Energy Trust of Oregon offers cash incentives and project development assistance for renewable energy projects that are 20 megawatts (MW) or less in capacity. Eligible resources include wind, hydropower, biomass, fuel cells, and geothermal. Separate standard incentives are available for solar electric up to 200 or 250 kilowatts (kW) and small wind projects under 50 kilowatts. 

Project development assistance funding is available for a variety of purposes, including grant writing, feasibility studies, or technical assistance with design, permitting, or utility interconnection. Energy Trust will pay up to 50% of costs associated with project development activities, up to a maximum of $200,000.  Activities must be approved in advance. 

Project incentives above $150,000 are distributed on a competitive basis. All other project incentives are distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. All incentives are based on a project’s above-market costs (the difference between project costs and the market value of the energy produced). There is no cap or fixed percentage of the amount of above-market costs Energy Trust will pay; however, all incentives are subject to budget limitations. In return for funding provided, Energy Trust will request a negotiated share of the project’s renewable energy credits (RECs). These RECs are held in trust for the ratepayers who contribute to Energy Trust. Project incentives are paid upon completion, inspection, and successful operation of the project. 

For more information, contact Jed Jorgensen (hydropower or geothermal), Dave Moldal (biogas), or Chris Dearth (biomass or wind). 


*Oregon's 1999 electric-utility restructuring legislation required Pacific Power and Portland General Electric (PGE) to collect a 3% public-purpose charge from their customers to support renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. The Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) authorized Energy Trust of Oregon to administer these programs beginning in 2002.