Electricity Laws and Incentives in Oregon
The list below contains summaries of all Oregon laws and incentives related to electricity.
State Incentives
Alternative Fuel Loans
The Oregon Department of Energy administers the Small-Scale Local Energy Loan Program which offers low-interest loans for qualifying projects. Eligible alternative fuel projects include fuel production facilities, dedicated feedstock production, fueling infrastructure, and fleet vehicles. Loan recipients must complete a loan application and pay a loan application fee. For more information, see the Energy Loan Program website.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 470)
Clean School Bus Grants
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality must use funds awarded to Oregon through the Volkswagen (VW) Environmental Mitigation Trust and deposited in the Clean Diesel Engine Fund, to award grants to owners and operators of at least 450 school buses powered by diesel engines. Eligible vehicles include buses that have at least three years of remaining useful life. Grants will be available for 30%, up to $50,000, for the purchase of a new bus or up to 100% of the cost to retrofit a school bus with emissions-reducing parts or technology that reduce diesel particulate matter emissions by at least 85%. Any money not expended under this Clean Diesel Engine Fund will fund grants for the reduction of diesel engine emissions as matching funds under the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act program. For more information, see the VW Settlement website.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468A.795-468A.807)
Community Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Grant
The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) administers the Community Renewable Energy Grant Program, which offers grants to tribal entities, local governments, port and irrigation districts, and consumer-owned utilities to plan and develop community renewable energy and energy resilience projects. Eligible projects include publicly accessible EV charging stations. Grant amounts vary and may cover up to 100% of total project costs. Half of program funds must be awarded to low-income, underserved, or rural communities. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis. For more information, see the ODOE Community Renewable Energy Grant Program website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Rebate
The Charge Ahead Rebate Program offers low- and medium-income Oregon residents a rebate of up to $5,000 for EVs purchased before May 1, 2023, including plug-in hybrid vehicles. Residents may combine this rebate with the Clean Vehicle Rebate to receive a maximum rebate of $7,500. Qualifying residents are considered households with income levels that do not exceed 400% of the federal poverty line. For more information, see the Charge Ahead Rebate Program website.
(Reference ORS 468.442 and 468.446)
Oregon's National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) Planning
The U.S. Department of Transportation’s (DOT) NEVI Formula Program requires the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT) to submit an annual EV Infrastructure Deployment Plan (Plan) to the DOT and U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Joint Office of Energy and Transportation (Joint Office), describing how the state intends to distribute NEVI funds. The submitted plans must be established according to NEVI guidance.
For more information about Oregon’s NEVI planning process, see the ODOT Oregon’s Five-year EV Charging Infrastructure Roadmap website. To review Oregon’s NEVI plan, see the Joint Office State Plans for EV Charging website.
Plug-In Hybrid Electric Vehicle (PHEV) and Zero Emission Vehicle Rebates
The Clean Vehicle Rebate Program provides rebates to Oregon residents, businesses, non-profit organizations, and government agencies for the purchase or lease of a new electric vehicle (EV), including a PHEV, electric motorcycle, or fuel cell electric vehicle (FCEV). EVs and FCEVs purchased before May 1, 2023, with a battery capacity greater than 10 kilowatt-hours (kWh), are eligible for a rebate of $2,500. EVs and FCEVs with a battery capacity of less than 10 kWh are eligible for a rebate of $1,500.
