After nearly a year of uncertainty, the Energy Trust of Oregon (ETO) has officially re-launched its Existing Buildings Lighting Program — bringing back major incentives for lighting upgrades across the state.
At the start of 2025, many expected the program to end for good. Oregon’s fluorescent lighting ban (HB 2531) had taken effect, and ETO had initially announced that lighting rebates were unlikely to return. But after reviewing market data, they found a continued need to support advanced lighting controls and high-efficiency systems — especially for facilities still running outdated fluorescent or basic LED setups.
Now, toward the end of 2025, ETO’s new incentive structure is designed to reward projects that deliver deeper energy savings and smarter lighting performance.
What’s New in the 2025–2026 Program
More funding. Bigger rebates. Smarter systems.
ETO’s new lighting incentives reflect market realities and promote long-term energy optimization. Here’s what matters most for facility teams:
- Higher incentive caps: Earn up to $750,000 per project, or 50% of total eligible costs (whichever is less).
- Focus on advanced controls: Many incentives now require Luminaire Level Lighting Controls (LLLC) to qualify — rewarding projects that deliver real-time energy management and occupancy-based efficiency.
- No more fluorescent or LED-to-LED incentives: The program now targets high-impact upgrades, not one-for-one swaps.
- Increased custom measure rates: Projects with unique applications or high-savings designs can now earn up to $0.35 per kWh saved for controls.
- Multi-year funding: ETO has confirmed budgets through 2026, ensuring stability and predictability for larger projects.
Incentive Snapshot
| Measure Category | 2025 Incentives Through June 30 | 2025 Incentives Effective July 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Lamps (pin base CFL) | $3 | N/A – No longer offered |
| Interior Fixtures | $30 – $75 $40 – $125 with LLLC | $50 – $135 with LLLC Standalone fixtures no longer offered |
| High/Low Bay Fixtures | $80 – $200 $115 – $300 with LLLC | $80 – $200 $125 – $350 with LLLC |
| Exterior Fixtures Including Recessed Can Downlights | $25 – $350 $70 – $440 with LLLC | $25 – $350 $70 – $500 with LLLC |
| Standalone Controls | $35 – $45 | $25 – $45 (Certain high-wattage hardwired measures no longer offered) |
| Custom Measures | Standard $0.20/kWh Controls $0.35/kWh Horticulture $0.15/kWh | Standard $0.25/kWh Controls $0.35/kWh Horticulture $0.15/kWh |
Why This Matters
The fluorescent ban has made replacement lamps nearly impossible to source — forcing many facilities into reactive maintenance or expensive short-term fixes.
ETO’s renewed incentive program creates the perfect moment to get ahead of maintenance headaches and reduce operating costs with a full lighting upgrade. Facilities that act early can:
- Secure the highest available incentive rates before future adjustments
- Improve lighting quality, safety, and employee comfort
- Reduce downtime caused by hard-to-find replacement lamps
- Future-proof operations with intelligent control technology
How PEC Helps
As a long-standing Energy Trust of Oregon Trade Ally, Pacific Energy Concepts (PEC) simplifies the process from start to finish.
We design and implement turnkey lighting and energy optimization projects — handling design, installation, and incentive management — so your team can focus on production and facility performance.
Whether it’s a small retrofit or a full-scale upgrade, PEC ensures your project delivers maximum efficiency and maximum rebate value.
Get a Custom Incentive Estimate
Oregon facilities: This is your window to act. Contact the PEC team today to start your lighting upgrade and secure 2025–2026 ETO incentives while funding is available. We’ll learn about your facility, your energy savings potential, and get you an estimate on rebates available for your project.
