mail, you may continue to access our Web site and online functions, such as the Residential Energy Tax Credits for appliances: www.oregon.gov/ENERGY/CONS/RES/tax/appliances.shtml

We regret any inconvenience this closure may cause; please be assured we will do everything possible to minimize disruption and hardship to those who rely on our services. We appreciate your understanding, and we look forward to serving you on Monday morning, March 22, 2010.