Electric motorcycles are eligible for a rebate of $750. EVs may not have an MSRP of more than $50,000, and eligible FCEVs may not have an MSRP of more than $60,000. For more information, see the Clean Vehicle Rebate Program website.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468.442 - 468.444 and Temporary Administrative Order DEQ 19-2021)
Pollution Control Equipment Exemption
Dedicated original equipment manufacturer natural gas vehicles and all-electric vehicles are not required to be equipped with a certified pollution control system.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 815.300)
Laws and Regulations
Alternative Fuel Vehicle (AFV) Parking Space Regulation
An individual is not allowed to park a motor vehicle within any parking space specifically designated for public parking and fueling of AFVs unless the motor vehicle is an AFV. Eligible AFVs must also be in the process of fueling or charging to park in the space. A person found responsible for a violation is subject to traffic violation penalties.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 811.587)
Alternative Fuel Vehicle Acquisition (AFV) and Fuel Use Requirements
Beginning January 1, 2025, all new light-duty state agency fleet vehicle purchases or leases must be all-electric, plug-in hybrid electric, or hydrogen fuel cell vehicles, to the maximum extent possible. If purchasing or leasing these vehicles is not feasible, state agencies may purchase or lease light-duty AFVs or qualifying low-emission vehicles. Each state agency must develop and report a greenhouse gas reduction baseline and annual reduction targets to the Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Reports to DAS must include the number of purchases or leases of ZEVs, AFVs, and AFV conversions and the quantity of each type of alternative fuel used annually by state agency fleets.
(Reference Executive Order 20-04, 2020, House Bill 3550, 2023, and Oregon Revised Statutes 267.030 and 283.327)
Clean Transportation Fuel Standards
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) administers the Oregon Clean Fuels Program (Program), which requires fuel producers and importers to register, keep records of, and report the volumes and carbon intensities of the fuels they provide in Oregon. Phase 2 of the Program, implemented in 2016, requires fuel suppliers to reduce the carbon content of transportation fuels.
In 2022, a new goal was implemented to reduce the carbon content of transportation fuels by 20% below 2015 levels by 2030, and 37% below 2015 levels by 2035.
DEQ must conduct rulemaking for the Program to support greater electric vehicle (EV) adoption. DEQ must also develop a method to aggregate and monetize all eligible EV credits in the Program to assist in achieving the state goal of 250,000 registered EVs in Oregon by 2025. For more information, see the DEQ Oregon Clean Fuels Program website.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 468A.266, Oregon Administrative Rules 340-253, and Permanent Administrative Order DEQ 17-2022)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption Support
To support the state goal of at least 50,000 EVs registered and operating in Oregon by 2020, the Zero-Emission Vehicle Working Group (Working Group) will develop goals and progress metrics for EV adoption. The Working Group will include representatives from the Departments of Administrative Services, Energy, Transportation, and Environmental Quality, and the Oregon Public Utility Commission. The Working Group will aim to remove barriers to EVs and EV charging stations and share information about their efforts with the public. For more information, see the ODOT Zero Emission Vehicle Working Group and Go Electric Oregon websites.
(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Rate Regulations
Regulated electric utilities must provide customers with a choice of flat rate or time of use electricity rates specific to EV owners. Investor-owned utilities may own and operate EV charging equipment using its own funds or petition the Oregon Public Utilities Commission for rate recovery.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.005 and Public Utility Commission of Oregon, Order No. 12-013, 2012)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Authorization at State Parks
The Oregon State Parks and Recreation Department allows the installation and use of state-owned public EV charging stations at parking spaces on state park property. EV charging station installations may be paid for through the Parks and Recreation Transportation Electrification Fund.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.357)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Building Standards for New Construction
By July 1, 2022, the Oregon Department of Consumer and Business Services, Building Code Division, must amend the state building code to require that 20% of parking spaces at all newly constructed commercial buildings, multifamily residences with five or more units, and mixed-use developments have the electrical capacity to support Level 2 EV charging stations. New residential construction must be able to support the installation of one Level 2 EV charging stations.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 455.417)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Certification
Beginning January 1, 2024, EV charging stations that are funded or authorized by an Oregon state agency must be installed by a licensed contractor that holds either an Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification or equivalent training program certification. This requirement does not apply to EV charging stations installed at single-family dwellings, townhouses, or multi-unit dwellings with four or fewer residential units. Additional requirements apply.
The Oregon Electrical and Elevator Board may audit EVITP to ensure that it includes the most current national electrical codes and best practices for the installation of EV charging stations.
