OSEIA Submits Comments for the PUC’s Climate Action Plans
The Oregon Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA) submitted extensive comments on the Oregon Public Utility Commission (PUC) work plans to implement Governor Brown’s Climate Executive Order. The PUC did an excellent job drafting their work plans, which include many exciting elements, such as including a social cost of carbon in utility IRPs. However, our comments noted several areas that were omitted or need more attention such as improvements to PURPA, transmission planning, and microgrid planning and incentives.
The PUC will have a special meeting on November 19 to review the draft work plans and comments. Read OSEIA’s full comments here.
Please Help Us Plan our 2021 Events
Take this SHORT Survey
When will we see you again?
PGE Moves Forward With Limited Generation Feeder Temporary Solution
In the fall of 2019, some net metering applications in PGE territory received notice that the projects required major grid upgrades, which caused large increases in project costs. After several customers complained to the PUC, PGE came up with a temporary solution to allow projects to move forward with reasonable costs. The two-meter solution would allow PGE to curtail solar on days with low load and high solar generation
OSEIA has expressed strong concerns with this solution: While it is helpful in the short-term, curtailment of solar systems that customers have invested in is not a long-term solution. OSEIA has worked closely with the PUC on this issue and was pleased to see the PUC set a deadline; PGE can use the two-meter solution until December 31, 2021. At that time they will need to come back to the PUC with a new plan. OSEIA will continue to stay engaged on this issue until a long-term solution is found.
OSEIA Working with Coalition on Equitable Distribution System Planning
The PUC is conducting a Distribution System Planning (DSP) docket in order to ensure that utilities are planning their distribution system in an equitable way that serves all customers. OSEIA’s policy chair, Shannon Souza, along with Vote Solar, has participated in the process and joined other stakeholders in submitting comments for how DSP should happen in Oregon and how it can support solar adoption. The PUC will consider final DSP rules in mid-December.
Read the joint DSP comments here.
The 2021 Oregon Legislative session approaches
With elections behind us (in Oregon at least!), it’s now time to focus on next year’s legislative session. Next year’s session begins in late January and it’s not yet clear how the Legislature will operate in the pandemic. But no matter what it looks like, it will happen and OSEIA has several priorities we’re working on.
- Re-funding the Solar + Storage Rebate. We support the Oregon Department of Energy’s request for $3 million to re-fund the rebate program. While it’s not much money, it’s a big ask in a year of budget constraints.
- Updating the Limited Renewable Technician (LRT) license. We almost passed this update bill in the 2020 session but the walk-out happened when the bill was second in line for a vote. Since the bill passed the Senate unanimously this year, we feel confident of its passage in 2021.
- Extending the Public Purpose Charge. The PPC funds renewables incentives through the Energy Trust of Oregon. OSEIA has been involved in conversations regarding changes to the program, including allowing storage incentives and setting aside 25 percent of incentives for low-income households.
- Extending the PILOT (Payment in Lieu of Taxes). The PILOT was created in 2015 to create a more certain tax payment plan for utility scale solar. The program is expiring and needs to be renewed.
Moving Oregon toward 100 percent clean energy. There are several proposals for Oregon to move to 100 percent clean energy, as many states around the county have done. OSEIA will be participating in conversations as proposals move forward to ensure that solar plays a key role in any new clean energy policy.
OSEIA Welcomes New Members
muON Marketing is a local SEO agency that specializes in creating customized digital marketing solutions for solar companies of any size. With our competitive pricing and comprehensive solutions, we deliver real results to grow your business, both online and off. Contact us and we’ll show you real results so you make an informed investment.
Bill Hoelzer runs Volta Strategies, a mission-driven marketing partner for solar and energy efficiency contractors. Before Volta, he managed marketing for GreenSavers, a five-time ENERGY STAR Contractor of the Year. Hoelzer increased sales appointments for GreenSavers by 635 percent — an average of 36 percent every year for seven years — driving a multi-million dollar increase in revenue.
Learn more about Bill here.
Making Energy Work for Rural Oregon 2020 Fall Resilience Symposium
Tuesday, November 10, 2020 at 10am PST
For details, click here: sustainablenorthwest.org/blog/posts/please-join-us-for-an-engaging-and-interactive-workshop-focused-on-energy-r
Solar Ready Vets Careers Connect
Are you a military veteran or transitioning service member looking for an exciting career in a growing industry with a bright future? Are you a veteran working in the solar industry but looking to advance in your career? If so, please join us on November 19, 2020 for a solar career connection-building experience!
The Solar Ready Vets Network has invited veterans with significant solar industry experience to facilitate this event as industry mentors in virtual breakout rooms. These mentors will lead small group conversations with military talent who are looking to meet their next challenge and forge their own solar career path, advance within the solar industry, or bolster their solar credentials.
Participate in energizing conversations with those who made the journey from serving in the U.S. military to pursuing rewarding careers in the solar industry.
Note: This event is primarily geared towards veterans and service members who are interested in solar careers, with limited or no experience in the solar industry. If you are a more seasoned solar industry professional, you are welcome to join and share insights, however, we would ask that you allow the career changers and job seekers space to ask their questions.
Click here for details: seia.org/events/solar-ready-vets-careers-connect.
