Commercial Scale Wind Incentive Program

September 30, 2014

Summary

Energy Trust of Oregon’s Commercial Scale Wind offering provides resources and cash incentives to help communities, businesses land owners, and government entities install wind turbine systems up to 20 megawatts (MW) in capacity. Projects may consist of a single turbine or a small group of turbines. A variety of ownership models are allowed. Incentive programs are as follows:

• Project development: Energy Trust may provide assistance for project development including grant writing assistance, feasibility studies, final design, permitting, utility interconnection, and construction management. Up to 50% of the cost of hiring a consulting for this assistance may be paid for by Energy Trust, up to a maximum of $40,000.
• Cash incentives for turbine installation: Project costs are compared to the market value of the energy produced (above-market costs) to determine incentive levels. There is no fixed percentage or cap on the amount of above-market costs that Energy Trust will pay. Incentive levels are based on many factors and vary by project. In most cases Energy Trust disburses the incentives over time; although retaining the incentives is dependent on the project’s actual delivery of electricity to the grid.

To be eligible for these incentives, the recipient must be an Oregon customer of Portland General Electric or Pacific Power, or be willing to deliver power to one of these utilities. Systems must generate electricity and be connected to the local electric utility grid.