pon -14-301 - web view10/20/2017 · the energy commission cannot determine whether or not...

California Energy Commission

GFO-17-302Pre Application Questions and Answers

Demonstrate Business Case for Advanced Microgrids in Support of California’s Energy and GHG Policies

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ContentsEligibility Questions.....................................................................................................................................3

Terms and Conditions Questions...............................................................................................................10

Questions Regarding Project Requirements..............................................................................................11

For All Projects Groups..........................................................................................................................11

Group 1 Specific.....................................................................................................................................42

Group 2 Specific.....................................................................................................................................44

Group 3 Specific.....................................................................................................................................45

Funding and Match Funding Questions.....................................................................................................47

EPIC Funds Spent in California...................................................................................................................57

Subcontractors and Vendors Determination and Budget Modifications...................................................58

Application Organizations, Attachments and Submission Related Questions...........................................60

Other Questions........................................................................................................................................61

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NOTE: All responses are solely in regard to GFO-17-302. Any requirements stated in answers are in addition to requirements listed in the GFO-17-302 application manual and attachments.

Eligibility Questions

1. When you say microgrid must be in "IOU Service Territory", I take it you mean IOU ELECTRIC service territory?

Correct. Investor-owned utility (IOU) is an electrical corporation as defined in California Public Utilities (CPUC) Code section 218. For purposes of this EPIC solicitation, IOU only includes the three IOUs, which are Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E), San Diego Gas and Electric Co. (SDG&E), and Southern California Edison Co. (SCE).

2. Does the project have to be directly connected to the IOU system or does the entity simply have to be customer of the IOU?

The microgrid has to be directly connected to the IOU system.

To be specific, the Port of Oakland has three different types of connections. a. We act as a POU for a portion of the Port area.b. We also connect to PG&E as a retail transmission ratepayer. (I believe the E-20T rate

includes a PPP surcharge)c. We also have many PG&E retail accounts in other Port area that pays into EPIC.

Furthermore, our proposal will reduce emissions to our surrounding community (who are PG&E ratepayers), which is defined as a disadvantaged community. Speaking with PG&E, they would support our application if determined to be eligible.

The Energy Commission cannot determine whether or not your particular project is eligible to apply because the details of your proposal are not known. Please review Section II of the Application Manual, “Eligibility Requirements.” However, as a general matter, the microgrid demonstration site must be located in an IOU service territory and be an IOU customer’s site that pays the EPIC surcharge collected by PG&E, SDG&E and SCE in accordance with CPUC Decision 12-05-037. The proposed project must also demonstrate clear benefits to electricity ratepayers of at least one of the three large IOUs. EPIC funds administered by the Energy Commission may not be used for any purposes associated with local publicly owned electric utility (POU) activities. Hence, a microgrid demonstration proposed to be located in a POU service territory is not eligible under this solicitation.

As stated in item 2 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, applicants are required to demonstrate their eligibility to apply for and receive an EPIC grant by providing a written document such as a copy of an

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electricity bill or a letter from an appropriate IOU account manager verifying that the microgrid demonstration site is located in an IOU service territory, and that site is an IOU customer’s site that pays into the EPIC fund.

3. What is a POU?

A POU is a local publicly owned electric utility that is an entity as defined in California Public Utilities Code section 224.3.

4. “All test/ demonstration and deployment sites are located in a California electric IOU service territory (PG&E, SDG&E, or SCE)”. We are looking into a microgrid opportunity for the CA Washoe Native American tribe, whose electric service provider is Liberty Utilities. We will verify with them that their provider is not PG&E, but wanted to check in with you regarding Liberty Utility service territory eligibility for this solicitation. Will the Washoe CA tribe be eligible if Liberty Utilities is their electric service provider?

Additionally, could you also clarify, if we determine that Liberty Utility ratepayers pay the EPIC surcharge fee, will this mean that Liberty Utility territory is therefore eligible for this grant?

The Energy Commission cannot determine whether or not your particular project is eligible to apply because the details of your proposal are not known. However, as a general matter, Liberty Utilities is one of the California IOUs but only the ratepayers of the three large IOUs (PG&E, SDG&E, and SCE) pay into the EPIC fund in accordance with CPUC Decision 12-05-037. Hence, any microgrid demonstration not within one of the three large IOUs that pay into the EPIC fund would not be eligible for the EPIC grants.

5. Does any entity that buys energy from PG&E including municipalities like Palo Alto and Plumas Sierra pay to the EPIC fund? Who exactly pays to the EPIC fund? Is there a list?

Only the ratepayers of the three large IOUs (PG&E, SDG&E, and SCE) pay into the EPIC program.

As stated in item 2 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, applicants are required to demonstrate their eligibility to apply for and receive an EPIC grant by providing a written document such as a copy of an electricity bill or a letter from an appropriate IOU account manager verifying that the microgrid demonstration site is located in an IOU service territory, and that site is an IOU customer’s site that pays into the EPIC fund.

6. We request that the solicitation clarify whether or not tribal utilities are eligible to apply. As a tribal utility (the Pechanga Tribal Utility, a department of the Pechanga Band of Luiseño Mission Indians), we are not “located in electric IOU territories”; however, we are served as a Wholesale Distribution customer of an IOU.

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As stated in item 2 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, applicants are required to demonstrate their eligibility to apply for and receive an EPIC grant by providing a written document such as a copy of an electricity bill or a letter from an appropriate IOU account manager verifying that the microgrid demonstration site is located in an IOU service territory, and that site is an IOU customer’s site that pays into the EPIC fund.

7. Are counties that are part of Community Choice Aggregators (CCA) (i.e., Marin County), but located in IOU service territory (PG&E territory) eligible for these funds?

The Energy Commission cannot determine whether or not your particular project is eligible to apply because the details of your proposal are not known. However, as a general matter, the applicant must provide a written document such as a copy of an electricity bill or a letter from an appropriate IOU account manager verifying that the microgrid demonstration site is located in an IOU service territory and that site is an IOU customer’s site that pays into the EPIC fund. Absent this documentation, the entity would not be eligible.

8. Are entities in a CCA territory eligible to receive grant funding if they pay transmission and distribution charges (including Public Purpose Program charges) passed through from an IOU?

Please see answer to question above.

9. Are projects that are in CCA's, which are in an IOU territory eligible?


10. Are schools in CCAs acceptable site hosts?


11. Are entities on Direct Access eligible to receive grant funding if they pay transmission and distribution charges (including Public Purpose Program charges) to an IOU?


12. Does the project have to be directly connected to the IOU system or does the entity simply have to be a customer of the IOU?

Yes, the microgrid has to be directly connected to the IOU system.

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13. Can a POU be a match partner or entity? Can the project be in an POU service territory?

This solicitation is not open to POUs, which are entities as defined in California Public Utilities Code section 224.3. In accordance with CPUC Decision 12-05-037, EPIC funds administered by the Energy Commission may not be used for any purposes associated with local POU activities. Hence, a POU cannot be a match partner or an applicant for this GFO. Furthermore, a microgrid demonstration proposed to be located in a POU service territory is not eligible under this solicitation.

14. Who applies and is awarded Commission funds? The end customer or project developer?

The applicant can be either the end customer or the project developer as long as the applicant meets the eligibility requirements outlined in Section II of the Application Manual, including registration with the California Secretary of State. As stated in scoring criterion 4 in Section IV.F of the GFO Application Manual, applicants should also demonstrate that they have the financial capability to complete the project.

15. Can CA Green Bank serve as a contract backstop for community microgrids?

It is not clear what is meant by “contract backstop.” The Energy Commission cannot determine whether or not your particular project is eligible to apply because the details of your proposal are not known. Please also see the answer to question above.

16. Are consultants allowed to apply on behalf of a client that falls under Group 1?

There should be a single grant applicant. Also, the applicant that submits an application to this solicitation can be a principal on only one application. Please see answer to question above.

17. Can an IOU be a prime contractor?

Yes.

18. Can an IOU project partner be included as a subcontractor on the CEC grant and receive EPIC funds for work they perform that is necessary for the success of the project?

Yes.

19. If an IOU is part of the proposed project team, will the IOU be allowed to receive grant funding for costs associated with design/interconnection studies and/or construction?

An IOU as part of a project team can receive EPIC or match funds for cost associated with design and/or construction including all project related utility interconnection costs that will be occurred during the grant agreement term.

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20. Can an IOU project partner receive EPIC funds for work they perform as part of the project?

Yes, as long as the expenses are valid reimbursable expenditures.

21. Can IOUs submit an application on behalf of a military base?

An IOU can submit an application to this GFO, as can a military base. However, there should be a single grant applicant. Also, the applicant that submits an application to this solicitation can be a principal on only one application.

22. Does applicant compose the consortium of a few companies?

An applicant is defined in Section I.B of this GFO, which is one entity that submits an application to this solicitation. However, an application can include several entities as project partners, match funding partners and subcontractors. The application must have a clear grant recipient and any entity that receives EPIC funds must have a legal agreement with that recipient (such as a subcontract agreement or a equipment/material invoice) to receive EPIC funds.

23. Can an entity not leading the bid be the PI/project manager for the whole of the project? Can this same entity taking the role as PI/PM also be a major subcontractor of the project?

There will be one grant recipient responsible for the grant. The grant recipient may enter into subcontracts. The entity that submits the application can identify who will be the Principal Investigator (PI) and the Project Manager (PM) and these individuals do not have to be from the entity that submits the application. However, if the PI and PM are not from the grant recipient’s entity, the company employing the PI and PM should maintain status as a subcontractor. Moreover, all projects must have a single project manager who oversees the project and serves as the main point of contact for the Energy Commission.

24. Can a federal organization be an applicant?

Yes, as long as the applicant meets the eligibility requirements outlined in Section II of the Application Manual. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate that they have the financial capability to complete the project and that their applications meet the EPIC funds “spent in California” requirements as stated in Section IV.F the GFO Application Manual.

25. Does the lead have to be a business or can government labs be a prime contractor?

Yes, government labs can be a prime contractor.

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26. Does the prime applicant have to be based in California?

No, the applicant does not have to be based in California. However, the applicant must meet the eligibility requirements outlined in Section II of the Application Manual, including registration with the California Secretary of State. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate that they have the financial capability to complete the project and their applications meet the EPIC funds “spent in California” requirements as stated in Section IV.F of the GFO Application Manual.

27. Typical CEC grants require certain participation levels of disadvantaged business, is that requirement included in this grant?

The participation of a DAC is required in Group 2 (please see Section II.B.2.b of the application manual for the requirements of project focus groups). For the other groups, it is encouraged but not mandatory (please see item 20 in Section II.B.2.a and c of the application manual).

28. KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) has a plan to make a corporation in California in the near future. When should the applicant be registered with the California Secretary of State - until the deadline to submit applications or until the Anticipated Agreement Start Date?

All corporations, limited liability companies (LLCs), limited partnerships (LPs) and limited liability partnerships (LLPs) that conduct intrastate business in California are required to be registered and in good standing with the California Secretary of State prior to its project being recommended for approval at an Energy Commission Business Meeting, which is anticipated in April 2018 for this GFO. If not currently registered with the California Secretary of State, applicants are encouraged to contact the Secretary of State’s Office as soon as possible to avoid potential delays in beginning the proposed project(s) (should the application be successful). For more information, contact the Secretary of State’s Office via its website at www.sos.ca.gov. Sole proprietors using a fictitious business name must also be registered with the appropriate county and provide evidence of registration to the Energy Commission prior to their project being recommended for approval at an Energy Commission Business Meeting. (For more information, please refer to Section II.A.3 of the GFO application manual). If the entity cannot meet these requirements, they run into the risk of having an award rescinded.

29. Can we be a Prime on one proposal and a Sub on another? Does is matter if they are in the same group? It's a little unclear as to whether we can be a principal in more than one group or, can you only be a principal responder one time, regardless of group?

The applicant defined as the entity that submits an application to this solicitation can be a principal on only one application. However, an entity can be a subcontractor or match funding partner on multiple applications. In addition, personnel of the entity should be capable of performing all work proposed as a prime and a subcontractor if both applications are selected for funding.

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http://www.sos.ca.gov/

30. Can a prime contractor submit a second application in which they are a subcontractor?

Yes. Please see answer to question above.

31. An applicant can only submit one proposal in one group. If one proposal is submitted in each group, you will randomly pick one to review. Correct?

Correct. Any single entity can only submit one proposal for this GFO. As stated in the GFO, if the principal applicant submits multiple applications, the Energy Commission staff will randomly select one application to be evaluated, reviewed and scored. Any other application submitted by the same applicant will be returned without additional action.

