Energy Trust incentives
Anemometer Equipment incentives – We fund an Anemometer Equipment incentive program to assess wind quality at proposed sites. Anemometers are measuring devices that provide valuable data on wind quality and speed to evaluate a site's suitability. Energy Trust may provide up to 100% of the equipment cost and up to 50% of the installation cost of wind measuring equipment to landowners whose sites meet initial screening characteristics.
Project development assistance – Energy Trust may provide support for expert project development assistance including, but not limited to the following: grant writing assistance, feasibility studies, final design, permitting, utility interconnection, and construction management. Energy Trust may pay up to 50% of the cost of hiring a consultant to provide expert assistance for these activities, up to a maximum of $40,000.
Cash incentives for turbine installations – Incentive levels are based on a project’s costs in comparison to the market value of the energy produced (above-market costs). There is no cap or fixed percentage of the amount of above-market costs we will pay. Each project is unique and incentives are based on many factors. In most cases, we will disburse our funds over time, contingent on the project’s actual delivery of electric power to the grid. In return for our funding contribution, we will ask for a negotiated share of the project’s Renewable Energy Certificates, which are held in trust for the ratepayers who contribute to Energy Trust.
Tax credits, grants and loan guarantees
State and federal tax credits, grants, and loan guarantees can play an important role in making projects financially viable. Consult your tax professional to learn how tax credits and rules apply to your project. This information does not constitute tax advice and cannot be used to avoid tax penalties. Read more about these opportunities.
All projects must be less than 20MW in nameplate capacity and must deliver power to either Portland General Electric or Pacific Power in Oregon.
Projects that would deliver power to Pacific Power and that are requesting an Energy Trust incentive greater than $150,000 must compete for Energy Trust funding. For more information about eligibility and the competitive funding process, contact Betsy Kauffman at 503.459.4072.
Follow these steps to pursue a commercial-scale wind turbine installation and get cash incentives and tax credits:
Step 1: If you are exploring a wind turbine installation of up to 20 MW in capacity, contact Betsy Kauffman at 503.459.4072.
Step 2: An important part of exploring any large wind turbine system is to assess the wind quality at the proposed site. Energy Trust funds an Anemometer Equipment incentive program to provide equipment and data analysis free of charge. To apply for an anemometer, email Betsy Kauffman or call 503.459.4072.
Step 3: Get the help you need. Depending on your project’s complexity, you may need to commission a feasibility study or get expert assistance to move through permitting or utility interconnection. Energy Trust may provide up to $40,000 in support for these and other types of project development activities, and we can help you identify engineers or other experts with experience in the area where you need assistance.
- To apply for this kind of assistance from Energy Trust, applicants must complete and submit an Energy Trust Project Enrollment Application (Form 910E – PDF | Doc), a Request for Funding (Form 930RF – PDF | Doc) and a Substitute W-9 (PDF).
- If the application is approved, the participant will receive a "Project Enrollment Approval Notice" and a copy of the approved funding request from Energy Trust.
- If you are chosen to receive assistance from Energy Trust, you and your selected consultant will work together to complete the pre-approved work by its deadline.
- After the work is completed, the participant submits a Completion Certification (Form 940C – PDF| Doc) along with proof that the work was completed and the consultant was paid in full.
Step 4: If your project is feasible, you can apply for an incentive from Energy Trust. A complete project application must be received before construction begins. For projects that receive funding, payment begins upon project completion. In most cases, Energy Trust makes payments over the first few years of a project's operating life, contingent upon its electricity production.
To apply:
- Contact Betsy Kauffman at 503.459.4072 to request a Project Application. Projects that would deliver power to Pacific Power and that are requesting an Energy Trust incentive greater than $150,000 must compete for Energy Trust funding. All other eligible projects will be processed on a first come, first served basis.
Use the following project enrollment forms to apply for Energy Trust cash incentives. For more information, including incentive application assistance, email Betsy Kauffman or call 503.459.4072.
Project Development Assistance Forms
- Form 910E (PDF | Doc): Project Enrollment Application
- Form 930RF (PDF | Doc): Request for Funding
- Form 940C (PDF | Doc): Completion Certification
- Substitute W9 (PDF)
Forms for Wind Project Applications