Receiving Your Oregon and Federal Tax Credits for Energy Projects

Energy Trust is an independent nonprofit organization that offers cash incentives and services for qualifying energy-efficiency and renewable energy projects in homes, businesses and industry. These cash incentives are separate from state and federal tax credits. We serve customers of Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas in Oregon and NW Natural customers in Washington.

We also maintain a network of local, independent trade ally contractors who install many of the projects qualifying for cash incentives, such as insulation, water heating systems, windows and solar energy systems.

If you are not a customer of PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural or Cascade Natural Gas, you may still qualify for state or federal tax credits for your project. We also encourage you to ask your utility if they offer any cash incentives or rebates to help you make energy-efficiency improvements or install renewable energy systems.

The Oregon Department of Energy is a state agency that administers state energy tax credit programs. Oregon taxpayers may get a credit on their Oregon income taxes for making their homes or businesses more energy efficient or for installing renewable energy systems. Some entities may be able to “pass-through” the tax credit to a pass-through partner and receive a cash payment instead. Visit the Oregon Department of Energy's website for information on state energy tax credits for residences and businesses.

NOTE: For updates on important changes to Oregon's energy tax credits, please click here.

The Oregon Legislature passed legislation (House Bill 3672) in June 2011 that amended, sunset and created a number of tax credit programs administered by the Oregon Department of Energy. In particular, the Business Energy Tax Credit program was changed significantly and is being replaced with a new program, the Energy Incentive Program, for conservation, renewable energy and transportation projects. Visit the Oregon Department of Energy's website for full details on the changes.

Energy Trust cash incentives are available to Portland General Electric, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas customers investing in qualifying energy-efficiency and renewable power projects. The tax credit changes do not change Energy Trust incentives.

NOTE: For updates on important changes to Oregon's energy tax credits, please click here.

Federal and state tax credits may be available for the installation of energy-efficient equipment and improvements and renewable energy systems. These tax credits are available to both businesses and homeowners, but are subject to change. Consult your tax professional, the Oregon Department of Energy or the IRS for current information. Contact information is available in the next question and answer section.

If you are a customer of PGE, Pacific Power, NW Natural and Cascade Natural Gas, you may also receive an Energy Trust cash incentive in addition to tax credits.

In some cases, grants may also be available.

NOTE: For updates on important changes to Oregon's energy tax credits, please click here.

We maintain basic details on state and federal tax credits that may be available for your energy-efficiency or renewable energy project. Visit our cash incentive pages for homes, businesses and industry. For more detailed information on state and federal tax credits, please visit:

• Oregon Department of Energy – State tax credit information
• ENERGY STAR® – Federal tax credit information for home improvements
• Tax Incentives Assistance Project – Federal tax credit information for homes and businesses, as well as renewable energy projects

NOTE: For updates on important changes to Oregon's energy tax credits, please click here.

Requirements vary depending on your project. In general, to apply for your Energy Trust cash incentive, complete an application form and be sure to attach all receipts, invoices and other supporting documents. Energy Trust must receive most applications within 90 days of installation—please note this is different from state and federal tax credit deadlines. Once we receive your application, you should receive a check within six to eight weeks. Visit our forms pages to find residential forms and business forms.

Please consult your tax professional or the Oregon Department of Energy at 1.800.221.8035 to learn how to apply for state tax credits.

NOTE: For updates on important changes to Oregon's energy tax credits, please click here.

To learn how to apply for a residential federal tax credit, visit ENERGY STAR, consult your tax professional or call the IRS at 1.800.829.1040. To learn how to apply for a business federal tax credit, consult your tax professional or the IRS at 1.800.829.4933.

Some energy projects may qualify for an Energy Trust cash incentive, an Oregon Department of Energy tax credit and a federal tax credit, or a combination of the three. You will need to work with each organization to receive your financial incentives: work with Energy Trust on applying for an Energy Trust cash incentive; work with the Oregon Department of Energy on applying for a state energy tax credit; and work with the IRS to receive a federal tax credit. In some cases, your contractor can assist you with these applications.

For information on tax credits, loans and grant programs for renewable energy projects, click here.