Engineer/ESCO Application Guide (Last updated )

Transcription

1 Engineer/ESCO Application Guide (Last updated ) Prepared By: Abundant Power Solutions, LLC Toll Free:

2 Introduction Independent Energy Service Providers and Performance Contracting Energy Service Providers serve as energy experts for identifying and managing the execution of quality projects within the AlabamaSAVES TM (Sustainable and Verifiable Energy Savings) program. In order to maintain quality outcomes for borrowers and protect the interests of capital providers, all participating firms seeking either designation must document proof of proper qualifications and licenses and submit to ongoing quality assurance standards as contained herein. This document outlines the qualifications and other requirements for engineering firms and performance contractors desiring to leverage the program for their clients. An application outline is provided at the end. Two Types of Energy Service Providers A firm interested in applying for pre-qualification as an Energy Service Provider within the program will apply under one of the following two categories: Independent Energy Service Provider (I-ESP) Independent Energy Service Providers are energy engineers that are qualified to identify energy efficiency and renewable energy opportunities, estimate costs, assist with contractor selection, and serve as project manager on behalf of a borrower, with limited financial interest in the project. These entities are prequalified for technical and professional qualifications, and must not have any financial interest in the Borrower nor in the sale and installation of any proposed energy conservation measure, other than for construction management and/or commissioning services. The Independent Energy Service Provider is also authorized to provide measurement and verification (M&V) services through the full term of a loan to validate performance outcomes. Performance Contracting Energy Service Provider (PC-ESP) Energy Services Agreements often utilize Performance Contracting Energy Service Providers (commonly referred to as an Energy Service Company, or ESCO) to develop the technical aspects of a project and provide a financial guarantee of performance, sometimes providing procurement and construction services as well. These entities are pre-qualified for technical and professional qualifications. How to Participate in or Develop Projects Refer to the Technical Guide at for specific information on project related requirements for securing a subsidized loan through the AlabamaSAVES TM program. Both types of providers covered under this Application Guide will be listed on the AlabamaSAVES TM website for interested borrowers to solicit for support. Copyright Abundant Power Solutions, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 2

3 Independent Energy Service Providers: If you are approved as an Independent Energy Service Provider (ie, engineering firms), you are welcome and encouraged to independently source projects/clients, but must coordinate with Efficiency Finance, LLC (contact Allen Darby, to utilize pre-qualified contractors and product vendors. Besides maintaining and qualifying a reputable base of product vendors and contractors, Efficiency Finance provides comprehensive project development and management, facilitating the process for prospective borrowers from start to finish. Activities include credit pre-screens, determination and selection of a lender partner, energy/utility benchmarking, opportunity assessments and general project management. Some clients that are developed by Efficiency Finance, including those sourced through program approved vendors or contractors, may request an Independent ESP, but it is not a requirement of the program to use an independent engineer. Performance Contracting Energy Service Providers: If you are approved as a Performance Contracting Energy Service Provider (ie, ESCO s), you are welcome and encouraged to independently source and develop projects/clients, but must coordinate with Metrus Energy, Inc., (Bob Hinkle, bob.hinkle@metrusenergy.com) for financing. Metrus is a lender partner exclusively dedicated to providing performance based financing utilizing the AlabamaSAVES subsidy. Installing Contractors and Product Vendors Installing contractors and product vendors (PC-ESP s excepted) that wish to participate in projects seeking a subsidy through the program must be certified through Efficiency Finance, LLC, a program partner charged with qualifying and maintaining a reputable base of contractors and vendors who can support the needs of any particular project. This process and associated requirements are handled directly through Efficiency Finance and is not covered through this Application Guide. In order to become pre-qualified, Efficiency Finance will require documentation of appropriate licenses and qualifications as well as participation in a day-long program orientation and training session. In order to support their professional facilitation of projects from start to finish, including marketing and outreach for the program, a fee will be assessed based on volume of work that receives an AlabamaSAVES subsidy. If interested in participating, please contact Allen Darby, Efficiency Finance, adarby@efficiencyfinance.com. Performance Contracting Energy Service Providers are generally exempt from separate certification, as such providers will not receive marketing and development support through Efficiency Finance, LLC, and have demonstrated their qualifications as contained herein as a Performance Contracting Energy Service Provider. Licensing and Professional Requirements In addition to the requirements listed below, an ESP must be operating in compliance with all applicable local, state and federal rules and laws: A. Energy Service Providers must have Technical Assessments led by a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) or Certified Energy Manager (CEM). B. Provide proof of experience in energy conservation in building construction, mechanical systems and/or manufacturing processes. Copyright Abundant Power Solutions, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 3