32. If John Smith from Institution-A is leading a group 1 proposal, then can John Smith from Institution-A lead a proposal in group 2 as well?

The restriction of submitting only one proposal for this GFO is applicable to the entity that submits an application to this solicitation, not to the key personnel. However, John Smith cannot submit multiple proposals on behalf of the same entity.

33. Does an entire University count as a single entity? Can multiple PIs submit applications from the same university?

Each university campus is considered to be one entity and should submit only one grant proposal from that university campus.

34. Can $7 million and $5 million of EPIC funding requests have the same Principal? I thought that one is not allowed to be a Principal contractor for more than one proposal?

The principal applicant can only submit one application. Any applicant wishing to apply for funding amount more than $5,000,000 but not exceeding $7,000,000 must present a proposal in the same application that requests $5,000,000 or less (please see the specifics in Section I.F.1 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual).

35. Can a proposal include two options for a project under $5 million and another one that falls into the $7 million category?

Yes, but they cannot be unrelated projects. Please see the specifics in Section I.F.1 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

36. Are there any limitations to the extent of work that can be provided by a subcontractor?

No, as long as it meets the requirements of the GFO.

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Terms and Conditions Questions

37. Will all proposed project team members have to sign off on the Terms and Conditions, or only the Prime applicant?

The grant agreement is between the Energy Commission and the recipient who is the prime applicant. Hence, the prime applicant would sign a grant agreement. Under the agreement, the recipient is responsible for establishing and maintaining contractual agreements and flow-down provisions with each subcontractor and vendor in accordance with the terms and conditions of the agreement.

Additionally, by signing the Application Form (Attachment 1) and submitting an application to the Energy Commission, each applicant agrees to enter into a grant agreement with the Energy Commission to conduct the proposed project according to the EPIC grant agreement terms and conditions, without negotiation. The University of California and California State University terms and conditions; U.S. Department of Energy terms and conditions; and standard terms and conditions are located at http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/contractors.htm l . The Native American tribes and tribal corporations with sovereign immunity terms and conditions is in Attachment 12 (please see GFO Addendum 1 application manual).

38. This TD&D project will have its elements of R&D. Who owns the IP of the produced work?

Intellectual property (IP) is addressed in the EPIC grant terms and conditions. The University of California and California State University terms and conditions; U.S. Department of Energy terms and conditions; and standard terms and conditions are located at http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/contractors.html. The Native American tribes and tribal corporations with sovereign immunity terms and conditions is in Attachment 12 (please see GFO Addendum 1 application manual)

39. If a consulting firm has been previously contracted with to design the microgrid system, as a part of the solicitation, can the same engineering consulting firm serve as an administrator to implementing the project if funded? Assuming the identified expenses do not exceed 10% of the overall costs, per the "Conflict of Interest" requirements identified in the Terms and Conditions.

It is not clear which term this question refers to. In general, yes, the same subcontractor can design and administer a microgrid. The same project cannot receive funding from two different Energy Commission solicitations.

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http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/contractors.html

http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/contractors.html

Questions Regarding Project Requirements

For All Projects Groups

40. It appears we would qualify for this under Group 1, as a federally recognized tribe within IOU Service Territories.

The Tribe may also be able to leverage some U.S. DOE funding that supports initial efforts to develop a tribal utility organization. Additionally, the Tribe may be able to provide a cash match that exceeds the minimum matching requirements.

However, I am unclear of the types of projects this would fund. Can you provide me with some clarification on the types of projects that could be funded under this opportunity – or a link to where I can find that information? I need to have a basic understanding in order to communicate this opportunity effectively to all departments and the tribal leadership.

Information on microgrid and examples of existing and past microgrid projects can be found on the Energy Commission website as part of the effort by the state to develop a Roadmap for the Commercialization of Microgrids in California at:http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/microgrid/

41. Microgrid demonstrations for sanitation districts, fire stations, hospitals, etc., have been funded in a previous round of EPIC. In this round, will you be less enthusiastic about those types of projects since the proof of concept has already been established?

Microgrids provide many services and a microgrid proposed for this GFO does not have to repeat the same concept established in a previously-EPIC funded demonstration. The project must advance relevant science and technology, and meet the needs of this GFO. The applications will be evaluated based on the scoring criteria set forth in this GFO.

42. How important is the uniqueness of the project when comparing it to the last round of microgrid projects?

The proposed project should provide a demonstration which has commercial viability after the grant term is completed, and which has a likelihood of being replicated in the future. Please also see answer to question above.

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http://www.energy.ca.gov/research/microgrid/

43. What is Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8?

From the citation listed on page 27 of the GFO, TRL 8 is:

Table 1 Technology Readiness Levels*Relative Level of Technology Development

Technology Readiness

LevelTRL Definition Description

System Commissioning

TRL 8Actual system completed and qualified through test and demonstration

Technology has been proven to work in its final form and under expected conditions. In almost all cases, this TRL represents the end of true system development. Examples include developmental testing and evaluation of the system with real waste in hot commissioning.

*US DOE Technology Readiness Assessment (TRA)/Technology Maturation Plan (TMP) Process Guide, https://www.energy.gov/em/downloads/technology-readiness-assessment-tratechnology-maturation-plan-tmp-process-guide. 44. What does the Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 mean and how is it going to be used

for scoring?

The proposed project must meet the EPIC criteria for Technology Demonstration and Deployment. The TRL 8 definition (see question above) is used to provide a common guide to applicants on the level of maturity of proposed technologies for demonstration. Ultimately, the proposed project should provide a demonstration which has commercial viability after the grant term is completed, and which has a likelihood of being replicated in the future. The applications will be evaluated based on the scoring criteria set forth in this GFO.

45. Regarding pre-commercial, in the definition provided in the GFO, you don’t want items that are at scale or are sufficiently larger scale yet in the technical discussion of the RFP, you are talking about needing a tremendous amount of data to support the benefits. Can you provide clarification on what you are looking for regarding pre-commercial?

This GFO requests projects that fall within the “technology demonstration and deployment” stage, which involves the installation and operation of pre-commercial technologies or strategies at a scale sufficiently large and in conditions sufficiently reflective of anticipated actual operating environments to enable appraisal of operational and performance characteristics, and of financial risks. When the grant term is completed, the microgrid should have a clear path to future commercial viability.

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https://www.energy.gov/em/downloads/technology-readiness-assessment-tratechnology-maturation-plan-tmp-process-guide

https://www.energy.gov/em/downloads/technology-readiness-assessment-tratechnology-maturation-plan-tmp-process-guide

46. Do the various components of the microgrid all need to be pre-commercial technology?

No, not all microgrid components need to be pre-commercial technology.

47. “The proposed projects are expected to demonstrate the applications of a microgrid where the results from this effort will provide field examples of commercial-scale demonstrations that produce a clear, repeatable, standardized configuration with measurable benefits to end users and a high probability of future commercial success.”

Could you clarify? Each Microgrid is like a snowflake. Would the scoring team prefer to see the ideal solution for the customer from a levelized cost of energy standpoint? Or would the scoring team prefer to see a standardized Microgrid design that is easy to replicate (even if it has a high levelized cost of energy)?

The purpose of this GFO is to demonstrate microgrids that will in the future have a clear path to commercial viability. The goal of this GFO is to fund demonstrations of microgrid configurations that provide sufficient value to the intended customer such that future microgrids can be procured and installed at least partly or fully based on the information obtained from the project demonstrated. How the applicant defines the value of the microgrid and future commercial opportunities for the demonstrated microgrid is up to the applicant. Section II.B.3. of this GFO provides information about ratepayer benefits, technological advancements, and breakthroughs. For the definition of a microgrid as used in this GFO, please see the information provided in Section I.B of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

48. What does "Standardized microgrid" mean? Does this meant a "standardized microgrid" comprised of certain expected components - i.e. it must have generation resources, etc.? If this is so, what are the key components that must be present in the microgrid system configuration?


49. Could you please provide a definition for resilience?

There is no specific definition for resilience provided in this GFO. Normally accepted industry definitions for resilience center around the ability of the electric grid (or the microgrid system) to quickly recover, restore reliability, and survive with acceptable consequences when an electric disruptive event is experienced.

50. Please describe the most ideal project the CEC is seeking to fund.

It is up to the applicant to provide the best possible proposal based on the information in the GFO.

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51. Can an existing microgrid site be used?

Yes, as long as the existing microgrid site will provide new microgrid capabilities, advance science and technology, increase microgrid sophistication, and all the requirements of the GFO will be met. The proposed microgrid must demonstrate capabilities that will result in a clear path to commercial viability. Furthermore, EPIC-funded projects must lead to technological advancements and breakthroughs to overcome the barriers that prevent the achievement of the state’s statutory energy goals.

52. Will an application qualify for review and scoring if it is for an upgrade or replacement of an existing, older microgrid?


53. We are currently working to implement mircogrids with three Native American Tribes. One of the three is not under construction yet but will be starting the first of the year. In regard to scoring, if it is on an existing facility where we have historical data, is that going to affect the proposal?

Scoring will be based on the factors identified in the GFO.

54. Is residential level microgrid demonstration allowed? Would this be under Group 3 if allowed?

Yes, as long as all the requirements of the GFO are met.

55. Can the microgrid site be located on more than one IOU customer property (assuming Rule 18 isn't violated)?

Yes.

56. Could a proposal include multiple sites?

Yes, a proposal can include multiple sites or microgrids as long as multiple microgrids are related to each other and connected either electrically or virtually. Proposed projects must meet all the requirements of the GFO.

57. Is there a minimum size of the project and can the deployment of multiple micro-grids combined meet that requirement? Our product produces 4.3 kW and stores up to 40 kWh for use to power EVs. We recently deployed 22 combined 94.6 kW and 550 kWh.

The proposed project must meet all the requirements of the GFO. How all the requirements are met is up to the applicant. There is no minimum or maximum size defined for this GFO.

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58. If a microgrid involves multiple IOU customer accounts and the interconnecting distribution grid, can EPIC funds be spent on equipment that will be located on the IOU side of the meter?

Yes.

59. Can a new site with no existing DER assets be used?

Yes

60. If property ownership changes but the microgrid is still left in place and operational for 3 years after the contract period, will this meet the solicitation requirements?

Yes.

61. Please give examples of three DER elements?

As stated in Sections I.A and I.B of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, DER are “distributed resources” defined in the California Public Utilities Code section 769(a) (AB 327, Sec. 8, Perea, 2013) as:

(1) distributed renewable generation resources, (2) energy efficiency, (3) energy storage, (4) electric vehicles, and(5) demand response technologies.

Each DER must be a complete system that provides independent electric service capability.

Energy efficiency (EE) or demand response (DR), if selected as one of the DER elements, must meet the measurement and verification (M&V) requirements as defined in item 3 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum application manual.

62. Would you provide a list of eligible DER technologies for our reference?


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63. Is there a firm definition for high penetration DER?

The GFO requires that the proposed demonstration include at least three different DER technologies in the same microgrid (please see the requirements of item 3 for each project group, Section II.B.2 of the GFO application manual).

64. If the renewable energy generation exceeds the amount of energy needed at the facility, can the applicant export the power through the RES-BCT program, which can apply the units of electricity to additional specific meters offsite, and then utilize that additional renewable energy for EV charging stations in other parts of the City as part of the micogrid system?

How the applicant intends to design and operate the microgrid is up to the applicant as long as all the requirements of the GFO are met.

65. Can components of the microgrid be owned by multiple parties? For example DER elements owned by manufacturer, electrical infrastructure owned by an IOU, and host site owned by a separate entity and leasing the DER elements and electrical infrastructure.

Please see answer to question above. There must be a single grant applicant and recipient.

66. Are existing DER elements that have received incentives/rebates from IOU's allowed to be included as part of the proposed microgrid?

Yes, as long as all the requirements of the GFO are met.

67. At what point in time is a DER element considered existing? If installed before notice of award? If installed before proposal submission deadline?

If a DER element is installed before the grant agreement start date, that DER element is considered existing.

68. If our team makes a proposal for a facility which is currently being built and does not yet pay a utility bill, and thus does not yet contribute to EPIC funding, will the proposal likely be denied?

The proposed project must meet the timelines stated in the GFO and be able to start the project activities when the grant agreement is fully executed. The projects that are not able to meet the required timelines will score unfavorably. In addition, applicants must provide a written document such as a copy of an electricity bill or a letter from an appropriate IOU account manager verifying that the microgrid demonstration site is located in an IOU electric service territory (PG&E, SDG&E, or SCE) and that site is an IOU customer’s site that pays into the EPIC fund.

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69. Can synchronous condensers that support reactive power be used as a DER (part of the three DER requirements)?

No. See answer to question above for approved DER elements.

