If you generate power with wind, hydro, solar, fuel-cell technology, biogas or biomass, it reduces the amount of power you need from PGE. Our Net Metering Service lets you offset the cost of the electricity you use from PGE with the energy you generate. You get credit in your PGE account for any power you produce and don’t use. (See Net Metering Billing for details on how this works.) But first you must contact PGE to have a special Net Metering meter installed, which is different than a standard PGE smart meter. Installation is free. See the steps below.

For solar projects, you may instead apply for our Solar Payment Option rather than Net Metering. As the name implies, with the Solar Payment Option PGE pays you for the power your system generates up to the amount of electricity you use.

Getting started: Find a contractor
We recommend hiring a qualified contractor to design and build your renewable energy system and assist with the Net Metering application process. Energy Trust of Oregon maintains a list of licensed solar contractors and the Oregon Department of Energy maintains a list of tax credit-certified solar technicians (PDF).

1. Before beginning construction, complete PGE’s application (PDF) for Net Metering interconnection. For larger systems, see the business Net Metering section.
2. You will also need to complete a Net Metering agreement (PDF). You may wish to sign and include the agreement with your application to speed the process.
3. When your system is completed and has passed the appropriate city or county inspections, e-mail us. We will make a final inspection and install your Net Metering meter.

Contact us
For more information, e-mail us or call the Net Metering coordinator at 503-464-8100. Mail completed documents to:

PGE Net Metering coordinator
121 Salmon St., 3WTC-0407
Portland, OR 97204

You can also fax documents to 503-464-2284 with Attention: Net Metering coordinator.