<TABLE> <S> <C>
<ARTICLE> 5
<LEGEND>
This schedule contains summary financial information extracted from the
Registrant's unaudited interim financial statements for the six month period
ended June 30, 2000 and is qualified in its entirety by reference to those
financial statements.
</LEGEND>
<CIK> 0000917032
<NAME> RIDGEWOOD ELECTRIC POWER TRUST III
<S> <C>
<PERIOD-TYPE> 6-MOS
<FISCAL-YEAR-END> DEC-31-2000
<PERIOD-END> JUN-30-2000
<CASH> 0
<SECURITIES> 23,603,729<F1>
<RECEIVABLES> 0
<ALLOWANCES> 0
<INVENTORY> 0
<CURRENT-ASSETS> 117,163<F2>
<PP&E> 0
<DEPRECIATION> 0
<TOTAL-ASSETS> 23,720,892
<CURRENT-LIABILITIES> 1,028,467<F3>
<BONDS> 0
<COMMON> 0
0
0
<OTHER-SE> 22,692,425<F4>
<TOTAL-LIABILITY-AND-EQUITY> 23,720,892
<SALES> 0
<TOTAL-REVENUES> 576,095
<CGS> 0
<TOTAL-COSTS> 0
<OTHER-EXPENSES> 473,521
<LOSS-PROVISION> 0
<INTEREST-EXPENSE> 0
<INCOME-PRETAX> 102,574
<INCOME-TAX> 0
<INCOME-CONTINUING> 102,574
<DISCONTINUED> 0
<EXTRAORDINARY> 0
<CHANGES> 0
<NET-INCOME> 102,574
<EPS-BASIC> 262
<EPS-DILUTED> 262
<FN>
<F1>Investments in power project partnerships.
<F2>Includes $5,009 due from affiliates.
<F3>Includes $236,069 due to affiliates.
<F3>Represents Investor Shares of beneficial interest
in Trust with capital accounts of $22,796,535 less
managing shareholder's accumulated deficit of $101,110.
</FN>
</TABLE>