Commercial and utility energy storage systems in Oregon
Which codes apply? In Oregon, commercial and utility energy storage systems fall under the 2026 NEC, the 2024 IFC, the 2024 IBC, and the 2023 NFPA 855 through the fire code.
Codes that reach commercial and utility energy storage systems
The edition Oregon enforces for each code that governs the product, and the part of the code that does.
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NECNational Electrical CodeThe Oregon NEC record2026 NECVerified
in force since Oct 1, 2026
Where it reaches the product. Article 706, with 705 for the interconnection.
2026 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code · OAR 918-305-0100; Oregon amendments in OAR 918-305-0105 Table 1-E
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IFCInternational Fire CodeThe Oregon IFC record2024 IFCVerified
in force since Oct 1, 2025
Where it reaches the product. Chapter 12, section 1207, and the operational permit.
2025 Oregon Fire Code · OAR 837-040-0010; ORS 476.117
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IBCInternational Building CodeThe Oregon IBC record2024 IBCVerified
in force since Oct 1, 2025
Where it reaches the product. Occupancy, construction type, and separation for the building that holds the system.
2025 Oregon Structural Specialty Code · OAR 918-460-0010
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NFPA 855NFPA 855, Standard for the Installation of Stationary Energy Storage SystemsThe Oregon NFPA 855 record2023 NFPA 855Verified
in force since Oct 1, 2025 · Through the IFC, chapter 12 · Edition derived from the fire code the state adopts
Where it reaches the product. The whole standard: siting, size and separation, fire control, explosion control, and commissioning.
2025 Oregon Fire Code · OAR 837-040-0010
Oregon laws that name commercial and utility energy storage systems
On the site: 18 laws, rules, orders, and bills, newest first.
| Law or rule | Kind | Stage | Date | What it does |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Portland General Electric battery plan | Program rule | PartialPending | Oct 15, 2026 | Portland General Electric proposes making its home battery pilot an ongoing program open to small nonresidential customers. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| 2026 Oregon Electrical Specialty Code | Code amendment | PartialIn force | Oct 1, 2026 | Adopts the 2026 National Electrical Code with Oregon amendments from Oct 1, 2026. Adding solar to a building with an existing system requires rapid shutdown for the existing system too. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| OPUC Docket AR 688 | Rule | VerifiedPending | Sep 30, 2026 | Proposes updates to the small generator interconnection and net metering rules. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| OPUC Order No. 26-368 | Commission order | PartialIn force | Sep 30, 2026 | Directs the three investor-owned utilities to add a single-disconnect option for net metering systems and a transfer trip description in their 2027 handbook updates. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| OAR 860-082-0060 and related Division 82 rules | Rule | PartialExpired | Sep 4, 2026 | Temporarily amended the Tier 4 interconnection review rule for generators up to 10 megawatts, from Apr 1 through Sep 4, 2026. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| SB 1582 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | Mar 6, 2026 | Would have required each electric company to run a distributed power plant program buying grid services from customer batteries and other resources. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 3874 | Bill | PartialIn force | Jan 1, 2026 | Raises the wind facility threshold for state site certificates to 100 megawatts. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| 2025 Oregon Fire Code | Code amendment | PartialIn force | Oct 1, 2025 | Adopts the 2024 International Fire Code, as amended by the State Fire Marshal, as the 2025 Oregon Fire Code from Oct 1, 2025. Its Section 1207 covers battery energy storage systems. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 2065 | Bill | PartialIn force | Sep 26, 2025 | Requires utilities to offer microgrid applicants third-party studies, technical data within 21 days, free design feedback within 30 days, and 90-day decisions on qualifying applications. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 2066 | Bill | PartialIn force | Sep 26, 2025 | Requires the utility commission to set a microgrid framework within 18 months, covering interconnection, safety standards, and compensation for excess energy sold to utilities. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| Marion County Ordinance 1480 | Local ordinance | PartialIn force | Jul 9, 2025 | Prohibits battery energy storage systems in every county zone, as the county describes the ordinance. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 2064 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | Jun 27, 2025 | Would have directed commission support for microgrids, building code rules for community microgrids, and local microgrid zones. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 2566 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | Jun 27, 2025 | Would have made stand-alone energy resilience projects eligible for state community renewable and resilient energy grants. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| HB 3609 | Bill | PartialDid not pass | Jun 27, 2025 | Would have required each electric company to run a distributed power plant program buying grid services from customer batteries and other distributed resources. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| OPUC Order No. 24-448 | Commission order | PartialIn force | Dec 19, 2024 | Approves the three investor-owned utilities' small generator interconnection agreements, with changes. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| OAR chapter 860 | Rule | PartialIn force | Apr 9, 2024 | Sets utility interconnection rules for small generators, and its definitions treat energy storage as part of a generator facility. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| OPUC Docket AR 659 | Commission order | PartialIn force | Apr 9, 2024 | Adopted 2024 changes to the net metering and small generator interconnection rules. Source (opens in a new tab) |
| OPUC Docket AR 681 | Rule | VerifiedPending | – | Draft rulemaking on the microgrid framework that HB 2065 and HB 2066 require. Source (opens in a new tab) |
Every Oregon law on commercial and utility energy storage systems, with filters
For information only. Your local building or fire official decides which code applies. We check state records often but can miss a recent change, so confirm with your official before you design, permit, or install. Terms of use