Energy Trust Home > Renewable Energy > REF Fund Grant Assistance
Energy Trust of Oregon, Inc., is offering financial assistance to eligible municipalities in the writing of applications for the Oregon Economic and Community Development’s Renewable Energy Feasibility (REF) Fund grants. Because Energy Trust has a particular interest in urban hydropower applications, this assistance is available to municipalities that meet three conditions:
- They are located in the PGE service territory
- The study being proposed would investigate a potential hydropower project
- The project would not exceed 10 megawatts (MW)
For example, a study might be done to look at hydropower possibilities at the site of a pressure reduction valve.
The state's REF Fund provides funding to municipalities for feasibility studies that support renewable energy projects. The Fund is designed to assist municipalities in finding out if adding a renewable power project would make economic sense and serve as an economic development tool.
Energy Trust can reimburse eligible approved participating municipalities for 50% of the cost (up to a maximum of $3000) of hiring an “ Initial Investigation Consultant” who will identify the critical elements of a hydropower feasibility study, and write a REF Fund application for the project. The Energy Trust participant will work with the consultant to complete the 2008 REF Fund application by the OECDD required deadline.
Although projects being investigated cannot exceed 10 megawatts (MW), there is no minimum project size.
Important Deadline information:
- Energy Trust is now accepting applications. Municipalities interested in Energy Trust’s REF Fund Grant Assistance program are encouraged to contact Energy Trust and complete form 912R as soon as possible.
- If you are chosen to receive assistance from Energy Trust, you and your consultant will work together to investigate and identify the critical elements of a study, and to meet the deadline for the REF Fund’s initial intake application for upcoming funding cycle. The next REF Fund deadline has not yet been set, but is expected to be in late April 2008. Keep checking back for updated information.
- REF Fund Applicants who pass the initial intake requirements are invited to submit full applications. You and your consultant will work together to meet the final application deadline, which is typically 1 month after you receive your initial application decision.*
For more information about Energy Trust's REF Fund Grant Assistance program, please contact at 503-459-4072.
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