(Reference Senate Bill 582, 2023)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Policies for Associations
The owner of a lot in a planned community or unit in a condominium may apply to install EV charging stations for their personal use in a parking space subject to the exclusive use of the owner. The homeowners association (HOA) must approve a complete application within 60 days. The owner is responsible for all costs associated with the EV charging station installation and use, must disclose the existence of the EV charging station and related responsibilities to a prospective buyer, and must ensure that the infrastructure meets insurance and safety requirements. EV charging stations installed under these regulations are considered to be the personal property of the lot or unit owner with which the EV charging station is associated, unless the owner and HOA have negotiated a different outcome. Additional requirements and restrictions apply.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 94.762 and 100.627)
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Policies for Rental Properties
The tenant of a commercial space may apply to install EV charging stations for the use of the tenant, employees of the tenant, and customers of the tenant. Unless the premises does not have at least one parking space per rental unit, the landlord must approve a completed application no more than 60 days after the tenant submits the application. In the absence of a different tenant-landlord agreement, the EV charging stations will be personal property of the tenant and the tenant is responsible for all costs associated with installation and use of the EV charging station. The tenant is responsible for maintaining a renter’s liability insurance policy of at least $100,000. Upon the termination of the rental agreement, the landlord may require the tenant to remove the charging station and restore the premises. Additional requirements and restrictions apply.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 90.462)
Electric Vehicle (EV) and Vehicle Efficiency Fees
All-electric vehicle owners must pay an annual fee of $115 or a per-mile road use fee of $0.019 per mile through the OReGo program. Hybrid electric vehicles and plug-in hybrid electric vehicles must pay an annual fee in the following amounts:
| Vehicle Efficiency | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Vehicles with a rating of 0-19 miles per gallon (mpg) | $20 |
| Vehicles with a rating of 20-39 mpg | $25 |
| Vehicles with a rating of 40 mpg or greater | $35 |
These fees are in addition to standard registration fees. Drivers with EVs or vehicles with ratings over 40 mpg are exempt from additional registration fees if they enroll in the OReGo program. For more information, including how to apply, visit the OReGo program website.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 803.420-803.422)
Establishment of Recognition Programs for Electric Vehicle (EV) Adoption
The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) must design and establish Governor’s Awards for automobile dealerships to encourage sales of EVs. ODOE must also design and establish Governor’s Awards for businesses and organizations that support EV adoption through installing charging infrastructure and using EVs in their fleets. More information, including nomination forms, can be found on the Go Electric Oregon website.
(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017)
Medium- and Heavy-Duty (MHD) Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
California, Colorado, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, and Washington (signatory states) signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of medium- and heavy-duty (MHD) ZEVs through involvement in a Multi-State ZEV Task Force (Task Force).
In July 2022, the Task Force published a multi-state action plan to support electrification of MHD vehicles. The action plan includes strategies and recommendations to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including limiting all new MHD vehicle sales in the signatory states to ZEVs by 2050, accelerating the deployment of MHD ZEVs, and ensuring MHD ZEV deployment also benefits disadvantaged communities.
For more information, see the Medium- and Heavy-Duty ZEVs: Action Plan Development Process website.
Medium- and Heavy-Duty Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Requirement
Oregon has adopted the California Advanced Clean Trucks requirements specified in Title 13 of the California Code of Regulations requiring manufacturers to meet California’s ZEV production and sales requirements. Beginning with model year 2025, manufacturers will be required to sell zero-emission trucks as an increasing percentage of their annual sales for Class 2b through Class 8 vehicles in Oregon. ZEVs include all-electric and fuel cell electric vehicles. For more information, see the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality Clean Truck Rules 2021 website.
