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HB 2618 (2019) created the Solar + Storage Rebate Program at the Oregon Department of Energy.

Oregon Solar + Storage Program Rulemakings:

2023 Rulemaking

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18 Dec 2023	ODOE to Hold Virtual Hearing on Draft Rules for Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program
ODOE will hold a virtual rulemaking hearing to accept oral testimony on amendments to the draft rules for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program. Hearing Details: Monday, December 18, 2023, at 3 p.m. Hearing Materials: Draft Rules Meeting Presentation Meeting Recording Submitting Written Comments on the Draft Rules: If you are unable to attend the hearing or would like to submit written comments on the draft rules, you can submit your comments by email or mail to the addresses listed below. The public comment period will close on December 22, 2023, at 5 p.m. Comments received after this date will not be considered in the rulemaking process. Email: james.cogle@energy.oregon.gov Mailing address: Oregon Department of Energy Attention: James Cogle 550 Capitol St. NE, 1st Floor Salem, OR 97301 Additional Information: Sign up to receive future email updates about the program and the rulemaking. For more information, contact: james.cogle@energy.oregon.gov.


02 Oct 2023	ODOE to Hold Virtual Meeting on Proposed Rule Amendments for Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program
The Oregon Department of Energy will hold the second of two virtual meetings on the agency's Solar + Storage Rebate Program which offers rebates to residential customers and low-income service providers who install solar or solar and paired energy storage systems on Monday, October 2. In 2023, the Oregon Legislature extended the program to January 2, 2029, allocated an additional $10 million for the program, and amended program language related to the purchase, construction, and installation of a paired solar and storage system. ODOE is launching a process to update the program's administrative rules to reflect those changes and will be requesting feedback the on the proposed rule amendments. Oregonians are welcome to attend one or both workshops; while similar content will be presented at both, staff will be continually reviewing comments and depending on the feedback received may present additional content at the second webinar. Recordings of the webinars and presentations will be made available after the meetings. Meeting Details Date/Time: October 2, 2023 \| 3:00 PM Meeting Materials: Proposed Rule Amendments Meeting Presentation Meeting Recording


18 Sep 2023	ODOE to Hold Virtual Meeting on Proposed Rule Amendments for Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program
The Oregon Department of Energy will hold the first of two virtual meetings on the agency's Solar + Storage Rebate Program which offers rebates to residential customers and low-income service providers who install solar or solar and paired energy storage systems on Monday, September 18. In 2023, the Oregon Legislature extended the program to January 2, 2029, allocated an additional $10 million for the program, and amended program language related to the purchase, construction, and installation of a paired solar and storage system. ODOE is launching a process to update the program's administrative rules to reflect those changes and will be requesting feedback the on the proposed rule amendments. Oregonians are welcome to attend one or both workshops; while similar content will be presented at both, staff will be continually reviewing comments and depending on the feedback received may present additional content at the second webinar. Recordings of the webinars and presentations will be made available on the rulemaking page. Meeting Details Date/Time: Monday, September 18, 2023 1:00 PM Meeting Materials: Proposed Rule Amendments Meeting Presentation Meeting Recording

2022 Rulemaking

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13 Apr 2022	ODOE Submits Amendments to Rules for Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program
The Oregon Department of Energy submitted rule amendments to the Secretary of State on April 13, 2022, to amend the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program rules. The rules are effective as of April 15, 2022. This concludes the formal rulemaking process, which included a public hearing on March 22, 2022, and a public comment period which closed on March 29, 2022. Materials: Filing Certificate with Final Rules (submitted to the Secretary of State) Filing Certificate with Tracked Changes Hearing Officer Report