4 C. Firms applying as a Performance Contracting Energy Service Provider must be accredited by NAESCO as either an Energy Service Provider (ESP) or Energy Service Company (ESCO). Some exceptions can be made where appropriate Energy Savings Warranty can be secured to back your performance guarantee. D. Provide proof of experience in software analysis of energy efficiency measures using simulation program meeting the standards set forth by ASHRAE Standard 90.1, Appendix G, Performance Rating Method. E. State Business License Provide proof of licensure with vendor application. i. Should a foreign corporation wish to provide professional services through the AlabamaSAVES TM program, it must be qualified to transact business in the State of Alabama in accordance with Section 10-2B-15.01, et seq., Code of Alabama (1975), and possess a Certificate of Authority issued by the Secretary of State at the time an application is submitted. A copy of this certificate should be provided to the Program Administrator with the application. F. Insurance Requirements Provide Certificate of Insurance with AlabamaSAVES, LLC, listed as a certificate holder and additional insured (except for Worker s Compensation). i. Worker s Compensation ($500,000) ii. General Liability Insurance ($1,000,000/occurrence; $2,000,000aggregate) iii. Commercial Automobile ($1,000,000) iv. Professional Liability Insurance ($1,000,000/occurrence; $1,000,000aggregate) Quality Assurance Monitoring A primary purpose of AlabamaSAVES TM is to attract and approve projects that result in Sustainable and Verifiable Energy Savings. Based on the anticipated energy savings, the borrower benefit applicable to all loans should be such that energy savings outweigh the costs of installation within a maximum of ten years. By submitting an application, vendors certify their understanding of these metrics and associated monitoring. A guarantee is not being provided by the Program, but every project is monitored for the full term of a subsidized loan and analyzed against historical and estimated savings. A Technical Guide for project development and M&V details can be found at Termination/Probation Vendor performance will be reviewed periodically for continued participation in the AlabamaSAVES TM Program. The Program Administrator can terminate the opportunity for vendor participation at any time based on derogatory findings, prolonged lack of activity, or other considerations. Exceptions The Program is allowed to approve reasonable exceptions to the written policy on a case-by-case basis and written documentation of rationale will be retained for program records. Copyright Abundant Power Solutions, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 4

5 Additional Support If you have questions regarding the application process, please If you need to speak to someone, please call Abundant Power Solutions at Additional resources are available online at Application for Designation as an Energy Service Provider For consideration, each prospective I-ESP or PC-ESP must submit an application to be considered for approval to participate in the AlabamaSAVES TM program. One original hardcopy and one electronic copy (on disc or flash drive) should be mailed to: AlabamaSAVES, LLC c/o: Abundant Power Solutions, LLC 1523 Elizabeth Ave., Suite 200 Charlotte, NC The application must include, at a minimum, the following information: Firm Name DBA Tax ID Ownership structure (Corporation / Partnership / Proprietorship / Individual / Trust / Association / Non-Profit) DUNS Number Principal(s) Mailing address Other address Business phone Primary contact Mobile phone address Website Company size Years in business Submit business licensing information Provide Insurance Certificates with AlabamaSAVES, LLC, listed as Additional Insured Provide PE license number and/or proof of CEM status for all principals or employees who will support AlabamaSAVES TM project development. Provide supplemental statement of qualifications, including resumes or biographies for relevant employees. Provide a summary of three energy efficiency retrofit projects for which your firm (or key employees) has completed within the past 7 years. Each project narrative, a maximum of two pages in length, should describe application of your firm s overall abilities, including a summary of estimated energy, comfort and operational impacts. Also include a reference for each of Copyright Abundant Power Solutions, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 5

6 these projects with the client s name, address, type of business, contact person, telephone number, and address. o If applying for designation under the category of Performance Contracting Energy Service Provider, also detail performance results for a minimum of 3 years after project completion. If applying for designation under the category of Performance Contracting Energy Service Provider, provide proof of accreditation by NAESCO as an Energy Service Provider (ESP) or Energy Service Company (ESCO). Provide additional statement of qualifications for energy simulation experience, including software employed. Provide a statement certifying the accuracy of information provided in this application, signed by an authorized member of the applicant firm. If your firm is willing to provide benchmarking and opportunity assessments ( Step 1 from the Technical Guide) for commercial and/or industrial facilities on behalf of prospective borrowers at no cost, indicate such willingness and explain any limitations or conditions. Provide an additional statement certifying the prospective vendor s understanding of program requirements as detailed in this Application Guide and the Technical Guide found at and willingness to adhere to such requirements, including potential borrower surveys and ongoing monitoring of performance metrics and other metrics as required for reporting to ADECA, Lender Partners, the Program Administrator, and the DOE. Copyright Abundant Power Solutions, LLC. All Rights Reserved. Page 6