New On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation Program Launched with First Competitive RFP

12.28.2010
Small Business

$12.86 million available from the CT Clean Energy Fund to support installation of renewable energy generating equipment at commercial, industrial, institutional sites

The Connecticut Clean Energy Fund (CCEF) has announced the launch of a revised On-Site Renewable Distributed Generation (OSDG) Program and issued the program’s first request for proposals (RFP). The new, competitive program succeeds the popular previous version of the OSDG Program. Given tighter funding, the CCEF implemented changes to help staff select and recommend funding for the strongest projects and respond in a timely manner to all program applicants. The competitive process enables CCEF to effectively manage applications.

The OSDG Program offers grants to buy down the cost of installing new renewable energy generating equipment at commercial, industrial, and institutional facilities in Connecticut. Eligible technologies include solar photovoltaic, wind, fuel cell, landfill gas, waste heat recovery for power generation, low-emission advanced biomass conversion, and certain hydropower technologies.

The intent of the funding is to enable the ultimate owners of the renewable energy systems to break even on their investment over the life of the equipment and earn a fair and reasonable return on investment compared to purchasing the equivalent amount of power from an electric utility company.

CCEF Acting President Dale Hedman, says, “The new program funding and competitive review process allow us to build on the progress we have made to date supporting the installation of over 200 renewable energy generating systems at commercial sites throughout Connecticut.

Eligible applicants include for-profit companies, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and state and federal government agencies. Businesses and institutions may apply for funding under the Best of Class category.

The total funding allocated for projects under the OSDG Program through June 30, 2012, is $12.86 million. CCEF has made nearly half of the program funding allocation, or $5.78 million, available under the current RFP ($4.43 million for “Best of Class” projects and $1.35 million for “Public Buildings” projects).

Evaluation of proposals will place strong emphasis on the financial feasibility of proposed projects as well as the ability of applicants to complete construction of projects in a timely manner.

Prospective applicants should review the OSDG Program RFP, which contains detailed information about program eligibility, incentive limits, the application process, and evaluation process. Applications under this round of competition must be submitted by 4 p.m. EST, Feb. 28, 2011.

CCEF staff will evaluate all eligible applications and then present funding recommendations to the CCEF Board, which provides all final funding approvals. Funding decisions will be rendered in April 2011. Click here for more information about the program.

The CCEF was created by the Connecticut General Assembly and is funded by electric ratepayers. CCEF’s mission is to promote, develop, and invest in clean energy sources for the benefit of Connecticut’s ratepayers in order to strengthen Connecticut’s economy, protect community health, improve the environment, and promote a secure energy supply for the state. CCEF is administered by Connecticut Innovations, a quasi-public authority.

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