22 Mar 2022	Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program Rulemaking Hearing
ODOE will hold a virtual rulemaking hearing to accept oral testimony on amendments to the draft rules for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program. Hearing Details: Tuesday, March 22, 2022 at 4 p.m. Webinar event: https://odoe.webex.com/odoe/j.php?MTID=me2c3fd12b9010bdabc98bf3e084309da Event number (access code): 2331 021 9836 Event password: solar (76527 from phones) Or Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 United States Toll Hearing Materials: Draft Rules Rulemaking Comment Portal Submitting Written Comments on the Draft Rules: If you are unable to attend the hearing or would like to submit written comments on the draft rules, please visit our Rulemaking Comment Portal. Alternatively, you can submit your comments by email or mail. The public comment period will close on March 29, 2022, at 5 p.m. Comments received after this date will not be considered in the rulemaking process unless the agency decides to extend the public comment period for everyone. Email: james.cogle@energy.oregon.gov Mailing address: Oregon Department of Energy Attention: Solar + Storage Rulemaking Team 550 Capitol St. NE, 1st Floor Salem, OR 97301 Additional Information: Sign up to receive future email updates about the program and the rulemaking. Learn more about the Solar + Storage Rebate Program and the rulemaking process on ODOE's website. For more information, contact: james.cogle@energy.oregon.gov


27 Jan 2022	Oregon Department of Energy to Hold Virtual Community Meetings on Solar + Storage Rebate Program
The Oregon Department of Energy will hold two virtual community meetings this winter on the agency's Solar + Storage Rebate Program, which offers rebates to residential customers and low-income service providers who install solar or solar and paired energy storage systems (batteries). In 2021, the Oregon Legislature allocated an additional $10 million for the program, and the agency is hoping to expand its reach to low- and moderate-income Oregonians, low-income service providers, and other historically and currently underserved communities to participate in the program. Oregon Energy staff are launching a process to update the program's administrative rules, and hope to hear from the community about how we can better reach potential program participants. Draft rule changes are designed to encourage more participation from low-income service providers, such as affordable housing organizations. We'd like to hear more about other barriers communities face, what information they need to participate, and suggestions for outreach and marketing methods to better get the word out about the program. Oregonians are welcome to attend one or both workshops; the same content will be covered in each session. Session #1: Thursday, January 27, 2022 \| 1 – 2 p.m. Join via Webex: https://odoe.webex.com/odoe/j.php?MTID=md7c014240db73a817520febd8bc5821b Password: energy Or Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 Access code: 234 117 69825 Session #2: Wednesday, February 2, 2022 \| 4 – 5 p.m. Join via Webex: https://odoe.webex.com/odoe/j.php?MTID=me22c5379696f8615333ba8f659255707 Password: energy Or Join by phone: +1-408-418-9388 Access code: 234 855 44318

Eligibility Criteria for Solar Contractors

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01 Sep 2021	Temporary Rules Filed for Oregon Solar Plus Storage Rebate Program
The Oregon Department of Energy filed a temporary rule on August 31, 2021 to update the eligibility criteria for solar contractors under the Solar + Storage Rebate Program, specifically affecting solar contractors who are Energy Trust of Oregon solar trade allies. Current permanent rules require that solar trade allies must have at least four out of five stars in the Energy Trust of Oregon star rating system. The temporary rules would allow any solar trade ally who is currently eligible to apply for Energy Trust incentives to also register and make reservations for rebates under the Solar + Storage Rebate Program. The temporary rules are effective September 1, 2021 through February 27, 2022. Temporary Administrative Order, including temporary rule language Temporary Administrative Order, Track Changes version To file a temporary rule, an agency must provide justification that failure to act promptly will result in serious prejudice to the public interest or the interest of parties concerned. Once filed, it will be in effect for a maximum of 180 days. In the last quarter of 2021 and first quarter of 2022, ODOE plans to conduct a permanent rulemaking proceeding to update program rules in OAR Chapter 330, Division 240 including: changing dates in rule that are obsolete, updating eligibility qualifications for solar contractors; and making other rule changes identified by stakeholders and agency staff.

