Energy Trust Home > Renewable Energy > REF Fund Grant Assistance > FAQ
What is Energy Trust of Oregon?
Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc. seeks to change the way Oregonians produce and use energy. On behalf of Oregon customers of Pacific Power and PGE, Energy Trust invests in energy efficiency and renewable energy projects that help Oregonians save energy, increase the comfort of their homes and businesses, and move toward energy self-reliance. For more information about Energy Trust, visit the About Us section on our website.
What is the Oregon Economic and Community Development Department’s Renewable Energy Feasibility Fund (REF Fund) program?
The Oregon Economic and Community Development Department (OECDD), in coordination with the Oregon Department of Energy, is directed by a Governor's Executive Order to establish a fund "within existing funding and authority" to support feasibility studies for "community renewable energy projects." The Renewable Energy Feasibility Fund (REF Fund) has been established for this purpose, namely to encourage the widespread adoption of renewable energy projects that reduce Oregon's dependence on fossil-based energy sources and promote sustainable economic development for communities throughout the state. The REF Fund’s maximum grant award amount is $50,000 per study. An applicant must provide a minimum of 25 percent of the total study costs with at least 15 percent representing direct cash contributions.
How does Energy Trust help people apply for REF funds?
Energy Trust provides cost-share funding to help approved municipalities in the Portland General Electric service territory hire consultants to write an application for a REF Fund study. Energy Trust will reimburse approved participants for 50% of the cost of using the consultant, up to a total of $3,000. If the applicant is approved for a REF Fund grant, the applicant can then apply for additional assistance from Energy Trust towards a project.
Who is eligible to apply for Energy Trust's REF Fund assistance?
Energy Trust’s offer of assistance in writing a REF Fund application is available to municipalities in the Portland General Electric service territory. Municipalities include cities, counties, special districts, and other governmental entities.
What renewable technologies can be supported by the Energy Trust's REF Fund assistance?
An applicant's REF Fund study proposal must be to support a hydropower project that is not located in a state or federally protected area. Examples of eligible projects include a generation project in a city water system at the site of pressure reduction valves or a project at an irrigation district’s existing diversion. Projects being studied must be located in the Portland General Electric service territory or have a reasonable expectation of a power purchase agreement with PGE. Off-grid projects are not eligible for Energy Trust support.
How do I apply for Energy Trust financial assistance for completing REF Fund applications?
To apply for Energy Trust assistance for a REF Fund feasibility study applicants should complete and submit an Energy Trust Financial Assistance Application (Form 912R) as soon as possible.
What timeline should I expect after I submit my application?
| Energy Trust Financial Assistance Applications | Open now |
| Energy Trust Assistance Notification | Within a week after application is received |
| REF Fund Intake Applications Due | The date has not been set. Please check back for more information. |
| REF Fund Full Applications due | The date has not been set. Please check back for more information. |
For more information about Energy Trust's REF Fund Grant Assistance program, please contact at 503-459-4072.
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