70. If a microgrid installation integrates with an existing solar system, can that solar system count as one of the three DERs required for the microgrid?

Yes.

71. Can three separate PV systems be counted as the required three DER?

No. All distributed renewable generation resources, including PV systems could be counted as one DER. For the list of DER elements, please see answer to question 61 above.

72. If we install solar, energy storage, and an associated controller (which is capable of Demand Response and load shifting), would this satisfy the requirement for a minimum of three DERs being installed?

Distributed solar generation, electric storage and demand response (DR) are among the possible DER elements that are defined in California Public Utilities Code section 769(a) (AB 327, Sec. 8, Perea, 2013) (for the list of DER elements, please see answer to question above). Each DER element must be a complete system that provides independent electric service capability to the microgrid.

73. Would EMS controls, solar, and storage meet the requirement for three DER sources?

No, an EMS controller is not a DER element if it is not part of DR services. If DR is selected as one of the DER elements, the special measurement and verification requirements defined in item 3 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual must be met.

74. Is a Microgrid Controller a "DER Element" or is this intended to be for generation and storage assets?

No, a microgrid controller is not a DER element if it is not part of DR services. If DR is selected as one of the DER elements, the special measurement and verification requirements defined in item 3 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual must be met.

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75. Would a Microgrid Controller’s ability to manage and/or shed smart loads during power quality disruptions qualify for a DER requirement?

No, a microgrid controller is not a DER element if it is not part of DR services. If DR is selected as one of the DER elements, the special measurement and verification requirements defined in item 3 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual must be met.

76. Regarding the three DER elements: do existing DER count? For instance, if the existing facility has solar PV, can the solar PV be counted as one of the DER elements?

Existing and new DER elements can be part of the microgrid and used to meet the requirements of the GFO as long as all the requirements of the GFO are met.

77. The GFO calls for 3 DERs of which at least one can be energy storage. Will a bladder full of biogas to be used to fuel a generator be considered as one of the DERs?

No, a bladder full of biogas is not a DER element. However, renewable generation may qualify if it meets all the GFO requirements.

78. We assume the use of directed biogas is considered a renewable fuel use. Is that correct for EPIC funding?

Each DER element must be a complete system that provides an independent electric service capability. A distributed biogas generation system may qualify as a DER element as long as all requirements of the GFO are met.

79. Does existing solar or wind count as one of the DER requirements?

Yes, existing solar or wind can count as one of the required DER elements as long as all the requirements of the GFO are met.

80. What is the view of adding advanced, fine-grained (i.e., circuit level and below) demand response as part of a microgrid control solution?

Demand Response (DR) is one of DER elements for this GFO. For more specifics on selecting DR as one of the possible DER elements, please review the GFO Addendum 1 application manual (item 3 requirements of each project group in Section II.B.2).

81. Is demand response (DR) eligible to be counted as a DER?

Yes, DR is eligible as one of the DER elements for this GFO. For more details on DR, please review the GFO Addendum 1 application manual (item 3 requirements of each project group, Section II.B.2).

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82. Do DR functionalities have to be part of an IOU DR program? Or can we design a DR for the facilities in response to real-time renewable generation, real-time energy consumption and demand level, TOU pricing and battery system operation cost?

No, DR function does not have to be part of an IOU DR program. For more details on DR, please review the GFO Addendum 1 application manual (item 3 requirements of each project group in Section II.B.2).

83. Would electricity storage and thermal energy storage count as two different DERs, such as lithium ion and ice storage?

It depends on how the thermal energy is utilized. If the thermal storage is used for DR and meets all the DR requirements defined in item 3 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, then it would count as DR and not as energy storage. Hence, DR and electricity storage would be two DER elements. If the thermal energy storage is used for energy storage, then the electricity storage and thermal energy storage would only be counted as one DER, which is energy storage.

84. Is thermal energy storage considered a different DER element than battery energy storage (i.e. Do PV+Battery Storage+Thermal Energy Storage = 3 DER elements)?


85. Can two different energy storage technologies count as two distinct DER?

No, multiple energy storage types are counted towards meeting only one of the required DER elements for this GFO. For the list of DER elements, please see answer to question above.

86. Are ultracapacitors considered to be energy storage?

Yes.

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87. CSU Campus is in a Disadvantaged community. Would turning a complex into net-zero by using solar, battery storage, and SCE (electricity from grid) qualify for the grant? Here’s more information to above (27,000 sq.ft complex and separate SCE meter). The thought is to install new solar for day time and battery storage for night time.

The proposed microgrid must include a minimum of three DER elements. For the list of DER elements, please see answer to question above. Solar generation and battery storage are two DER elements but the microgrid configuration will need at least one more DER element. It is up to the applicant to define the microgrid configuration and explain in their application package how all the requirements of the GFO will be met. Net zero designs and configurations are not a requirement for this GFO. Existing and new DER elements can be part of the microgrid and used as part of a microgrid as long as all requirements of the GFO are met.

88. If energy efficiency is utilized as a DER element, can the energy efficiency element be part of a new construction project? For example, if a microgrid with solar plus battery storage is constructed to support an existing building and a new construction building, and only the new building incorporates energy efficiency aspects such as Energy Management and High Efficiency HVAC, will the project qualify as having 3 DER elements?

The GFO defines how to apply energy efficiency as one of the three required DER elements (please see the item 3 requirements of each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual). As for new construction, the full microgrid system must be completed, commissioned and operating for a minimum of 12 months before the grant agreement end date. Moreover, the microgrid must continue to operate for an additional 3 years after the grant agreement end date as defined in the GFO (item 5 requirements of each project group in Section II.B.2).

89. Can updating light (say to LED) in conjunction with solar and storage be considered DER as energy efficiency?

For energy efficiency to be applied as one of the required three DER elements, it must meet the measurement and verification (M&V) requirements defined in the GFO (see item 3 requirements of each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual).

90. Does V2G or VGI count as a DER?

Yes, if all GFO requirements are met and as long as a separate data collection system is included and the value of the technology to the microgrid is clearly defined in the Project Narrative and Benefits sections of the proposal (Attachment 4 and Attachment 6) and the value of the proposed system is defined and measured during the 12-month performance period.

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91. Three Distributed Energy Resources (“DER”) Elements Test . Can the Energy Commission confirm that if three of the following DER elements are included in the proposed project, then the project will satisfy the ‘Three DER Elements Test’ (at a minimum)? Are there any additional technologies/elements that would also qualify? From an Energy Commission perspective, what governs the definition of eligible DERs? Are there any clarifications the Energy Commission would like applicants to be aware of for the other DER elements, similar to what has been communicated for Energy Efficiency and Electric Vehicles?

a. Distributed Renewable Generation Do eligible technologies include solar, wind micro-turbines, and/or on-site geothermal (if available)? Any other eligible technologies?

b. Energy Efficiency GFO-17-302, page 23, “If the applicant uses energy efficiency as one of the DER elements, then the proposal must include a verification plan to measure the before and after energy efficiency so the actual kW/kWh saved can be quantified.” What defines eligible technologies?

c. Energy Storage Do eligible technologies include battery storage and on-site pumped storage (if available)? Any other eligible technologies?

d. Electric Vehicles GFO-17-302, page 23, “If the applicant uses vehicle-grid-integration (VGI) services as a DER capability, EPIC funds cannot be used to purchase vehicles for the proposed microgrid. The cost to modify vehicles to be vehicle to grid (V2G) capable, procure vehicle charging stations and any associated software and ancillary items are acceptable expenses for EPIC funds. Applicants can use matching funds to purchase vehicles for any VGI services proposed.” What defines eligible technologies?

e. Demand Response i. What defines eligible technologies?

A minimum of three of the DER element groups listed in the question will satisfy the item 3 requirements of each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Adendum 1 application manual. Additionally, it is the responsibility of the applicant to identify and clearly define the different DER elements proposed for their microgrid and explain in their application package the value that each of these DER elements provides the intended user. Just installing a DER system that has no value to the microgrid or the intended customer would not show future commercial viability.

As stated in the Section II.B.2 of the GFO: (1) Key technologies used in the microgrid demonstration, except the microgrid controller or any V2G systems proposed, must be at the Department of Energy’s Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 8 or greater, i.e., all pilot testing completed; and (2) DER technologies used must be in the marketplace and commercially available at the end of the project (i.e., sold, leased, or licensed to the general public), in keeping with the intent of this solicitation to advance technologies towards replicable deployment.

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92. If we are installing a system that takes existing fossil fuel exhaust containing CO2 and treats it so the CO2 can be utilized, can that system be funded by EPIC or used as cost share?

EPIC funds are intended for electric systems. Projects that are more relevant to the PIER Natural Gas Program should be proposed to that effort. Also, If the system requires fossil fuel to operate at any time during the agreement term, it cannot be funded with the EPIC or the match funding. A fossil-fueled system cannot be counted towards meeting one of the three required DER elements (please see item 14 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual).

93. If a location will include an existing diesel generator, can we include it in the microgrid as long as we don't ask for any EPIC funding for the diesel generator or use anything associated with it as match for the project?

Yes. Please see item 14 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 in the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

94. All military bases do have diesel or fossil fuel for backups. It is unavoidable.


95. Although fossil fuel-based generation is not eligible for match funding or EPIC funding, are fossil fuel-based generating distributed resources eligible to be counted toward the three DERs required for the microgrid installation? For example, would a microgrid containing solar, geothermal, and natural gas generators meet the three DER requirement? What if a microgrid has three DERs such as solar, storage, and a building management system and a 4th fossil-fuel based DER, will the presence of a 4th fossil-fuel based count as a negative for scoring purposes?

For fossil fuel-based generation, please see answer to question above. For the list of eligible DER elements, please see answer to question above. Scoring will be based on the scoring criteria set forth in the GFO and as long as all GFO requirements are met, there will be no penalty for having a fossil fuel system included in the microgrid that requires no EPIC funding or uses no match funding.

96. Can natural-gas microturbines be purchased under this solicitation and used as part of the microgrid?

No.

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97. Are bio-gas and bio-diesel powered DERs considered fossil fuel based?

It would be considered as fossil fuel based either if it requires fossil fuel to operate or if biodiesel or biogas is blended with fossil fuel. For the definition of “renewable generation resources”, which is one of the DER elements, please see Section I.B of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual. Additionally, please also see item 14 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 in the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

98. For clarification, would the following not qualify for EPIC funds: biofuels such as biodiesel derived from cooking oil, corn, algae, or ethanol fuel? What about fuels such as biogas derived from a digester or hydrogen derived from electrolysis?

For this GFO, fuel itself is not a qualified DER element. If 100 percent renewable fuel used for a generation system, that generation system can be a DER element. Any fuel produced from non-renewable resources or blended with diesel or fossil fuel will not be eligible for this GFO. Please also see answer to question above.

99. If bio-diesel fuel is used by a diesel generator that is part of the proposed microgrid, can that biodiesel fueled diesel generator be counted as a DER type for the bid evaluation process?

As stated in item 14 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 in the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, only generation systems using 100 percent renewable fuels can be a DER element for any proposed microgrid project. For more details, please see item 14 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

100. For Section II.B, item 13, pg. 24, Can an application include biodiesel or another fossil-

fueled generation system to extend islanding capabilities but which is in no way funded through EPIC? Or, does inclusion of this type of equipment result in a disqualification or detraction of evaluation points?

No, it will not disqualify or affect the evaluation point as long as the GFO requirements are met. For more details, please see item 14 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

101. Does biodiesel fall into the same restricted category as diesel or other fossil fuels?

Not if it is 100 percent biodiesel.

102. Will biogas be considered an acceptable renewable resource? If yes, is there a minimum % of biogas required?

Yes. It should be 100 percent and it is included as part of the renewable generation DER element for the microgrid.

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103. Is co-generation with biogas an eligible DER element, if the biogas at a facility is currently a byproduct that is flared and would instead be captured to provide electricity and heat for the facility, reducing energy-use and emissions?

Please see the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, item 14 for all project groups in Section II.B.2.

104. If fuel cells are included in your design, will that hurt your scoring?

No, as long as they use 100 percent renewable fuels. Please see item 14 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

105. Are fuel cells and hydrogen that do not utilize any fossil fuel resources qualified under this GFO?

Yes.

106. Are fuel cells using renewable fuel eligible for the Advanced Microgrid solicitation?

Yes, as long as they only use 100 percent renewable fuels.

107. DER eligibility: a. If a fuel cell is utilizing natural gas, is it eligible as one of the 3 required DERs?

No.

b. If the facility has a long term contract for renewable natural gas, can a fuel cell utilizing that renewable natural gas be considered one of the 3 required DERs?