Income Verification

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28 May 2020	Conclusion of Rulemaking for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program: Income Verification
The Oregon Department of Energy submitted final rules to the Secretary of State on May 28, 2020 to amend program rules for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program. The changes provide additional methods in rule through which low- or moderate- income residential customers can provide proof of eligibility to qualify for higher rebate rates under the OSSRP, aligning the program rules in Division 240 with department practice. The amendments also included minor changes to clarify program rules. The rule changes were effective upon filing. The rulemaking process included a public comment period which closed on May 22, 2020; the department received no public comments for this rulemaking. Materials: Filing certificate with final rules – submitted to the Secretary of State


22 Apr 2020	Solar + Storage Rebate Program Rulemaking: Income Verification
Rule Caption: Additional methods to verify low- or moderate-income eligibility under solar plus storage rebate program. Public Comment Period: The public comment period ends May 22, 2020. Written comments on the rulemaking are due by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 22, 2020, and may be sent via email to the rulemaking coordinator: wendy.simons@oregon.gov Materials: Filing Forms (including draft rules with tracked changes) The primary purpose of the proposed rule changes is to provide additional methods in rule through which low- or moderate- income residential customers can provide proof of eligibility to qualify for higher rebate rates under the solar plus storage rebate program. The rule changes would align the program rules in Division 240 with department practice. This rulemaking would also make minor changes to clarify program rules. Division 240 of ODOE rules implements House Bill 2618, adopted by the 2019 Legislative Assembly and codified as Oregon Laws 2019 Chapter 655. House Bill 2618 created a new program offering rebates for solar electric systems and paired solar and storage systems. The legislation became operative January 1, 2020, which was the starting date for the program, and sunsets on January 2, 2024. Please see the Oregon Solar Plus Storage Rebate Program page for more information. The department will review and consider all comments on these proposed rule changes, and expects to file permanent rules by the end of June 2020. Changes to program rules will be effective upon filing. For more information, contact: John Hobbs, Program Manager, 503-378-5048, john.hobbs@oregon.gov Wendy Simons, Rulemaking Coordinator, 503-378-6043, wendy.simons@oregon.gov

Establishment of the Program

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20 Dec 2019	Conclusion of Rulemaking for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program
The Oregon Department of Energy submitted final rules to the Secretary of State on December 19, 2019 to establish a rebate program for solar electric systems and paired solar and storage systems. The permanent rules will be effective January 1, 2020. This concludes the formal rulemaking process, which included a public hearing on December 3, 2019 and a public comment period which closed on December 3, 2019. Materials: Filing certificate with final rules – submitted to the Secretary of State Hearing Officer Report


01 Nov 2019	Solar Plus Storage Rebate Program Rules Public Hearing
Rule Caption: Creates rebate program for solar electric systems and paired solar and storage systems. Public Hearing Tuesday, December 3, 2019, 1:30 p.m. Oregon Department of Energy (parking information) Meitner Room, First floor 550 Capitol St. NE Salem, OR 97301 Call-in number: (877) 810-9415, access code 899679 Hearing materials: Filing Forms (including draft rules) The proposed rules would create a new division in ODOE administrative rules to implement House Bill 2618, adopted by the 2019 Legislative Assembly and codified as Oregon Laws 2019 Chapter 655. House Bill 2618 creates a new program offering rebates for solar electric systems and paired solar and storage systems. Please see the Oregon Solar Plus Storage Rebate Program page for more information. ODOE will accept oral testimony on the rules at the public hearing. Participants unable to attend may call in using the number listed above. Written comments on the rulemaking are due by 5 p.m. on Tuesday, December 3, 2019, and may be sent via email to the hearing officer: wendy.simons@oregon.gov The public hearing will be the final opportunity for comment before the department files permanent rules. Program rules will be effective January 1, 2020. For more information, contact: John Hobbs, Program Manager, 503-378-5048, john.hobbs@oregon.gov Wendy Simons, Rulemaking Coordinator, 503-378-6043, wendy.simons@oregon.gov


