Oregon customers would be allowed to use plug-in solar devices

Electricity customers would be allowed to install solar devices that plug into a standard 120-volt outlet. Customers could use one or more movable devices totaling no more than 1,200 watts to offset their electricity needs. Devices must have recognized safety certification and stop feeding electricity into the building during a power outage. Customers must report each device’s capacity and location to their utility before installation and follow building codes. Utilities could not require approval or a connection agreement, charge a filing fee, or raise the minimum monthly charge above that of other customers in the same rate group. Devices could participate in net metering, which accounts for electricity sent to the grid, only under that program’s separate rules. If enacted, the customer and utility rules would start January 1, 2027. On July 1, 2026, the Department of Consumer and Business Services director could begin adjusting building codes for electrical capacity, mounting, and safe use.

Landlords generally could not prohibit or restrict tenants from installing or using an eligible solar device of their choosing. Eligible devices would be movable, plug into a standard outlet, and generate no more than 1,200 watts each. They must meet certification and power-outage safety requirements. Landlords could restrict devices that break laws, building codes, or written manufacturer safety rules; damage the property or make it unlivable; or exceed electrical capacity. For outdoor devices, restrictions could protect exits and secure doors or windows, prevent damaging installation or voided warranties, and prevent devices from falling. Landlords would have to put allowed restrictions in writing and deliver them to tenants before enforcing them. If enacted, these rules would start January 1, 2027. They would cover tenancies begun before, on, or after July 1, 2026.

Homeowners associations and condominium associations generally could not enforce governing-document bans or restrictions on eligible plug-in solar devices. These rules would cover planned communities and condominiums. Eligible devices must be movable, outlet-connected, and no larger than 1,200 watts each, with certification and power-outage safety features. Both kinds of associations could enforce restrictions when installation or use would break laws, building codes, or written manufacturer safety rules. Condominium associations could also restrict interference with shared property or demands beyond electrical capacity. For outdoor condominium installations, restrictions could protect exits and secure doors or windows, prevent damaging installation or voided warranties, and prevent devices from falling. If enacted, these rules would start January 1, 2027. They would cover governing-document provisions adopted before, on, or after July 1, 2026.

Utilities and landlords would receive protection from claims for harm caused by customers’ or tenants’ solar devices. The protections would apply to electric utilities serving device users and landlords whose tenants install eligible devices. Utility protection would cover loss or injury, including death, caused by or arising from a customer’s device. It would also cover customer actions or failures to act that harm other people. Landlord protection would cover claims for damage, injury, or death caused by a device installed by a tenant. If enacted, both protections would start January 1, 2027.