COMMUNITY SOLAR PROGRAM PROGRESSES IN OREGON, PUC APPROVES FIRST PROJECTS
Oregonians can get the benefit of solar power, whether renting or owning
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) approved the first three projects to begin operation in Portland General Electric’s (PGE’s) service territory as part of the Community Solar Program at a public meeting on Thursday, February 11, 2021. These projects will begin commercial operation immediately and project subscribers will see their subscription charges and credits on their PGE electric bills as early as March.
The PUC approved the following Community Solar projects:
- Dunn Road – A 1.8 megawatt photovoltaic project located north of Sandy in Clackamas County
- Hope – A 2.5 megawatt photovoltaic project located southwest of Molalla in Clackamas County
- Williams Acres – A 2.5 megawatt photovoltaic project located east of Woodburn in Marion County
“This is an important milestone to enable more Oregonians, regardless if they rent or own a home, to access solar generation through projects of their choice,” said Megan Decker, PUC Chair.
Oregon’s Community Solar Program allows customers of Idaho Power, Pacific Power, and Portland General Electric to access solar power from the generator of their choice without the need to install solar photovoltaic panels on their premises. Customers have the option to subscribe to part of a solar project and be credited on their electric bill for their portion of generated energy even if they rent or own a home with limited solar access.
A key aspect of the Oregon Community Solar Program is a 10 percent project capacity carve-out dedicated to low-income customers. Low-income customers who subscribe to a Community Solar project will enjoy cost savings on each monthly utility bill. The program is designed to promote greater access to solar by reducing barriers to participation, ensuring meaningful customer benefits, and encouraging diverse participation.
In 2016, Senate Bill 1547 was passed by the Oregon Legislature, which included a directive to establish a Community Solar Program for Oregon customers of Idaho Power, Pacific Power, and PGE, the three electric utilities regulated by the PUC. The PUC administers the program in partnership with Energy Solutions, Energy Trust of Oregon, and Community Energy Project.
For additional information about the Oregon Community Solar Program, including subscribing to one of the three approved projects ready for operation or numerous pre-certified projects under construction, visit www.oregoncsp.org or call 800-481-0510.
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