Oregon Utility Guide

Oregon's net metering law requires Portland General Electric (PGE) and Pacific Power to provide 1-to-1 net metering credits. Excess solar production will pass through a bi-directional utility meter and ‘net,’ or subtract, with consumption valued at the same retail rate ($/kWh) the utility charges you for electricity.

You will always have a monthly electric bill to cover base customer charges ($18-$20) regardless of how much your solar system produces.

If you have excess kWh credits at the end of the March billing cycle, excess credits will be forfeited with no payment. Utilities are required by law to reset your NEM bank to zero, and transfer the dollar amount value to their low-income assistance program.

While no one wants to lose their banked kWh credits, Oregon remains one of the most favorable net metering polices in the country. March is a fair true-up month for most solar customers. Solar production is at its highest in the summer and lowest in the winter. Banked kWh credits from spring through fall will have the opportunity to offset grid consumption in winter months.

Palmetto does not recommend oversizing your solar system to produce more than your annual consumption unless you plan to increase your electric consumption in the near future.

In this sample NEM bill,

Incentives from the Energy Trust of Oregon are required to be paid to the Solar Trade Ally (contractors). As the system owner, Palmetto LightReach receives all incentives per your agreement. However, Portland General Electric has an optional Smart Battery Pilot program providing electric bill credits in exchange for participation.

If you choose to install battery storage with your solar system, PGE customers are welcome to enroll in the Smart Battery Pilot program and receive the utility bill credits.

Learn More

Visit your utility’s solar net metering websites for Portland General Electric and

Pacific Power.