What's New

The state of feed-in tariff policy is rapidly evolving in Oregon, nationally and internationally. This resource will keep you up-to-date with what's new both in OREP and on our website. We encourage you to check back regularly as new postings become available, you'll usually find them here first.

July 2011

07/21/2011
Oregon PUC Ruling Reduces Investor Certainty in the Solar Pilot Program

Reacting to the rapid uptake of capacity in July and October of 2010 (capacity allocations available sold out in minutes), the Oregon Public Utility Commission (OPUC) reduced the offered price per kWh by 20% just days before the April 1st enrollment window.  The OPUC has moved away from an initial cost-based price-setting methodology (price calculated so as to cover cost of production plus a small return on investment), opting instead to lower the price rapidly until uptake slows.  OPUC is expected to drop the price by another 10% for the October 1st enrollment.  Workshops and comments are in progress, with a commission decision on the October rates expected on or around August 1.  See the table below for a history of the rates offered in the small and medium size categories.

In April the commission also ruled that half the medium-size allocation will be awarded by competitive bidding; the other half will remain a fixed-price offering.  It is likely that the award method will alternate every six months, such that the entire October 2011 allocation will be awarded by competitive bidding and the April 2012 allocation by lottery at a pre-published VIR. This has yet to be decided by the commission.

Addressing concerns about the fairness of "first-come-first-served," the commission ruled that going forward, all of the small-size allocations and half the medium-size allocations will be made by lottery. Workshops and comments on implementation of the April rulings are in progress, with a new commission order expected on or around September 6th. http://www.puc.state.or.us/PUC/solar/solarincentive.pdf

Oregon Solar Pilot Program: Volumetric Incentive Rate Degression since 2010

07/13/2011
OREP Commentary: Paying for Oregon's Transition to Renewable Energy

“As a funding source for renewable energy production Oregon's current energy tax credits have numerous drawbacks”.

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OREP's Vision for a sustainable energy future includes:

• Solar panels on neighborhood homes, small businesses, houses of worship, and schools
• Average Oregonians investing in and producing renewable energy, and earning a reasonable return on their investment
• Local lenders financing renewable energy projects in rural and urban Oregon communities, recirculating energy dollars closer to home
• Stable and flourishing renewable energy industries with living wage jobs
• Widespread support among voters for a renewable energy plan they participate in and benefit from directly