No, if the renewable natural gas is fossil fuel-based. Yes if the fuel cell uses 100 percent renewable gas and is proposed as the renewable generation DER.

108. Will fuel cells operating with pipeline NG qualify for this microgrid demonstration?

No.

109. Would hydrogen produced on-site from rainwater be used in a fuel cell be allowed?

Yes, as long as no fossil fuel is used for the hydrogen production and for any part of the electricity generation.

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110. If a system creates hydrogen through electrolysis, and that hydrogen is used to generate electricity via a fuel cell dedicated to running only on renewable hydrogen produced on site, then is it still considered to be using fossil fuels?

No, as long as no fossil fuel is used for any part of the process.

111. If ports or military bases insist on fossil fuel based elements needed to meet their continuous resilience in islanding mode, will you respect the stakeholder's requirements in scoring?

If the fossil-fueled generation system exists and is currently operating, it can be part of the proposed microgrid. However, it cannot be considered as one of the three required DER elements nor can any EPIC or match funds be used to support this existing system. For more details, please see item 14 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

The scoring will be based on the factors identified in the GFO and as long as all GFO requirements are met, there will be no penalty for having a fossil fuel system included in the microgrid that requires no EPIC funding or uses no proposed match funding for this GFO.

112. Can fossil fueled distributed generation be included as part of the required 3 DERs as long as it is not funded or improved with neither grant nor match funding?

If the fossil-fueled generation system exists and is currently operating, it can be part of the proposed microgrid. However, it cannot be considered as one of the three required DER elements. For more details, please see item 14 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

113. The microgrid must be all renewable? Natural gas CHP cannot be a component of the microgrid? And storage, no matter how it is operated, is considered renewable?

There is no requirement for the microgrid to be exclusively renewable for this GFO. Energy storage is not considered a renewable asset unless it can be shown that 100 percent of the energy used to charge the energy storage system is renewable. There is no requirement for this specific energy storage configuration in the proposed microgrid. It is up to the applicant to define the microgrid configuration and how the three DER elements will be met. Existing and new systems can be part of the microgrid and used to meet the requirements of the GFO as long as all requirements of the GFO are met.

Please also see answer to question above.

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114. If the proposed microgrid includes a natural gas CHP component that is paid for entirely with match funding, is the project eligible for EPIC funding under this solicitation?

Neither EPIC nor match funds proposed for projects under this GFO shall be used to purchase, modify or improve any existing or new fossil-fueled generation system. If the fossil-fueled generation system exists and is currently operating, it can be part of the proposed microgrid. However, it cannot be considered as one of the three required DER elements nor can any EPIC or match funds be used to support this existing system. For more details, please see item 14 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

115. Can an applicant utilize CHP technology to supply power to the micro-grid, partly fueled with biomethane to qualify as a renewable energy source? Or does the CHP have to be fired on natural gas as long as it reaches the desired 20% GHG reduction?

As stated in item 14 for all projects in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, only generation systems using 100 percent renewable fuels can be a DER element for any proposed microgrid project. The proposed renewable generation system or fuel cell must operate with 100 percent renewable fuel during the 12-month performance evaluation period and the follow-on 3-year data collection period. Neither diesel nor fossil-fuel can be part of the proposed renewable generation system for the entire term of the agreement. If these conditions are met, either EPIC or match funds can be used and this system can be considered as the renewable generation resources of DER elements for the proposed microgrid. Neither EPIC nor match funds proposed for projects under this GFO shall be used to purchase, modify or improve any existing or new fossil-fueled generation system.

If the fossil-fueled generation system exists and is currently operating, it can be part of the proposed microgrid. However, it cannot be considered as one of the three required DER elements nor can any EPIC or match funds be used to support this existing system. Finally, the ability to reduce the operating hours or eliminate the need for any existing diesel or fossil fueled generating systems can be used when computing the required 20% GHG emission reduction.

116. Assume project microgrid components comply with the GFO requirements but there is also a fossil fuel microgrid component (e.g., natural gas-fueled cogeneration). If a qualifying application is prepared that acknowledges the fossil fuel microgrid component but otherwise does not include that component in the application, will that application qualify for review and scoring?

Please see answers to question above.

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117. Would a system be disqualified if a microgrid normally powered by renewable/BESS capacity at a port functionally incorporates diesel generators on ships at dock in the port where the diesel generators are used in conjunction with the renewable/BESS capacity in emergency mode when the utility grid goes down, but the microgrid infrastructure supporting the ship-board diesel generators is not included in the CEC funding or the matching funds? The objective is to enhance the operations of the port in order to make the microgrid project and investment more desirable to the port overall.

Please see answers to question above.

118. Page 23, number 3, of the GFO states “The proposed microgrid must be a new permanent installation that manages high DER penetration to meet the load while avoiding adverse grid impacts, through the use of a microgrid controller. Proposals that include mobile, transportable or modular microgrids that are not permanently installed on the microgrid site are not eligible for EPIC funding under this GFO. The only exception is when the microgrid owner/operator desires to move DER services between locations within the microgrid, in which case it is acceptable to have a configuration where selected DER services can be moved to support seasonal changes, contingency needs, or revenue optimization. However, the requirement under item 4, below must be met.”

Our project envisions a mobile BESS that will be located at the main project site to provide grid services during regular grid-connected periods. However, during a grid outage, when the microgrid is islanding, we plan to demonstrate the use of the mobile BESS at other locations (not contiguous properties) that we own. During this mobilization, the mobile BESS would not be connected to the controller and act as a zero-emission generator. Its utility as a mobile resource will serve the greater goal of the microgrid project. When grid power is restored, the mobile BESS will be moved back to the main project site and reconnect to the controller. All conditions of item 4 would be met, including performance data related to the mobile BESS when it is deployed.Since the mobile BESS will primarily be used at the main project site, and will only deploy under emergency (contingency) situations, would this mobile BESS be eligible for EPIC funding under GFO-17-302?

The Energy Commission cannot determine whether or not your particular project is eligible to apply because the details of your proposal are not known. Any proposed microgrid system must meet the minimum 12-month operation period during the grant agreement term and the 3-year performance data reporting period as defined in the GFO after the grant agreement end date. It is up to the applicant to define the microgrid configuration and how the GFO requirements will be met.

119. Can you provide clarification on the definition of a permanent structure? You said that a trailer would not count as a permanent structure but what about a container full of batteries?

The system must be part of the microgrid for at least the 12-month performance period and the 3-year data collection period after the grant agreement end date and must also meet all other GFO requirements.

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120. Does "permanent installation" also include virtual microgrids?

As long as the system meets the requirements of the GFO and is part of the microgrid for the 12-month performance period and the 3-year data collection period after the grant agreement end date, and meets all other GFO requirements.

121. Are the DER components considered “equipment purchases”?

Yes, if they meet the equipment definition in Section 25 of the terms and conditions and are purchased during the fully executed grant agreement period.

122. What amount of time is required to demonstrate islanding operation for an extended period?

As stated in item 13 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, the amount of time to island the microgrid for an extended period is determined based on the business case proposed for the project and must demonstrate the value of this islanded period of operation to owner and operator. The proposal must also address why a given extended period of islanded operations is selected.

123. What are the duration requirements for island mode operation? Is there a minimum required amount of time that the microgrid must operate in island mode? Does the microgrid have to operate in island mode annually or just once during the demonstration period?

Please see answer to question above. How often the microgrid must demonstrate the islanding mode would be defined by the applicant in the specific business case defined in their application.

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124. It is noted that the microgrid must be a “new permanent installation.” By “new,” is it the intent to convey that an islanding capability will be added and demonstrated and will new equipment be deployed as necessary to satisfy the DOE definition of a microgrid?

The DOE’s definition of a microgrid is not used for this GFO.

As defined in Section I.B of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, a microgrid is a group of interconnected loads and distributed energy resources (DER) within clearly defined electrical boundaries that acts as a single controllable entity with respect to the grid. Additionally, a microgrid can connect and disconnect from the grid to enable it to operate in both grid-connected or island-mode. Finally, a microgrid can also manage customer critical resources and provide the customers, utilities, and grid system operators different levels of critical services and support as needed.

Also, existing and new DER elements can be part of the microgrid and used to meet the requirements of the GFO as long as all the requirements of the GFO are met. The applicant in the proposed business case will define the islanding capability of the microgrid. The islanding capability defined in that business case will be demonstrated during the 12-month performance period.

As for the islanding capability, please see answer to question above.

125. Will a neighboring DAC site also need to demonstrate islanded capability? Or can the DER in that DAC site only provide blue-sky day benefits, whereas the main site (a military base not part of DAC) provide both blue-sky day operation plus islanded capabilities?

As stated in the GFO, the applicant must describe the functions and capabilities of the proposed microgrid and what elements of the microgrid are capable of being islanded. Please also see answer to question above.

126. Is the cost of solar covered by the grant? If so, could 70% be spent on solar energy storage and one or more DER equipment?

These items are typically considered as equipment purchases. The amount of EPIC funds that can be spent on equipment for each project group and the requirements for allowable expenses are defined in the Sections II.B.2a , II.B.2b, and II.B.2c of the GFO. See also the Terms and Conditions and Budget Instructions.

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127. Our current equipment costs are approximately 2.77% above the 70% grant equipment threshold (approximately $69,500). Would this disqualify us for the grant or could we simply opt to pay the excess amount out of funds not included in the EPIC or Matching Funds?

For this scenario, the applicant can either request a higher amount of EPIC funds without exceeding the maximum award amount listed in Section I.F.1 of the GFO or include the excess amount as part of their match funding.

All project requirements of this GFO must be met. The amount of EPIC funds that can be spent on equipment for each project group and the requirements for allowable expenses are defined in the Section II.B.2 of the GFO. See also the Terms and Conditions and Budget Instructions.

128. If a proposed microgrid includes multiple retail customer accounts on a section of an investor owned utility’s radial distribution feeder, can EPIC funds be used to purchase equipment that is necessary for the microgrid (such as, for example, a SCADA recloser) that will be owned by the investor owned utility?

It is up to the applicant to determine how the proposed EPIC funds will be spent under the proposed grant as long as these expenses are acceptable under the GFO’s requirements. IOU members can be subcontractors under the grant and may be reimbursed for their valid expenses.

129. Can EPIC funds be used to purchase equipment that will be owned by a Community Choice Aggregator provided the customers being served are IOU distribution system customers?

The EPIC funds can only be used to purchase equipment by an entity that can clearly demonstrate that all microgrid demonstrations are located in a California IOU electric service territory (PG&E, SDG&E, or SCE) and the microgrid site is an IOU customer’s site that pays the Electric Program Investment Charge in accordance with CPUC Decision 12-05-037. Who operates and owns any equipment purchased with EPIC funds must be clearly defined in the application.

130. Assuming all other requirements are met, will a microgrid that does not export energy back to the grid qualify for this solicitation?

Yes.

131. Do you require a completed feasibility study as part of the application submission?

This decision is up to the applicant and what their proposed microgrid system requires for pre-approvals to meet the timeline defined in the GFO.

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132. Would the purchase of a commercially available grid simulator system (that is widely used in the industry to facilitate grid design and development) to be used to assess and optimize implementation scenarios be eligible for CEC funding under the terms of this solicitation?

The applicant would have to define and justify the value of such a system in their proposal and explain why EPIC funds should be used to purchase such a system.

133. We manufacture solar powered EV chargers, which include generations, storage, and distribution. We are also working on Grid independent DC Fast charging. Is the intent of the funding to finance new technologies or install systems?

The purpose of the GFO is to demonstrate commercially viable microgrid systems and demonstrate that the proposed system has a clear path to commercial viability. As stated in Section IV.F, Scoring Criterion 1, the proposal must: (a) provide a clear and concise description of the goals, objectives, technological or scientific knowledge advancement, and innovation in the proposed project; (b) explain how the proposed project will lead to technological advancement and breakthroughs that overcome barriers to achieving the State’s statutory energy goals; and (c) summarize the current status of the relevant technology and/or scientific knowledge, and explains how the proposed project will advance, supplement, and/or replace current technology and/or scientific knowledge. Demonstrating already commercially available technologies would not meet these requirements.

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134. Our project is the EV ARC™, an off grid, solar powered energy solution for electric vehicles, as well as an energy storage unit. Our product requires no contracting, construction, or other traditional installations. Our project would consist of a series of microgrids (EV ARC™'s) that cumulatively generate levels of storage.

My questions:

a.Our product is not a traditional microgrid solution for EV charging, how would non-traditional innovative solutions fit into the GFO?

It is up to the applicant to define their proposed microgrid in terms that meet all the requirements of this GFO.

b.Would we be able to represent different clients of our product in different geographical locations in CA with combined funds? For example, our partners/clients will be the Port of San Diego, the Port of Los Angeles, the Port of San Francisco, and the Port of Oakland.

