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RFP for Energy Efficiency
Funding for the RFP for Energy Efficiency program continues for 2010. The program is designed to encourage investment by large commercial and industrial utility customers in energy efficient improvements. Up to $250,000 of incentive funding is available for each bid cycle.

Eligible Proposals

The RFP seeks large efficiency projects that reduce annual total energy consumption by 100,000 kilowatt-hours or more, and/or projects that will reduce the on-peak electrical demand by at least 20 kilowatts from 1PM to 4PM during the months of June, July, and August

The program is open to all commercial, industrial, and institutional power customers receiving electric service from a WPPI Energy member utility.

Proposals may include multiple energy saving measures. Proposals may include energy savings measures from multiple facilities, as long as each facility is in a WPPI Energy member service and is owned and operated by the same parent company.

For a complete listing of program guidelines, access the Program Manual.

2010 RFP Schedule

Round 10

  • Program Start Date - February 8, 2010
  • Bid Applications Due - March 26, 2010
  • Announcement of Project Awards - April 23, 2010

Round 11

  • Program Start Date - June 7, 2010
  • Bid Applications Due - July 23, 2010
  • Announcement of Project Awards - August 20, 2010

Round 12

  • Program Start Date - September 27, 2010
  • Bid Applications Due - November 12, 2010
  • Announcement of Project Awards - December 10, 2010

Submitting a Bid

To participate, complete and submit a Bid Application Form along with the following:

  1. Project Background
    Attach a detailed description of the proposed project. Include background detailing how this project was chosen (e.g. energy audits, planned maintenance upgrades, efficiency management plan). Describe other energy efficiency opportunities that were explored, and if the completion of this project could lead to similar projects if this one is successful. Include information on non-energy saving project benefits, how the projects affects the facility, and if there are plans to measure the energy savings. Higher rankings projects are comprehensive and combine multiple energy savings measures.


  2. Statement of Need
    This will describe how the requested incentive is necessary to support your company’s financial goals. It may include ROI, corporate hurdle, high risk, project payback, or other barriers. Also, provide details on any other funding sources for the project such as incentives, grants, low interest loans, manufacturer’s discounts, etc.


  3. Vendor Proposal
    Attach a copy of the vendor proposal for the project to the Bid Application, including a description of the equipment to be installed, technical details with copies of manufacturer specifications, and total cost of the project.


  4. Estimate of Savings
    Attach an estimate of the electrical demand and energy savings to the Bid Application, with all the equations and assumptions clearly stated. Estimates of savings include a detailed examination of the baseline energy use and projected energy and demand reductions, as well as a plan for verification of saving after project completion. The use of electronics spreadsheets is encouraged. If a simulation is used, please provide a description of how the simulation calculates the savings. Documentation of a baseline condition is required.


  5. Project Timeline
    Attach a projected schedule that shows necessary management and budget approval dates, vendor contract negotiations, engineering and design, equipment delivery and installation, and project completion.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. Will bid applications be accepted for engineering or feasibility studies targeted at identifying energy saving projects?

    Grants for engineering and feasibility studies are available from WPPI Energy through different programs. These should be completed before submitting a Bid Application. Contact your Energy Services Representative or Key Account Manager for more information


  2. What if our budget approval period does not fall within the schedule for this RFP for Energy Efficiency?

    Projects submitted in rounds 10 and 11 of the RFP should be scheduled for completion before the end of 2010. Projects with timelines conflicting with the RFP bid cycles should refer to WPPI Energy's ongoing Efficiency Improvement Incentive program.


  3. What happens to bids that are not awarded incentive funding?

    Proposals that do not receive funding through this RFP for Energy Efficiency may be directed to other WPPI Energy or member utility program offerings, or advice will be provided on how to improve the bid application for future submittals. Bids will not automatically be submitted in the next RFP cycle.


  4. Is there any limit to the incentive amount requested?

    We currently do not have a maximum incentive amount specified, aside from the RFP budget of $250,000. WPPI Energy prefers to fund several cost-effective projects, and therefore all bids should be limited to the minimum incentive needed to make the projects feasibility cost effective using your facility's payback requirements. The highest ranking bid requests are nominally close to 1-3 times the cost of the projects annual energy savings. We anticipate significant competition for the finite amount of funds available for each bid cycle.


  5. Can I apply for other incentive programs in addition to the RFP for Energy Efficiency?

    The intent of the RFP for Energy Efficiency bid process is to submit the full amount your company needs to overcome corporate hurdle rates for your projects. Therefore, no additional WPPI Energy, member utility, or Focus on Energy incentive programs can be combined with this offer. If you plan to apply for other funding sources or tax credits, it must be explicitly noted in the bid application.


  6. How should we calculate on-peak demand reduction?

    On-peak demand, measured in kilowatts (kW), refers to the maximum rate of electrical energy consumption for a 15-minute period during the hours of 1PM to 4PM, Monday through Friday, during the months of June, July, and August. The on-peak demand reduction represents the amount in which that maximum kW measurement can be lowered. In some instances, an adjustment factor may be needed if the demand reduction does not occur on a routine basis.


  7. Can internal labor costs be included?

    Internal labor costs may be included as long as they are reasonable and well documented. Internal labor estimates must include the cost of internal labor, the estimate of hours, and evidence that a separate internal tracking number has been created to account for labor attributable to the Proposed Project.


  8. What if the final project cost is different than the estimated cost in the application?

    If the final invoiced cost is less than the estimate cost, the incentive award may be prorated. If the final invoiced cost is greater than the estimate, no adjustment will be made.


  9. What can be done if the project scope or schedule changes relative to the approved project?

    Project scope or schedule changes will be handled on a case-by-case basis. If changes are expected for a project already approved, it is recommended that the customer inform WPPI Energy as quickly as possible to ensure that a beneficial resolution is achieved.

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