Clean Energy Development Fund (CEDF) Grant

Summary

Proposals for this RFP must arrive to the Department of Public Service (DPS) office by 4:00 P.M. on Monday, July 9, 2007. The Vermont Department of Public Service (DPS) has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for state projects that promote the development and deployment of cost-effective and environmentally sustainable electric power resources. DPS is primarily interested in projects that involve renewable energy resources and the use of combined heat and power technologies for the long-term benefit of Vermont electric customers. Applicants may submit proposals for projects in the following categories: Pre-Project Financial Assistance, Small-Scale Systems, Large-Scale Systems, and Special Demonstration Projects. Applicants may submit multiple proposals in any category, but each project must be submitted as a separate stand-alone proposal. There is a maximum award of $25,000 for Pre-Project Financial Assistance, $60,000 for Small-Scale Systems, and $250,000 for all other projects. It is anticipated that a total of $2.5 million in funding will be awarded. Pre-Project Financial Assistance projects require a 20% cash match from applicants. All other projects require a 50% match, no more than 25% of which can be inkind match. Match greater than the required amounts is encouraged and preference may be given to projects requesting lower funding amounts then comparable projects. Grants for Pre-Project Financial Assistance can be applied to feasibility studies and pre-development activities to develop new renewable energy generation facilities and combined heat and power systems, which may require high-risk, early-stage activities and for those projects that do not have the resources to finance pre-project activities. Grants for Small-Scale Systems can involve the installation of microturbines, solar air heating systems, geothermal heating systems, and fuel cells at residential or small commercial buildings. Renewable energy systems totaling no more than 15kW of capacity per installation such as micro-hydroelectric are also eligible. All electric generation projects must be grid-connected. Other similar type systems not specifically listed above will also be considered. Grants for Large-Scale Systems can involve renewable energy and combined heat and power projects greater than 15 kW in capacity located at commercial, industrial, institutional, and public facilities. Renewable energy projects may include, but are not limited to: solar electric; farm, landfill and sewer methane recovery; low emission, advanced biomass power; and wind. This may include utility-scale installations. All electric generation projects must be grid-connected. The installation of microturbines, solar air heating systems, geothermal heating systems, and fuel cells at large commercial or industrial buildings are also eligible. Grants for Demonstration Projects are geared towards projects that demonstrate and facilitate the development and commercialization of innovative renewable energy products, technologies, technology applications, and processes. All electric generation projects must be grid-connected. These projects must be designed to focus on market building and technology deployment strategies as opposed to traditional research and development activities. Applicants mailing proposals should allow adequate time to ensure receipt of their proposal(s) by the deadline. Proposals received after 4:00 PM on Monday, July 9th will not be considered. Proposals are limited to 15 pages, with no less than an 11 point font and one inch margins. One original signed hard copy, ten additional copies, and an electronic copy of the proposal must be delivered to Kelly Launder, Vermont Department of Public Service.