If each microgrid demonstration site is located in an IOU electric service territory (PG&E, SDG&E, or SCE) and that each site is an IOU customer’s site that pays into the EPIC fund, multiple sites or microgrids can be included in a proposal. However, multiple microgrids must be related to each other and connected either electrically or virtually.

c. Relative to the previous question, we will be requesting $3,000,000 in grant funds. Is this funding paid upfront, during, or after the course of the project? What would be the matching funds of our clients?

EPIC funds are provided in arrears on an actual cost reimbursement basis with invoice justification. For match funding requirements, please see section I.F.1 and 2 in the GFO, and the answer to question below.

d.What is the GFO trying to accomplish with EV charging? Any background or insight on this specific DER would be appreciated.

EV systems are a technology for one of the GFO DER elements.

e.Our project will produce 1.72 megawatts of solar energy generation, as well as 1.6 megawatts of storage. Does our project qualify as sufficiently large?

The applicant must explain in their application package how their proposed project will meet all the requirements of the GFO. How all the requirements are described is up to the applicant. There is no minimum or maximum size defined for this GFO.

f. Our product has permanent functions, but can be transported. Does it qualify as a permanent project?

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It is up to the applicant to explain in their application package the microgrid configuration and how the GFO requirements will be met. Any special conditions that provide a clear value to the supported customer must be defined. The proposed microgrid system must meet the minimum 12-month operation period during the grant agreement term and the 3-year performance data reporting period as defined in the GFO after the grant agreement end date.

135. Can new equipment, specifically EV chargers, which are considered a load, be connected to the microgrid and be included in funding?

As stated in the GFO under the Section II.B.2, the cost to modify vehicles to be vehicle to grid (V2G) capable, procure vehicle charging stations, and any associated software and ancillary items are acceptable expenses for EPIC funds.

136. For the 20% reductions in GHG requirement, what would be the reference state relative to which the 20% is measured?

For the demonstration of 20% GHG reduction provided by the proposed microgrid, the applicant must select the baseline, justify the relevance of the selected baseline, and define the measures used to reduce GHG emission. The applicant must also develop a measurement and verification plan to validate these assumptions, so that the GHG reduction can be verified after the microgrid is fully operational during the 12-month performance demonstration period.

137. What is the baseline from which the 20% CO2 reduction must be demonstrated? (1) current CHP microgrid performance? (2) assumed electricity and gas from the local utilities?


138. Is the 20% GHG reduction requirement based on the entire customer load or the percentage of load that is served by the microgrid? For example, at a military base, must GHG be reduced by 20% overall or just for the portion of the load that is served?


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139. Can the Energy Commission confirm what it will use as a baseline for GHG emissions from which the proposed project will be evaluated? GFO-17-302 states, “The proposed microgrid must demonstrate a minimum of 20% reduction in GHG emissions from what existed prior to installing the microgrid.” and “GHG reductions as provided by the microgrid, compared to using the utility grid for the electricity and also GHG reductions as provided by any new energy efficiency capabilities of the proposed microgrid project.” Will the comparison be against the broader utility grid emissions profile, and, if so, is there a reference emissions rate per MWh the Energy Commission would like applicants to use to inform their calculations? Or, will the comparison be against what systems might be replaced by virtue of installing a new microgrid (i.e., installing a new solar plus battery storage based microgrid versus an older microgrid that may have depended on older generation diesel generators)?

Please see answer to question above. The ability of the proposed microgrid to reduce the operating hours or eliminate the need for any existing diesel or fossil-fueled generating systems can be used when computing the required 20% GHG emission reduction as explained in item 14 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

140. GFO-17-302 “The proposed microgrid must demonstrate a minimum of 20% reduction in GHG emissions from what existed prior to installing the microgrid” How should RPS be forecasted with regards to future GHG emission reduction projections?


141. In a university campus scenario, if a microgrid focuses on a subset of facilities, does the 20% GHG reduction apply only to that subset or does the 20% GHG reduction apply campus wide?


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142. We understand that “the proposed microgrid must demonstrate a minimum of 20% reduction in GHG emissions from what existed prior to installing the microgrid.” However, this requirement penalizes those sites that were early adopters of solar or other renewables, energy efficiency retrofits, or building management systems. Many of these sites will not be able to take advantage of this opportunity to implement a microgrid because they have already taken measures that have significantly reduced their GHG emissions. Given that some of these sites may provide critical services to the State, we propose the following solution to avoid unduly penalizing those entities that have already been contributing to the State’s GHG reduction targets:

Projects must either:- demonstrate a minimum of 20% reduction in GHG emissions compared to what existed

prior to installing the microgrid; or- demonstrate a minimum of 5% reduction in GHG emissions compared to what existed

prior to installing the microgrid, plus demonstrate a minimum of 15% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the site before renewables or efficiency measures were deployed; or

- demonstrate a minimum of 5% reduction in GHG emissions compared to what existed prior to installing the microgrid, plus demonstrate a minimum of 10% reduction in GHG emissions compared to the site before renewables or efficiency measures were deployed; plus demonstrate a minimum of 5% reduction in peak energy usage during the grid’s peak period.

The goal of these or other modifications that the CEC deems acceptable is to balance the solicitation’s goals of achieving GHG reductions with the stated solicitation goal of funding microgrid demonstrations that will provide a clear path to commercially viable microgrids.

Please see answer to question above. 20% is a percentage reduction from the baseline as defined by the applicant. If the applicant can demonstrate that the facility does not have GHG emissions or has a substantially low GHG emission number such that the 20% reduction is impractical to measure, this requirement may be considered as met. The applicant must still meet the other requirements stated in the GFO.

143. Can Bio-Fueled Diesel generator expenditures paid for during Group 1 testing by a military site be used for: a) cost share or match funds during the project; and b) to calculate GHG emission reductions during the project tests?

If the proposed generation system operates with 100 percent biofuel during the 12-month performance evaluation period and the follow-on 3-year data collection period, expenditures occurred during the grant contract term can be counted towards match funds. In addition, the ability to reduce the operating hours or eliminate the need for any existing diesel or fossil-fueled generating systems can be used when computing the required 20% GHG emission reduction. For further details, please see item 14 for each project group in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

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144. Are there any additional points awarded to applicants that demonstrate a greater than 20% reduction in GHG emissions?

The applications are evaluated according to the scoring criteria in the GFO, which do not specify extra points for exceeding any threshold requirement such as GHG reductions. Nevertheless, how this capability provides overall value to the intended end customer will be assessed as will the future commercial viability of the system based on its GHG emissions reduction capabilities.

145. Can you explain what you mean by encumbrance?

The encumbrance date is the deadline by which the Energy Commission must approve an award of EPIC funds. If the deadline is not met, the Commission (and the potential grant recipient) would lose the funds. As stated in the GFO, funds available under this solicitation have an encumbrance deadline as early as June 30, 2018. This means that The Energy Commission must approve anticipates approving proposed awards at a business meeting prior to April 30, 2018. In other words, the Energy Commission has tight deadlines that it must meet in order to avoid expiration of funds. Hence, applicants recommended for funding in the NOPA must submit pertinent CEQA information to the Energy Commission as soon as possible and no later than 30 calendar days after the NOPA is posted. Earlier is better. Please see answer to question below. This is relevant to applicants because a lengthy CEQA review process can jeopardize the Commission’s ability to meet the encumbrance deadline, and the Energy Commission may in that case cancel the proposed award and move to the next highest scoring applicant. Please see Section I.D of the GFO Addendum 2 application manual for additional information.

Applicants can improve the chance that their project moves forward by submitting their proposed microgrid project to the local agency with jurisdiction over the project and obtaining a CEQA determination from that lead agency in advance of the Commission’s review, and then submitting documentation of the lead agency’s determination to the Energy Commission within 45 calendar days after the NOPA is posted, or ideally earlier. Having a lead agency’s CEQA determination in-hand will likely help expedite the Commission’s CEQA review of the project. The Energy Commission may cancel a proposed award and award funds to the next highest scoring applicant, regardless of the originally proposed applicant’s diligence in submitting information and materials for CEQA or other environmental review.

146. If you meet NEPA requirements, do you need to meet CEQA requirements?

NEPA and CEQA are different and all CEQA requirements must be met if they apply to the proposed project. Just meeting NEPA requirements does not guarantee that CEQA requirements are satisfied.

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147. For California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) Review and Deadline , can the Energy Commission confirm what needs to be accomplished from a CEQA review perspective by the time an Energy Commission decision is made and by which date that needs to be accomplished?

The level of review required by CEQA depends on the facts of the specific project. In general, the Energy Commission is required to make its own independent CEQA determination. The Energy Commission anticipates approving proposed awards at a business meeting prior to April 30, 2018. As a practical matter, this means that the Commission must have all documentation relevant to its determination well in advance of April 30, 2018. For example, the Energy Commission may find that a project is categorically exempt from CEQA, or it may find a need to complete an Initial Study prior to making its own determination based on the specific details for the proposed agreement. If another lead agency has already made a CEQA determination, that may expedite the Energy Commission’s review. Please see answer to question above. For this reason, in the proposal package, it may be helpful for applicants to include already received permits and associated CEQA determinations from other agencies (e.g., a local agency the local jurisdiction where the project will take place).

Please see Section I.D of the GFO Addendum 2 application manual for additional information. To maintain the necessary schedule for a grant agreement to be approved at the anticipated Energy Commission Business Meeting in April 2018, it is recommended that applicants submit all CEQA documentation including a CEQA determination already made by a lead agency to the Energy commission as soon as possible and no later than 30 within 45 calendar days after the NOPA is posted. Earlier is better.

If the Energy Commission’s ability to meet its encumbrance deadline is jeopardized due to the CEQA or other environmental review associated with a proposed project that would not likely be completed prior to the encumbrance deadline, the Energy Commission may cancel a proposed award and award funds to the next highest scoring applicant, regardless of the originally proposed applicant’s diligence in submitting information and materials for CEQA or other environmental review.

148. For CEQA Review, the language in Section I.D of the GFO suggests ideally that a proposed project would completely satisfy CEQA likely through a statutory or categorical exclusion given there is not enough time to pursue an Environmental Impact Report (“EIR”) by the Encumbrance Deadline of June 30, 2018. Is that a correct assumption? Or, if the applicant has a permitting schedule defined in its application that would achieve CEQA compliance after the Encumbrance Deadline but in time for the project to be online by June 30, 2021, does that meet the requirement? It seems clear is the former but confirming as this may be limiting factor in what sites could be eligible.

No, it is not possible to achieve CEQA compliance after the encumbrance deadline. The Energy Commission anticipates needs proposed awards to go business

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meeting in April, 2018 and it must receive all CEQA documentation from the recipient prior to April, 2018. As a practical matter, to maintain the necessary schedule for a grant agreement to be approved at the scheduled Energy Commission Business Meeting in April 2018, it would benefit the recipient to submit all CEQA documentation to the Energy Commission as soon as possible and no later than 30 within 45 calendar days after the NOPA is posted. Ideally, this documentation would include a CEQA determination already made by a lead agency. Please see answer to question above. Projects that require a full EIR would likely not meet these deadlines unless the EIR is complete and a determination made by the required timeline defined in the GFO.

149. For deadline to Achieve CEQA Review, should applicant focus on achieving the CEQA review by the encumbrance deadline of June 30, 2018? Or the anticipated Notice of Proposed Award (“NOPA”) date in January 2018? Or the anticipated Energy Commission Business Meeting Date in April 2018?


150. Must all CEQA requirements be met by April (or June) of 2018? Or do we just need to demonstrate our ability and likelihood to meet CEQA requirements as outlined in our timeline?


151. For Interconnection Application and Deadline: if the applicant’s proposed project schedule anticipates completing the interconnection process by the Anticipated Agreement End Date of June 30, 2022, does that satisfy the Energy Commission’s requirements from an interconnection perspective, or would the commission want to see the interconnection process initiated or at some further stage by the NOPA, Business Meeting or Encumbrance Deadline dates mentioned in GFO-17-302?

The interconnection and all other permitting requirements must be met on a timeline that will allow for the full system to be operational and demonstrating performance for a minimum of 12 months prior to the grant agreement end date. Risk associated with obtaining all necessary permits will be assessed during proposal scoring and it is up to the applicant to demonstrate the ability to obtain all necessary permits within an acceptable timeframe to meet the overall project schedule.

152. If the microgrid is part of a larger project, do the CEQA requirements pertain to the entire project or just the microgrid component?

