Effective January 1, 2016, Energy Trust of Oregon will no longer accept applications for grant writing assistance for solar projects seeking funding from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Energy for America Program (REAP). Biopower, small hydropower, geothermal and wind projects planning to deliver power to Portland General Electric or Pacific Power in Oregon may still be eligible for grant writing funds through Energy Trust’s Project Development Assistance offer.

Customers with solar projects may continue to apply for grant writing assistance through the end of the year. To qualify, customers must (1) hire a grant writer and submit a complete Form 910E – Project Enrollment Application by December 31, 2015, and (2) submit proof that their grant application was accepted by USDA REAP and their grant writer was paid in full by no later than May 31, 2016.

In recent years, USDA has simplified the application process for REAP grants. Customers, project developers and contractors who are interested in learning more about REAP or applying for a grant or loan guarantee for a renewable energy project are encouraged to visit Oregon’s USDA Rural Development website or contact John Holman, State Energy Coordinator for USDA Rural Development in Oregon, at 503.414.3369.