Jeff Bissonnette, Executive Director of Oregon SEIA on 10% solar, 115MW awarded and National SEIA

In this episode of EnergyWakeup, we speak to the executive director of Oregon’s Solar Energy Industries Association (OSEIA), Jeff Bissonnette. Jeff has been working for OSEIA for over a year and comes to the association with almost two decades worth of energy policy experience.

OSEIA has dramatically increased its budget and operation to bring Oregon back to the top of the solar leaderboard. Oregon used to have a business tax credit that led companies like Nike and Prologis to go solar almost ten years ago.

Today the group is fighting for the residential tax credit crucial to the sector and implementing new policies like community solar. Recently, OSEIA announced the Oregon Solar Plan which aims to have Oregon’s energy supply at 10% solar in a decade, something that is completely feasible.

Solar development is also advancing in Oregon, with 115MW recently announced to multiple developers taking advantage of a $5/MWh adder for production. Companies like SolarCity and sPower took advantage of the process.

Jeff and I discuss the local politics and priorities for this year’s legislative session. Net metering is not directly under attack and Jeff tells us how it is being addressed. We also talk about how OSEIA works with SEIA and what State’s need to be able to become more successful in their work to move solar forward.

You can find this episode on iTunes, Soundcloud and Stitcher Radio. Make sure to subscribe and review the podcast.