Energy Commission cannot determine the impact of CEQA on your project because the details needed to make such as determination are not known. The level of review required by CEQA depends on the facts of the specific project. In general, CEQA review of projects should not be piecemealed.

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153. Can the remedial cost of meeting CEQA can be paid through the EPIC budget in this GFO.?

The CEQA compliance and other applicable environmental review requirements must be completed prior to approval of the EPIC grant award. Hence, the cost of CEQA compliance cannot be paid by the EPIC fund and cannot be counted as match funding.

154. Is there any consideration in the schedule for extraordinary project requirements, such as OSHPD permitting requirements for medical centers?

The project schedule must conform to the timelines defined in the GFO. There are no exceptions. All grant recipients must abide by the terms of their agreements, inclusive of the schedule set in the agreement.

155. Please provide further clarification on how letters of support indicating community support is defined. If proposed team members are located in the target site community, will letters of support from said team members count towards this requirement? Do endorsements in the form of a letter form City or County council members or departments count toward this requirement? Do the letters have to represent individuals living in the target site community or can letters of support represent government organizations or corporate entities as well? Does a letter of support from an IOU count towards this requirement?

As described in Section III.D.11 and attachment 11 of the GFO, support letters are from project stakeholders (i.e., an entity or individual that will benefit from or be involved in the project). A support letter is that which: (1) describes the stakeholder’s interest or involvement in the project; (2) indicates the extent to which the project has the support of the relevant industry and/or organizations; and (3) describes any support it intends (but does not necessarily commit) to provide for the project, such as funding or the provision of a demonstration or deployment site.

156. For the community support requirement, who is the community? (1) the geographically local community, or (2) the set of entities that might replicate our demonstrated microgrid?

Based on the specifics of the proposed project, the applicant should define the community. Community support is normally represented by the community surrounding the location of the project or the community that is receiving benefits from the project.

157. Does the anticipated agreement end date of June 30th, 2022 mean that all aspects of the proposed microgrid have to be operational by said date, and that there is no requirement to have the microgrid operational prior to June 30th, 2022?

Section II.B.2 of the GFO requires that “At least 12 months of technical and economic microgrid data collection, including: documentation of installation issues,

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operational constraints, operational performance (such as the number of hours a microgrid can operate independently off the grid), and response to grid emergencies. These data must be collected prior to the grant agreement end date and not to be included as part of the additional three years of data collection required after the agreement end date”.

The grant agreement end date is June 30, 2022. Hence, the full system must be operational by June 2021 to meet this GFO requirement.

158. Please clarify the project milestone must be completed by the Agreement End Date Jun 30, 2022.


159. If a microgrid will go online by August 2021 (in alignment with the academic calendar for a college), is there flexibility to meet the 12 month data collection requirement prior to the end of the grant agreement?


160. Are there any points for offering ancillary services to the local IOU?

No specific points are allocated for this item. It is up to the applicant to determine the best services for their system to provide to the end customer or the IOU that demonstrate the commercial viability of the proposed microgrid.

161. If the proposal concept includes more than one site (where the sites are connected electrically or virtually) and at least of one site is a disadvantaged community, will the overall proposal receive the additional 5 points? In other words, do all sites included in the proposal concept need to be in a DAC to receive consideration for the additional points?

To receive the full 5 pts for Group 1 and Group 3 projects, all microgrid demonstration sites must be located in a disadvantaged community. Partial points will be awarded for demonstration sites which are not located in disadvantaged communities but which will directly benefit them.

To receive any bonus points, the proposed microgrid must support a disadvantaged community that is identified by census tract and represents the 25% highest scoring tracts in CalEnviroScreen 3.0 or later versions.

162. Please explain the benefit metrics for each of different DER element in clause (g) of item 17 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Application Manual.

The applicant must develop benefit metrics for each of the DER elements included in the proposed microgrid to measure and validate performance during the 12-

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month performance period. The same metrics can be used for all DER elements on the microgrid. However, the performance and capabilities are normally considered different for each DER element (for example, demand response vs energy storage vs electric vehicles). It is in the best interest of the applicant to develop separate benefit metrics to measure the value each DER element provides to the microgrid owner/operator, so the maximum value of each DER elements can be identified, measured and verified during the performance period.

163. When estimating the potential market of a proposed microgrid, can the territory for that forecast include not only future CA sites for that microgrid, but also other sites outside CA and outside the US?

Yes. As stated in item 15 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 of the GFO, “The proposal must include a clear, understandable business case that illustrates how the proposed microgrid system meets the critical needs of the intended end user/operator and defines why this specific configuration has a high potential for being repeated or replicated in the future using other than EPIC funds in future locations both inside and outside of California. The detail business plan must be provided as a deliverable in the project scope of work (Attachments 6 and 6a)”.

In addition, Section II.B.3 of the GFO requires that “Applicants must define target adopters and describe the maximum potential market for proposed microgrids by answering the following questions: If similar ratepayer facilities in IOU territories adopt the proposed microgrid configuration, how many of them would there be (or how many MW or MWh of capacity or electricity would be included)? Additionally, what would be the size of the national and international market for this microgrid? Also, applicants must include these numbers in the project narrative (Attachment 4) since it defines the proposed market. Applicants will report benefits and costs for two scenarios using the current state of the proposed facility as a baseline: (1) the project for which the applicant is requesting EPIC funding and (2) a scenario of market maturity, where the microgrid has been replicated on a fairly large scale. Additionally, applicants should discuss what level of microgrid penetration they would expect from their target adopters, in what time frame, and why.”

164. Based on past EPIC grants, some of the projects had different relationships with the IOUs and PUC. Some of the challenges that were faced were not qualifying for a net metering tariff. To what extent can policy expectations be included in either building the business case or providing metrics for measuring the success of the project? Or since this falls under technology demonstration, does that not qualify?

Since this is a research grant, when a specific rate or tariff does not exist, the applicant may define a more appropriate rate or tariff if such rate or tariff is reasonable and expected to be considered for implementation in the future. In this case, the applicant must develop a proposed measurement and verification process where the value of the service to the end customer or microgrid can be estimated and quantified. Additionally, some method must be developed that allows the value of this new proposed rate or tariff to be measured during the 12-month performance period. Please also see item 3 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 of the GFO

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Addendum 1 application manual for more details on how demand response (DR) is addressed.

Group 1 Specific

165. Do Dept. of Veterans Affairs (VA) Medical Centers qualify under Group 1 which includes ‘Military Bases’?

No, not under Group 1 unless the VA Medical Center is actually located on the military base such as at Travis AFB. However, the application proposing microgrid demonstration that would be located at VA Medical Center sites could be submitted under Group 3.

166. Is a U.S. Coast Guard Air Station considered a military base for purposes of eligibility under Group 1?

No, but they could be submitted under Group 3.

167. For Focus Groups: Does a US Coast Guard base count as a military base and does an airport count as a port for Group 1?

US Coast Guard bases and airports do not qualify for Group 1. They could be submitted under Group 3.

168. Under Group 1, can electrical accounts adjacent to a port or military base be included in the microgrid if they are on the same feeder?

Yes, if they provide direct support to a military base or port and not another third party.

169. For clarification on the definition of Group 1 demonstration sites, can the list below be utilized as Group 1 locations? http://militarycouncil.ca.gov/s_californiamilitarybases.php

It is up to the applicant to demonstrate that the proposed project site is located in an IOU electric service territory and that the site is an IOU customer’s site pays into the EPIC fund, and clearly supports a CA military installation.

170. Can you confirm that this is the definitive list of CA Bases for Group 1: http://militarycouncil.ca.gov/s_californiamilitarybases.php


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http://militarycouncil.ca.gov/s_californiamilitarybases.php

171. Is a primary commercial service airport considered a port for the purposes of eligibility under Group 1?

No, but it could be submitted under Group 3.

172. Under Group 1, the GFO-17-302’s description of a port is as follows:

California Ports – More than 40% of the total containerized cargo entering the United States arrives via California ports and almost 30% of the nation’s exports flow through ports in California. Energy reliability, resiliency and the transition to clean, renewable energy are high priorities for ports. Like the military bases, California ports also have an underlying similarity in their operations and energy configurations. Microgrids appear to have a unique opportunity in assisting ports to achieve their future energy goals. Additionally, as with the military bases, if a standardized microgrid configuration can be demonstrated, the benefits measured and the value streams validated, the opportunity for market growth in this segment is substantial.

The dictionary definition of an “airport” is: a tract of land or water with facilities for the landing, takeoff, shelter, supply, and repair of aircraft, especially one used for receiving or discharging passengers and cargo at regularly scheduled times.

Based on the aforementioned definition, our question is if a city that has been traditionally, easily isolated by natural disasters (e.g. mudslides, wild fires, earthquakes), but has an airport with good freight handling facilities, does the airport qualify as a viable port under Group 1?

Airports do not qualify for Group 1, but they could be submitted under Group 3.

173. Do you have to specify which Native American Tribe you are working with?

Yes, if the application is submitted under Group 1. If a Tribe is not the applicant, then the application must also include support letter(s) for the project from the selected Native American Tribe. If the project does not qualify for Group 1, it could be submitted under Group 3.

174. For Tribal projects, does the project have to take place on the Reservation, or can it take place on private property the Tribe owns that may or may not be held in trust?

Yes, a proposed project can take place off of a reservation, but if the proposed microgrid demonstration site is in areas outside of the Native American Tribe’s jurisdiction, the applicant must provide a support letter or an agreement from the governmental entity that exercises jurisdiction over the proposed microgrid site. The applicant should describe how the environmental review would be or has been conducted for such a project. The proposed project site must meet all the requirements of the GFO.

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175. With regard to the five additional points that can be awarded for having a military base located in a disadvantaged community, can you explain how you define the boundary of a disadvantage community? For example, a military base may not be directly in a disadvantaged community but the surrounding area is.


Group 2 Specific

176. For disadvantaged communities, I assume you are using the determination as made by CalEnviroScreen 3.0. Is that correct? Are you limiting it to the top 25% of communities identified in CalEnviroScreen 3.0?

Yes, as stated in the GFO, disadvantaged communities are defined as areas representing census tracts scoring in the top 25 % in CalEnviroScreen 3.0 or later version. (https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-30)

177. Can a large building with 50 units be considered a community for group 2?

Yes, if the entire 50 units are in a disadvantaged community.

178. Question on group 2 regarding disadvantaged community - Would an apartment complex for low-income residents be qualified even if they are located in an area with CalEnviro 3.0 score lower than 75%?

Please see answer to question 176 above. A proposed project that does not score in the top 25% in CalEnviroScreen 3.0 or later version could be submitted under Group 3.

179. In Group 1 there is more clarity on the market segment that it is going after. Can you provide some clarity as to what market segments Group 2 going after?

If the proposal is addressing value to DACs, the assumption is that the future market would be made up of similar communities in California. If the proposed microgrid has distinct value to DACs and could also have value to other end customers, then that other market segment can be added to the benefit analysis.

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https://oehha.ca.gov/calenviroscreen/report/calenviroscreen-30

180. There are some rural communities that are extremely low income and face other hardships, such as remoteness, lack of infrastructure, high unemployment rates, and serious and extended air quality concerns due to recurring wildfires. Many of these communities are not designated as “disadvantaged” according to the current CalEnviroScreen tool, but they in fact are disadvantaged. How can their hardships be accounted for in the scoring criteria?


Group 3 Specific

181. In Group 1 there is more clarity on the market segment that it is going after. Can you provide some clarity as to what market segments Group 3 are going after?

Market segments that are not addressed in Group 1 or 2 would fall into Group 3.

182. Can you define what qualifies as a rural area?

It is the intent of this GFO that projects not qualifying under Group 1 or Group 2 could be submitted under Group 3. The example list in the title of Group 3 projects was originally intended to be interpreted very broadly and provided as a reference only, not as a screening criteria as in Group 1 and 2. Hence, it is up to the applicant to define who is the end customer of their proposed microgrid and the commercial potential the microgrid provides for future similar market segments. Therefore, the listed examples of microgrid locations were deleted from the Group 3 title (please see GFO Addendum 1 application manual).

183. I am writing in regards to an article about microgrids grants (http://microgridknowledge.com/microgrid-grants-california/) that was published online and would like to know what qualifies as a rural area in California in order to be eligible for these grants. My company is looking into some locations (Fresno, Ramona and Stockton) and needs a way to verify this. If you could assist me with this, it would be extremely helpful.


