Purpose of the rule:
To modify the scope of work for the Limited Renewable Energy Technician license to enact the changes
implemented in the recently passed Senate Bill 338.
Citation:
Amends OAR 918-282-0033 and OAR 918-282-0400
This rule is effective Oct. 1, 2021.
Background:
During the 2021 Legislative Session, the Oregon Legislature passed Senate Bill 338, which modifies ORS 479.630.
The bill changes the scope of work that can be performed with the Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT)
license type. The bill declared an emergency and took effect on passage. At the Electrical and Elevator Board’s May
2021 board meeting, the board approved temporary rulemaking to enact the requirements of SB 338. Specifically, the
amendment of Oregon Administrative Rules (OAR) 918-282-0033 and 918-282-0400. These rules were adopted on
May 27, 2021, and, without permanent rulemaking, they will expire on Nov. 22, 2021.
On July 16, 2021, a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) was convened to provide advice regarding the adopted
temporary rules. The division sought advice from the RAC about extending the maximum distance an LRT holder is
allowed to install AC electrical wiring or run factory provided interconnecting cable. At the RAC, there was some
discussion about expanding the 10-foot distance. Ultimately, the RAC did not reach a consensus on a different
length. The RAC also discussed the temporary rule, and no modifications were identified.
At the board’s July 2021 board meeting, the board reviewed the RAC’s advice, and asked the administrator to engage
in rulemaking to make the temporary rule language permanent. The division held a public hearing on the adoption of
proposed permanent LRT rules on Sept. 21, 2021, and accepted public testimony until Sept. 24, 2021. A summary of
the testimony received as well as the division’s response is included in an attached document.
Summary:
These rules make permanent the temporary rule amendments to OAR 918-282-0033 and OAR 918-282-0400. The
rules modify the scope of work to the Limited Renewable Energy Technician (LRT) license, consistent with the
changes implemented in Senate Bill 338, 2021 Oregon Laws Ch. 42. Changes include the following:
- Increasesthe kilowatt limit of electrical installations on which the LRT can work from 25 to 50 kilowatts AC;
- Allows the LRT to install all DC wiring and DC connections up to the load side of an inverter;
- Allows the LRT to install AC electrical wiring and connections to the termination of the final factoryprovided interconnecting cable on the exterior of a structure that extends a maximum distance of 10 feet
from the renewable energy system, or a longer distance that the board specifies by rule, and extends no
more than three feet within an accessible space of a structure, and does not connect to the structure’s
wiring system; and
Allows the LRT to make connections to generators that are sized to facilitate the inverter in an off-grid system
PERMANENT ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
BCD 9-2021
CHAPTER 918
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AND BUSINESS SERVICES
FILED
09/29/2021 1:41 PM
ARCHIVES DIVISION
SECRETARY OF STATE
& LEGISLATIVE COUNSEL
BUILDING CODES DIVISION
FILING CAPTION: Modifying the scope of work for Limited Renewable Energy Technician license
EFFECTIVE DATE: 10/01/2021
AGENCY APPROVED DATE: 09/29/2021
CONTACT: Laura Burns
503-373-0226
laura.l.burns@oregon.gov
1535 Edgewater St NW
Salem,OR 97304
Filed By:
Laura Burns
Rules Coordinator
RULES:
918-282-0033, 918-282-0400
AMEND: 918-282-0033
REPEAL: Temporary 918-282-0033 from BCD 7-2021
NOTICE FILED DATE: 08/04/2021
RULE SUMMARY: Increases the kilowatt limit of electrical installations on which the LRT can work from 25 to 50
kilowatts AC.
CHANGES TO RULE:
918-282-0033
Limited Renewable Energy Contractor ¶
In addition to the requirements of OAR 918-282-0000, a limited renewable energy contractor:¶
(1) Engages in the business of or makes the limited types of electrical installations limited to 25 kva50 KW AC,
calculated as the sum of the manufacturer’s rated capacity of the AC side of the inverters connected to the
generating equipment, and 600 volts nominal or less, specified in ORS 479.630(16);¶
(2) Continuously employs at least one general supervising electrician, general journeyman electrician or limited
renewable energy technician to act as signing supervising electrician to:¶
(a) Obtain and sign permits; and¶
(b) Supervise the electrical installations authorized by ORS 479.630(16).
Statutory/Other Authority: ORS 479.630
Statutes/Other Implemented: ORS 479.630