Oregon's net metering law, originally enacted in 1999, allowed all customer classes to use generators with a capcity no greater than 25 kW. Energy sources allowed for net metering were solar wind, hydro or fuel cells.

The law was changed by legislation passed in 2005 [SB 84]. The new law expanded the eligible energy sources by adding "landfill gas, digester gas, waste, dedicated energy crops available on a renewable basis or low-emission, nontoxic biomass based on solid organic fuels from wood, forest or field residues."

There is a limit on statewide enrollment of 0.5% of a utility's single hour peak load. Levels above this may be granted by the Oregon Public Utilities Commission. The net-excess generation can be purchased at the utility's "avoided cost" or credited to the following month. At the end of the annual period unused credits will either be granted to low-income assistance programs, credited to the customer, or "dedicated to another use" as determined by regulatory authorities.

View the 2005 Oregon Net Metering Law - signed June 2005

Oregon Department of Energy

Other Resources:

• New Rules Project's section on Net Metering Rules
• Model Net Metering Law for Renewable Energy Technologies - by the Interstate Renewable Energy Council, August 2003
  This model limits net metering to systems 25 kW or less for residential applications and 100 kW or less at commercial sites. The rule would allow first-come first-served net metering until a utility reaches 2 percent of its peak load.
• Summary of Net Metering Programs in the United States - by DSIRE, ongoing updates
• Consumer Guide to Renewable Energy for Your Home or Business - by DOE Office of Power Technologies
• Green Power Networks' State Net Metering Program Descriptions