(Reference DEQ Administrative Order 17-2021 and Oregon Administration Rules 340)
Public Electric Utility Cost Recovery Authorization
A public electric utility may seek cost recovery from retail electricity consumers for transportation electrification infrastructure.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 757.357)
Public Utility Definition
A corporation, company, partnership, individual or association of individuals that supplies electricity for use in motor vehicles is not defined as a public utility.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statues 757.005)
State Agency Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Installation
State agencies may install publicly accessible EV charging stations on their premises or contract with a vendor to do so. The Oregon Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will establish criteria to determine the appropriate number of locations for EV charging stations at each agency. A state agency may establish and adjust a uniform price for charging, provided that the price recovers, to the extent practicable, the cost of operating the EV charging station and does not exceed 110% of the average market price for the use of public EV charging stations. DAS will report to the Legislative Assembly on the number, cost, and utilization of EV charging stations installed by state agencies by February 2019, February 2021, and February 2023.
DAS must add electric vehicle (EV) charging capacity for employee and public visitor parking lots, develop contracts to procure and install charging infrastructure, and incorporate EV charging as a tenant improvement for state-leased buildings.
(Reference Oregon Revised Statutes 276.255 and Executive Order 17-21, 2017)
State Emissions Reductions and Reporting Requirements
Oregon will pursue transportation electrification as part of greenhouse gas emissions reduction targets of at least 45% below 1990 levels by 2035, and at least 80% below 1990 levels by 2050. Select state agencies must report actions to reduce emissions annually. The Oregon Department of Transportation published a report on statewide transportation electrification infrastructure analysis with updates in August 2022. Additional requirements apply.
(Reference Executive Order 20-04, 2020)
Transportation Electrification Acceleration Programs
The Oregon Public Utility Commission must direct electric utilities to file applications for programs to accelerate transportation electrification. Eligible programs include investments in or customer rebates for electric vehicle (EV) charging station. Among other criteria, programs must stimulate innovation, competition, and customer choice in EV charging stations and EV charging.
Additionally, the Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE) must engage with publicly and investor-owned utilities on how to improve transportation electrification plans and increase EV adoption in their service territories. ODOE must also provide the utilities with technical assistance on how to accommodate increased electric system loads from EVs.
(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017 and Oregon Revised Statues 757.357)
Volkswagen (VW) Settlement Allocation
The Department Environmental Quality (DEQ), with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), and Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division, engaged stakeholders and received public comments to inform the development of a plan to leverage up to 15% of the VW Environmental Mitigation Trust to support vehicle electrification. The plan includes the development and maintenance of electric vehicle charging stations, with a focus on rural and low-income communities.
ODOT, with ODOE, DEQ, the Public Utility Commission, and local governments, must develop proposals for future 30-month investment periods of Electrify America’s Zero-Emission Vehicle Investment Plan. More information can be found on the Go Electric Oregon website.
(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017)
Zero Emission Vehicle (ZEV) Deployment Support
Oregon joined California, Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont in signing a memorandum of understanding (MOU) to support the deployment of ZEVs through involvement in a ZEV Program Implementation Task Force (Task Force). In May 2014, the Task Force published a ZEV Action Plan (Plan) identifying 11 priority actions to accomplish the goals of the MOU, including deploying at least 3.3 million ZEVs and adequate fueling infrastructure within the signatory states by 2025. The Plan also includes a research agenda to inform future actions. On an annual basis, each state must report on the number of registered ZEVs, the number of public electric vehicle (EV) charging station and hydrogen fueling stations, and available information regarding workplace fueling for ZEVs.
In June 2018, the Task Force published a new ZEV Action Plan for 2018-2021. Building on the 2014 Action Plan, the 2018 Action Plan makes recommendations for states and other key partners in five priority areas:
- Raising consumer awareness and interest in electric vehicle technology;
- Building out a reliable and convenient residential, workplace and public charging/fueling infrastructure network;
- Continuing and improving access to consumer purchase and non-financial incentives;
- Expanding public and private sector fleet adoption; and
- Supporting dealership efforts to increase ZEV sales.
For more information, see the Multi-State ZEV Task Force website.
Zero-Emission Buses Support
The Oregon Department of Energy (ODOE), with the Oregon Department of Transportation (ODOT), Public Utility Commission (PUC), Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), and the Department of Education, must develop tools and provide assistance for school districts considering zero-emission bus options when replacing school buses.