This solicitation is open to all entities with the exception of POUs. As stated in item 2 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual, applicant must provide a written document such as a copy of an electricity bill or a letter from an appropriate IOU account manager verifying that the microgrid

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https://na01.safelinks.protection.outlook.com/?url=http%3A%2F%2Fmicrogridknowledge.com%2Fmicrogrid-grants-california%2F&data=01%7C01%[email protected]%7Cd826f1d1bbda43afd0c408d4e652cfae%7Cd11dfc6a833a471284dbfc468665e0e1%7C0&sdata=bJmWPQ7zkRepn1CRaLu5tZNVY4AxyqydxXBFK9JivK0%3D&reserved=0

demonstration site is located in an IOU electric service territory (PG&E, SDG&E, or SCE) and that the site is an IOU customer’s site that pays into the EPIC fund.

184. If a proposed microgrid includes multiple retail customer accounts and one of those customers is eligible under Group 1, can the proposed microgrid be considered eligible under Group 3 if the applicant feels the project is better suited to Group 3 because of the proposed business model?

Yes.

185. If one has a project that encompasses two microgrids - one of them being in a disadvantaged community and the other not, then would the appropriate category to apply be Group 2 or Group 3?

Group 3. Group 2 requires all demonstration sites to be in a disadvantaged community.

186. Can you clarify the meaning of “Industrial complexes”? Can an industrial complex be a single industrial building or does it have to be multiple buildings to form a complex. What is the minimum of energy consumption required for an industrial complex?

It is the intent of this GFO that projects not qualifying under Group 1 or Group 2 could be submitted under Group 3. The example list in the title of Group 3 projects was originally intended to be interpreted very broadly and provided as a reference only, not as a screening criteria as in Group 1 and 2. Hence, it is up to the applicant to define who is the end customer of their proposed microgrid and the commercial potential the microgrid provides for future similar market segments. Therefore, the listed examples of microgrid locations were deleted from the Group 3 title (please see GFO Addendum 1 application manual).

187. Would it be possible to have 1 application with 2 options: first option focuses on 1 building complex at 1 location and second option for 2 building complexes at different locations at different cities. The above options would require 2 different levels of funding.

No, except for the applicants that are applying for funding above $5,000,000. See Section I.F.1 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual for instructions on how to apply for funding in the range of more than $5,000,000 up to $7,000,000.

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Funding and Match Funding Questions

188. KEPCO (Korea Electric Power Corporation) has a plan to make a corporation in California in the near future. Regarding GFO-17-302, available funding is up to $44.7M, but the maximum award is $5M or $7M. Why is the amount so different? Could you kindly explain this?

This GFO aims to fund several commercially viable microgrids that will demonstrate different business cases and serve different market segments. The funding amounts were selected based on the Energy Commission’s historical knowledge learned from previously awarded research grants and contracts and the overall objectives of the EPIC program.

In order to request funding amount more than $5,000,000 but not exceeding $7,000,000, the proposal must meet special conditions explained in Section I.F.1 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual and demonstrate, to Energy Commission staff’s satisfaction and in their sole discretion, the benefits and values of linking several microgrids together to reach higher capabilities and a more rapid commercialization.

189. What is the reasoning behind the distribution of funds between the three groups?

The funding amounts were selected based on the Energy Commission’s historical knowledge learned from previously awarded research grants and contracts and the overall objectives of the EPIC program.

190. Can the applicant request less than the $2 million minimum and does minimum funding amount include EPIC funds + Matching Funds?

No, the applicant cannot request less than $2,000,000 for this solicitation. The requested funding must fall within the minimum and maximum range specified in Section I.F of the GFO. The minimum funding amount refers to the EPIC funds requested in the proposal.

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191. We are in the process of preparing our application for this grant funding opportunity and seeking the minimum $2 million amount. We are still unclear about the match and total amounts. Does the program require that (1) our match equal 20% of the TOTAL $2 million of grant funds, e.g. $1,600,000 {EPIC Contribution} + $400,000 {20% match of $2 million} = $2,000,000; or 2) our match equal 20% of the EPIC contribution. For clarification and preciseness, please complete the following table, with the proper amounts. I am certain the other prospective applicants would also appreciate the clarification since incorrect calculation could disqualify the applicant.

EPIC Award Grantee Share Grantee MatchTotal Program Funds (EPIC Award + Grantee Match)

$2,000,00020% of the requested EPIC fund if the requested EPIC fund is $5,000,000 or Less

$400,000 (for $2,000,000 requested EPIC fund)

$2,400,000

$5,500,00025% of the requested EPIC fund if the requested EPIC fund is more than $5,000,000 but not exceeding $7,000,000

$1,375,000 (for $5,500,000 requested EPIC fund)

$6,875,000

192. If a project team is awarded funding, are CEC funds provided up front, provided on an ongoing basis with invoice justification, or provided at project closeout?

EPIC funds are provided in arrears on an actual cost reimbursement basis with invoice justification.

193. If the Prime applicant already has a planned/funded project to start installation of a single DER element before the Microgrid Grant notice of award, would the said DER element still be eligible for grant funding/reimbursement?

No. EPIC funds and match funding must be spent during the agreement term. No funding can be requested or counted as match until the projects starts after the grant agreement is fully executed by all parties.

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194. If a project which includes eligible renewable generation (e.g., solar PV) and storage technologies under this grant has been contracted prior to the grant period but will be under construction during the grant period, and portions of the total project cost are dispersed during the grant period through milestone payments, can those payments be attributed as match funding?

Yes, as long as the match funding is spent after the full execution of the grant agreement.

195. Usually match share is allowed after the NOPA, before the signed agreement, and at the applicant's risk. Is this Solicitation different?

Yes. Those rules may apply to other programs managed by the Energy Commission and not EPIC funds. For EPIC grants, match funding cannot be counted if the match fund were expended before the grant agreement is fully executed and the project is started.

196. Do matching funds that are put into an escrow account tied to the grant (contingent on grant approval and award) qualify as an acceptable form of “cash in hand” or other qualified matching fund contribution?

Yes, that is acceptable proof that the funds exist as cash.

197. Are escrowed funds tied to the grant an acceptable form of “cash in hand?”

Yes. Please see answer to question above.

198. Regarding the “Matching Funds” requirements, is a Letter of Commitment for the Matching Funds from a reputable, credit-worthy source without actual deposit of funds into the Applicant’s account sufficient demonstration of “cash in hand” for purposes of the Applicant’s grant application?

Yes, as long as the match funding commitment letter: (1) identifies the source(s) of the funds; (2) justifies the dollar value claimed; (3) provides an unqualified (i.e., without reservation or limitation) commitment that guarantees the availability of the funds for the project; and (4) provides a strategy for replacing the funds if they are significantly reduced or lost.

Please see Attachment 11 of the GFO, Commitment and Support Letters Form. Commitment and support letters must be submitted with the application to be considered. A match funding commitment letter must be signed by a representative of each entity or individual that is committing to provide match funding.

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Additionally, the “cash in hand” match funds must be in the recipient’s possession and reserved for the proposed project, meaning that they have not been committed for use or pledged as match for any other project.

199. With regard to match, it is clear that cash in hand match generates higher scoring in the point awards. Is that true for just meeting the basic match requirements or also the additional points awarded for match funding above what is required?

Match fund scoring will be considered under scoring criterion 4 (please see Section IV.F of the GFO). Each criterion has an assigned number of possible points, and is divided into multiple sub-criteria. The sub-criteria are not equally weighted and cash in hand funds will be considered more favorably than other types of match funding during the scoring phase as stated in Section I.F.2 of the GFO.

If the application meets both minimum passing scores (scoring criteria 1-4 and 1-7), the application will be eligible for additional points under criterion 8 for the match funding that exceeds the minimum match funding amount. The points will be awarded based on the level of commitment above the minimum percentage and will consider type of match funding, dollar value justification, and funding replacement strategy described in the match funding commitment letter for the amount above the minimum (see Attachment 11 of the GFO). The scoring scale in Section IV.F of the GFO will be applied.

200. Other funds from other agencies would qualify as cash in hand, would that include state agencies or agencies that have state pass-through funding?

Yes. Other state, federal, or private funds are eligible as a match as long as they are expended during the term of the agreement and are not future or contingent funds.

201. What existing equipment/study can you use for the match fund?

Existing equipment or existing studies cannot be counted as match funds. Match funds must be expended during the grant agreement term and be reported in invoices submitted to the Energy Commission.

202. Would existing PV count as an equipment cost match?

No, it would not count as match funding. Please see answer to question above.

203. I have PV already installed that does not count as cost sharing. However, if I plan to purchase more PV panels, can that be included as match funding?

Yes, the purchase of new qualifying PV panels can be included as match funding if those purchases occur during the grant agreement period and the PV panels are

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used in the microgrid operation during the 12-month performance period and the 3-year data collection period after the grant agreement end date.

204. Can the roof upgrades needed to support new PV be included as a cost share?

If the necessity of roof upgrades to support new PV is justified and the upgrades are made during the grant agreement term, the cost can be included as match funding.

205. If somebody chose a site that already has a solar PV panel which is installed and operates, is it considered as a cost share?

No. Please see answer to question above.

206. Would the existing solar PV system and EV charging infrastructure in the building complex be considered as match equipment?


207. If a project site has existing and operational equipment such as existing solar, could that equipment count as match?


208. Is software included in cost sharing?

Yes, if it is purchased during the agreement term. Match funds must be reported in invoices submitted to the Energy Commission.

209. Can match funds include structural and other improvements (i.e., roof replacement, electrical infrastructure upgrades, energy efficiency upgrades to facilities) that will occur during the grant duration to support one or more of the DER elements (e.g., roof retrofits to accommodate a yet-to-be-installed solar PV system or electrical infrastructure upgrades necessary to interconnect a microgrid system/PV)?


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210. Regarding the reference to photovoltaic systems (or other financial commitments for leasing equipment): Do lease or shared savings payments for a defined period of time (i.e., 10-20 years) represent match funding?

It is the responsibility of the applicant to provide a clear description of their proposed match funding. The lease or shared saving payments of new qualifying equipment may possibly be included as match funding if those payments occur during the grant agreement term and the equipment is used in the microgrid operation during the 12-month performance period and the 3-year data collection period after the grant agreement end date. Only the relevant part of the lease or shared saving contract expenses would qualify. The full value of purchases made for a lease or shared saving program cannot be claimed as match share unless the full life of the lease or shared saving program term occurs during the agreement term.

Match funds must be spent only during the grant agreement term and must be reported in invoices submitted to the Energy Commission.

211. Section I.F, Item 2, pg 15, “Since this GFO is specifically reaching out to military bases and other government agencies and local organizations that usually operate under budgets that are approved on an annual fiscal year basis, it is not possible for these organizations to verify proposed future match funding availability until the actual future fiscal year budget is approved by their approving organization. This normally presents a problem when providing proposed match funding from these future years. For this GFO, if the military or other agency need to rely on future approved budgets to meet the required match funding, the applicants must provide a letter from their appropriate agency budgeting office that clearly states the proposed future fiscal funding is in their internal requested budget documents and it is reasonable to assume that the organization should receive those funds when the future year budget is approved”.

Depending on the nature/cost of the expenditure, approval for future fiscal funding is made at the Board's discretion. Would a Board resolution also suffice or be required as a financial commitment until annual budgeting securing program/project-specific funding is approved?

It is up to the applicant to provide sufficient details and budget documentation to clearly show that the proposed match funding is real and is reasonably expected to be made available to meet the needs of the proposed grant schedule.

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212. Section II.A, Item 1,"This solicitation is open to all entities with the exception of local publicly-owned electric utilities." Would Local Government Partnership (LGP) funds qualify as match funds where energy efficiency studies/analysis, design drawings are prepared, education/outreach, or staff time is reimbursed? These funds have been established for energy efficiency planning/outreach work that is reimbursed by the respective IOU under the auspices of the California Public Utilities Commission, funded by ratepayers.

Possibly. Activities funded by match funds must go towards activities that will benefit the proposed microgrid and show a clear value any of the three California IOU electric ratepayers.

Also, applicants must submit a match funding commitment letter signed by a representative of each entity that is committing to providing match funding. For more details, please see Attachment 11 of the GFO.

Match funds must be spent only during the agreement term and must be reported in invoices submitted to the Energy Commission.

213. PPA match eligibility: Can equipment secured as part of a power purchase agreement be considered match?

Match funds must be spent only during the agreement term and must be reported in invoices submitted to the Energy Commission. Only the relevant part of the PPA expenses might qualify. The full value of purchases made for a PPA cannot be claimed as match share unless the full life of the PPA occurs during the agreement term.

214. Can equipment cost be identified as match from Organization A in the following circumstance:

i. Organization A purchases equipment from a vendor and provides invoices,ii. Organization A is a project partner providing various services, iii. Organization A is identified as a project partner receiving grant funds for services (not

the equipment), and iv. Organization A also provides that equipment to Organization B’s facility to operate as

part of a PPA?

