(1) In determining the eligibility of any facility for tax credits, preference shall be given to those projects that:

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(a) Provide energy savings for real or personal property within the state inhabited as the principal residence of a tenant, including:

(A) Nonowner occupied single family dwellings; and

(B) Multiple unit residential housing; or

(b) Provide long-term energy savings from the use of renewable resources or conservation of energy resources.

(2) The Director of the State Department of Energy shall establish by rule a tiered priority system to be used in evaluating applicants for certification of facilities using or producing renewable energy resources. The tier system shall be based upon the projected costs of facilities. In determining the eligibility for tax credits and in allocating the available certified cost pursuant to section 2 (1), chapter 76, Oregon Laws 2010, among facilities, the director shall subject facilities with higher projected costs to closer scrutiny, shall compare projects of similar costs against each other and may certify less than the total cost of any facility based on this evaluation. The director may employ criteria including the following factors as defined by rule:

(a) Technology-specific energy production standards;

(b) Market sector;

(c) Delivery of energy into existing distribution and transmission network;

(d) Investment payback period;

(e) Expected lifespan of the facility;

(f) Potential for long-term viability;

(g) Environmental standards established by the director;

(h) Potential to create and sustain new jobs;

(i) Projected siting in a location that is geographically or socioeconomically advantageous;

(j) Demonstrated readiness to begin implementation;

(k) Amount and quality of energy generated;

(L) Strength of business plan;

(m) Provision of operations and maintenance data, with appropriate protections for trade secrets consistent with ORS Chapter 192;

(n) Connection to existing infrastructure;

(o) Third-party review of the applicant’s business plan; or

(p) Data related to projected return on investment. [Formerly 469.195]