ODOT, with ODOE, PUC, and DEQ, must develop tools and best practices to help transit agencies when making decisions about using zero-emission buses in transit fleets. ODOT must also work with transit agencies, ODOE, DEQ, and the Oregon Health Authority Public Health Division to access the environmental, public health, and financial benefits of an accelerated transition to zero-emission buses. For more information, see ODOE’s Guide to School Bus Electrification and the ODOT Transit Fleet Electrification website.
(Reference Executive Order 17-21, 2017)
Utility / Private Incentives
Commercial Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – Portland General Electric (PGE)
PGE offers commercial customers rebates for the installation of Level 2 EV charging stations. Rebates are available in the following amounts:
| Location | Maximum Rebate Amount per Port |
|---|---|
| Workplace | $1,000 |
| Multifamily Property | $2,300 |
For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the PGE Business Electric Vehicle Charging Rebates website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – Consumers Power Inc. (CPI)
CPI offers customers a $200 rebate for qualifying EV charging stations. For more information, including eligibility requirements and qualifying EV charging stations, see the CPI Electric Vehicle Charger Rebate website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – Pacific Power
Pacific Power offers rebates to residential and commercial customers for the purchase and installation of Level 2 EV charging stations. Rebates are available in the following amounts:
| Customer Type | Charging Station Rebate | Maximum Number of Ports |
|---|---|---|
| Residential | $500 | 1 |
| Multi-family dwelling | $4,500 | 12 |
| Business | $1,000 | 6 |
Low-income residential customers are eligible for a rebate of up to $1,500. For more information, including the application, see the Pacific Power EVs website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebates - Eugene Water & Electric Board (EWEB)
EWEB offers rebates to residential and commercial customers for the installation of EV charging stations. Residential customers may receive a rebate of up to $500 for a Level 2 EV charging station.
Commercial customers may receive rebates of up to $1,500 for public Level 2 EV charging stations and up to $15,000 for public direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations. Eligible commercial customers include businesses, workplaces, fleets, and multifamily dwellings. Multifamily dwellings at affordable housing sites are eligible for a rebate of up to $2,000 per Level 2 EV charging station.
For more information, including eligibility requirements and application materials, see the EWEB EV Incentives for Businesses and Residential EV Incentives websites.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Infrastructure Support
Oregon utilities joined the National Electric Highway Coalition (NEHC), committing to create a network of direct current fast charging (DCFC) stations connecting major highway systems from the Atlantic Coast to the Pacific of the United States. NEHC utility members agree to ensure efficient and effective fast charging deployment plans that enable long distance EV travel, avoiding duplication among coalition utilities, and complement existing corridor DCFC sites. For more information, including a list of participating utilities and states, see the NEHC website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Technology Grant – Pacific Power
Pacific Power offers grants to commercial customers for transportation electrification projects in underserved communities. Funding awards may cover up to 100% of the eligible project costs. For more information, including program guidelines and deadlines, see the Pacific Power Grant Opportunities website.
Electric Vehicle (EV) Time-Of-Use (TOU) Rate - Portland General Electric (PGE)
PGE offers a TOU electricity rate for customers with an EV. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, see the PGE TOU Pricing website.
Fleet Electrification Support – Portland General Electric (PGE)
The PGE Fleet Partner Program offers commercial customers a fleet analysis, recommendations for electrification infrastructure, and a custom incentive and turnkey design for electric vehicle supply equipment siting and installation. For more information, see the PGE Fleet Partner Program website.
Residential Electric Vehicle (EV) Charging Station Rebate – Portland General Electric (PGE)
PGE offers residential customers a rebate of $500 for the purchase of a Level 2 EV charging station. Customers that earn up to 80% median income for their household size are eligible for a rebate of $1,000. An additional rebate of up to $5,000 is available for electrical panel upgrades. Rebates are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Additional terms and conditions apply. For more information, including eligibility requirements, see the PGE Home EV Charging Rebates website.
More Laws and Incentives
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