If the proposed equipment is purchased and used in the microgrid during the term of the agreement and the equipment supports the purpose of the microgrid as defined in the agreement, the cost of that equipment can be proposed as match. If the equipment is part of a PPA, only the relevant expenses during the term of the grant project can be claimed as match and not the full value of the equipment in the PPA.

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215. For the funding requirements, could CPUC managed technology incentives be used for "cash in hand" match funds, meeting the definition provided: "Cash in hand” funds include funding awards earned or received from other agencies for the proposed technologies or study (but not for the identical work)." Specifically, if the following incentives can be used for match funds:

Self Generation Incentive Program for battery storage Single Family Affordable Solar Homes (SASH) incentives Multifamily Affordable Solar Homes (MASH) incentives

Yes, as long as a required match fund commitment letter is submitted with the application and the incentives will be in the recipient’s possession and reserved for the proposed project, meaning that they have not been committed for use or pledged as match for any other project.

216. Can an IOU provide match funding?

Yes.

217. Could you please advise if Proposition 39 funds can be used as matching funds?

Yes, funds derived from Proposition 39 could count as match funding, but only if they are expended during the term of the project funded under this GFO, and only if the funds were not awarded by the Energy Commission.

Also, Please see answer to question above.

218. Can tax credits, such as the Investment Tax Credit for solar, be used as match funds?

No. Tax credits are not eligible as match funds. Please see Section I.F.2 of the GFO for qualifying match funds for this GFO.

219. Can BIA grant funding qualify as part of the 20% match funding?

Yes. Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) federal grants will qualify as “Cash in hand” funds under the match funding requirement as long as they are expended during the term of the grant agreement with the Energy Commission and are not future or contingent awards. “Cash in hand” funds include funding awards earned or received from other agencies (state, federal, or private) for the proposed technologies or study (but not for the identical work). Proof that the funds exist as cash is required. Cash on hand funds will be considered more favorably than other types of match funding during the scoring phase. Please also see answer to question 196 above.

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220. Can you use LCR funding as part of our match funds

No. Liquidity Coverage Ratio (LCR is not eligible as match funds. Please see Section I.F.2 of the GFO for qualifying match funds for this GFO.

221. Can labor costs related to the continuing, 3-year monitoring (after project completion) be counted toward “in-kind” services for the total cost of the project?

No. The three-year monitoring commitment is beyond the term end date of the EPIC grant. Match funds must be spent only during the agreement term, either before or concurrently with EPIC funds. Match funds also must be reported in invoices submitted to the Energy Commission.

222. Section I.F.2, “Match Funding Requirement”, states ““Match funds” do not include: Energy Commission awards, EPIC funds received from other sources, future/contingent awards from other entities (public or private), the cost or value of the project work site, or the cost or value of structures or other improvements affixed to the project work site permanently or for an indefinite period of time (e.g., photovoltaic systems.)” This seems to be in conflict with the requirement for the proposed microgrid to be a “new permanent installation”, and to operate the microgrid “for an additional three years beyond the term end date of the EPIC grant …”

Are the costs of photovoltaic systems used in the project microgrid eligible to count as match funding?

This Section was modified in the GFO Addendum 1 application manual as: “Match funds” do not include: Energy Commission awards, EPIC funds received from other sources, uncommitted future or contingent awards funds from other entities public or private entities, the cost or value of the project work site, or the cost or value of existing structures or other existing improvements affixed to the project work site permanently or for an indefinite period of time (e.g., photovoltaic systems).

If a PV system is purchased and used as one of the required DER elements in the microgrid, then the costs could be reimbursed or counted as match funding if they occur during the grant agreement term. If the PV system is already installed or installed outside of the term of the grant agreement term, then it would not qualify for reimbursement or as match funding. The complete system must be operational for at least 12 months prior to the grant agreement end date and for an additional 3 years for data collection after the grant agreement end date.

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223. If a diesel generator is fueled using bio-diesel fuel during the project testing of a proposed microgrid, can the funds used to pay for that bio-diesel fuel used during project testing be counted as part of the 20% minimum ‘match funds’ for a proposal application?

Yes, it can be counted as part of the match funding as long as the biodiesel is 100 percent biodiesel and the proposed generation system operates with 100 percent biodiesel during the 12-month performance evaluation period and the follow-on 3-year data collection period. For more details, please see element 14 for all project groups in Section II.B.2 of the GFO Addendum 1 application manual.

224. Can Bio-Fueled Diesel generator expenditures paid for during Group 1 testing by a military site be used for cost share or match funds during the project?


225. Are there any restrictions for receiving grant funding in combination with Utility Rebates/Incentives, and/or taking advantage of the Federal Investment Tax Credit?

Please see answers to questions 215 and above.

226. Does larger match funding above the minimum twenty percent get more points?

Yes. Please see scoring criterion 8 in Section IV.F of the GFO.

227. Regarding the additional points for match funding, there is a total of 10 points. The first five are clearly defined by a formula. The language describing the second five points is very similar to the first. Can I get some clarification on how the second five points are scored?

As stated in scoring criterion 8 in Section IV.F of the GFO, the proposals’ scoring scale in Section IV.F will be used to rate criteria such as type of match funding (cash in hand funds will be considered more favorably than other types of match funding), dollar value justification, and funding replacement strategy described in the match funding commitment letter for the amount above the minimum match funding (see Attachment 11).

228. If a project team is awarded grant funding and is later on not able to provide the 20% match funding, are there any legal and/or financial penalties incurred aside from losing the grant funding?

Yes. Partial or complete loss of match funds constitute breach of the agreement. The awardee and their partners are responsible for finding an acceptable replacement for the amount that was lost. The awardee may be required to return some of funding that was used if all match funds are not provided.

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EPIC Funds Spent in California

229. Does the California funds scoring apply to equipment purchases? If so, how are varied in-state and out-of-state supply chains supposed to be accounted for?

As described in scoring criterion 6 of Section IV.F, EPIC funds spent in California scoring criterion also applies to equipment purchases.

It would count as funds spent in California if the equipment is purchased from a business located in California or from a dealer in California whose business is to sell and support equipment manufactured outside California and that dealer pays taxes in California.

230. With regard to spending 100 percent of funds in California, are we allowed to use any technology that was developed out of state?


231. Could CEC provide examples of a few business situations that would indicate whether or not those situations would meet the funds spent in CA requirement (i.e. non-CA business using a CA-based distributor)?


232. Regarding “EPIC Funds Spent in California”, in order for funds spent on equipment to count as California expenditures, does the equipment need to be manufactured in California or would purchasing through a California based distributor also count as inside the state?


233. To count as funds spent in California, does the equipment need to be manufactured in California or if it is purchased through a CA distributor, does it count as funds spent in California?


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Subcontractors and Vendors Determination and Budget Modifications

234. Are key project partners who are not the recipient organization considered subcontractors? Is any organization that receives funds in the budget (other than the recipient) considered a subcontractor?

Key project partners are different than subcontractors. Any organization that receives EPIC funds is a subcontractor. EPIC projects typically have a prime recipient and one or more subcontractors. Purchases of commercial equipment that is a standard product of a company are considered equipment or material purchases instead of subcontractor costs.

235. What defines equipment purchase versus a subcontractor in the case of major equipment which may have some services associated with the equipment? Such services may include basic warranty and maintenance services or may have some professional services such as configuration and customization.


236. How well do the program components (i.e., vendors/products/manufacturers) need to be defined? Or is there flexibility to fine tune the specific components as the project matures and/or to accommodate the public solicitation process?

When developing a project, it is common for some of the elements to be procured or developed after the grant is awarded. The applicant should define the process that will be used to obtain the needed equipment or services in the proposal with the understanding the actual procurement will occur later in the project process. Please see the Terms and Conditions regarding agreement amendments.

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237. A project team is considering adding a construction contractor after a detailed design is produced during the project term. This would allow securing significantly more accurate and more competitive pricing by exercising some form of bidding process for multiple prospective providers. Pricing is highly dependent on specific timing and specific detailed design unavailable at the time of the proposal. This also would address multiple other potential problems associated with identifying construction contractors at the time of the proposal including the fact that for large projects general contractors frequently add multiple subs very close to the time of execution, often with specialties determined by the detailed design – ie: information not available at the time of the proposal. In this scenario, at least one major sub would be added in the middle of the project.

The Energy Commission has specific procedures to add a subcontractor to the agreement after the grant has been awarded. Depending on the magnitude of the change (dollar value of the subcontract and impact on the project success probability), this process can take several months and cannot be done retroactively. The applicant should allow time for these changes in their project schedule if all the subcontractors cannot be specifically named in the proposal when submitted to the Energy Commission. Please see the Terms and Conditions regarding agreement amendments. Amendment requests are not guaranteed to be granted.

238. Can a major sub be identified as a “TBD” placeholder in the budget so that adding that major sub can be done more easily than a contract modification requiring full Commission approval?


239. Do the equipment manufacturers and contractors/subcontractors utilized as part of the microgrid installation need to be finalized for this proposal?


240. Do the equipment manufacturers and contractors/subcontractors utilized as part of the microgrid installation need to be finalized for this proposal, or will the project team be allowed to go through internal selection/bid processes to choose best value vendors?


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Application Organizations, Attachments and Submission Related Questions

241. There are suggested page limits for the application, can you comment on when or whether to exceed these limitations and what the considerations might be on that?

The page limits are recommendations, not requirement.

242. Are there page limits for the application?

Page limit recommendations are listed in Section III.A.

243. May files such as the executive summary, narrative, scope of work, etc. be in searchable pdf format, rather than .doc or .docx in order to preserve formatting?

The applicants are requested to comply with the format directions given in the GFO. File Format is MS Word version 1997-2003, or version 2007 or later (.doc or .docx format), excluding Excel spreadsheets and commitment or support letters (PDF files are acceptable for the letters)

244. In the narrative, where questions refer to other documents in the application (for example, scope of work or project team form) should that information be repeated and/or summarized in the narrative?

The narrative should be clear, concise and understandable. Referring to information in other documents normally results in a confused reader. It is up to the applicant to provide the information in a format that can be reviewed and scored easily.

245. Section III.D, item 9, pg. 44, "Identify past projects that resulted in market-ready technology, advancement of codes and standards, and/or advancement of state energy policy. Include copies of up to three of the applicant or team member’s recent publications in scientific or technical journals related to the proposed project, as applicable." Can prior publications be submitted in the form of a pdf?

Yes.

246. For Word document submittals, to clarify, are .doc or .docx documents required for electronic files?

Either is acceptable.

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247. If an application is submitted online via the preferred Energy Commission Grant Solicitation System, is an additional hard copy required?

No. A properly submitted electronic proposal does not also need a hard copy submitted.

248. If the “Project Team” includes business entities as project partners is it sufficient to list corp/llc information and identify a key contact?

The applications will be evaluated and scored on how well the scoring team can understand the project, project key elements, project benefits to the IOU ratepayers and how well the application addresses all the required elements in the GFO. The applicants should ensure the key elements of the application are clear and understandable. The level of details provided in the application is up to the applicant. Incomplete information will be scored as appropriate. The project scoring team will not be reaching out to individuals and organizations after the applications are submitted to obtain any information requested in the GFO but not included in the application.

249. Can we provide company information in place of resumes?


Other Questions

250. How is this GFO different from Phase-2 of GFO-15-312 Advanced Energy Community?

This GFO is focused solely on microgrids and has different market segments.

251. What is the deadline to submit the application?

October 31, 2017, 5 p.m. PST.

252. Is there a cost to submit an application?

There is no application submission fee charged by the Energy Commission. The Energy Commission will not reimburse applicants for application development expenses under any circumstances, including cancellation of the solicitation.

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253. When will the Attendee’s List be posted on this website (http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/GFO-17-302/)?

Workshop participant lists are posted after the completion of two workshops, at:

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/GFO-17-302/ and

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/epic.html#GFO-17-302 .

254. Where will the ‘Distribution of Questions and Answers’ be posted?

“Questions and Answers” are posted at:



255. Can you send me the link to the Linkedin group for this grant solicitation?

Participants may subscribe to the “California Energy Commission Networking Hub” by clicking on this link bit.ly/CalEnergyNetwork or searching LinkedIn. Subscribe to the subgroup here: https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13543410 .

256. Is there an expression of interest list for this RFP to facilitate formation of teams? I.e., for sites to find contractors/technology providers and vice versa?

Please see the answer to question 255 above.

257. Can we get a copy of the slide deck after the presentation?

The slides for pre-application workshops are posted at:



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http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/epic.html#GFO-17-302

http://www.energy.ca.gov/contracts/GFO-17-302/

https://www.linkedin.com/groups/13543410






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