07 Oct 2019	Public Meetings October 14 & 15 to Discuss Draft Rules
ODOE will hold two stakeholder meetings to review draft rules for the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program, created by HB 2618. Please note these meetings will cover the same draft rules while seeking discussion and feedback, so stakeholders are welcome to attend either meeting. HB 2618 Stakeholder Meeting Monday, October 14, 2019 \| 1 - 4 p.m. ODOT Region 1 Headquarters Conference Room A 123 NW Flanders Blvd \| Portland, OR Parking Info HB 2618 Stakeholder Meeting Tuesday, October 15, 2019 \| 1 – 4 p.m. Oregon Department of Energy Meitner Conference Room 550 Capitol St. NE \| Salem, OR Parking Info Meeting Materials: Draft rules Rates considerations PowerPoint Call-in Information: 877-810-9415, Participant Code 899679 Please mute your phone and do not place on hold, as it may cause hold music to play. You can also join the meeting via Skype. ODOE values your input, and we encourage interested stakeholders to attend in person or over the phone. You can also sign up to receive future email updates about the program and about the rulemaking. Learn more about the Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program and the rulemaking process on ODOE’s website.


01 Oct 2019	Public Meeting: Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program Rulemaking
This fall, ODOE will work to stand up the new Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate program for launch on January 1, 2020. As we develop the program, we are seeking input from stakeholders like you to inform the program’s administrative rules. ODOE will hold a stakeholder meeting on Tuesday, October 1 in Salem to provide an overview of HB 2618 requirements, review the rulemaking process, and answer questions from stakeholders. HB 2618 Stakeholder Meeting #1 Tuesday, October 1, 2019 \| 1 - 4 p.m. Oregon Department of Energy 550 Capitol St. NE \| Salem, OR Parking Info Meeting Materials: Presentation Call-in Information: 877-810-9415, Participant Code 899679 Please mute your phone and do not place on hold, as it may cause hold music to play. You can also join the meeting via Skype. ODOE values your input, and we encourage interested stakeholders to attend in person or over the phone. You can also sign up to receive future email updates about the program and about the rulemaking. We have scheduled two additional public meetings to discuss the implementation of the rebate program: Meeting 2: Oct 14, 2019, 1 p.m. (Portland): Discussion and feedback on draft rules Meeting 3: Oct 15, 2019, 1 p.m. (Salem): Discussion and feedback on draft rules. Please note that meeting 2 and meeting 3 will cover the same draft rules while seeking stakeholder discussion and feedback, so stakeholders are welcome to attend either meeting. ODOE will also hold a public hearing on the rules later this fall.

Rulemaking Timeline

Subject to Change

Date	Milestone
September 2019	Information gathering
October 1, 2019 1 - 4 p.m.	Stakeholder Meeting #1: discuss questions and implementation Oregon Department of Energy Meitner Conference Room 550 Capitol St. NE Salem, OR 97301 Parking Info
October 14, 2019 1 - 4 p.m.	Stakeholder Meeting #2: discuss draft rules ODOT Region 1 HQ Conference Room A 123 NW Flanders Blvd Portland, OR 97209 Parking Info
October 15, 2019 1 - 4 p.m.	Stakeholder Meeting #3: discuss draft rules Oregon Department of Energy Meitner Conference Room 550 Capitol St. NE Salem, OR 97301 Parking Info
November 1, 2019	Publish Notice of Rulemaking Hearing in the Oregon Bulletin, beginning public comment period
December 3, 2019 tentative, location TBD	Public hearing and end of public comment period
December 20, 2019	Target date for filing permanent rules
January 1, 2020	Operative date of program rules

Resources

Oregon Solar + Storage Rebate Program

Rulemaking Comment Portal

Sign Up For Email Updates

Contact Rebate Program Staff:

503-378-4040
800-221-8035
ODOE.SolarRebates@oregon.gov