The second round of the Connecticut Microgrids program is moving forward, and we have been thrilled with the level of engagement and interest in this upcoming round. Thank you for everything that you are doing to play a role in this next chapter of our program. We thought it would be helpful to give you an update on where the program stands as of this moment:
1) Frequently asked questions (FAQ): We will be issuing a FAQ guidance document in the coming days. We have received many formal and informal queries, and we look forward to answering them in detail so that you can have a firm grasp on what to expect once the second round Request for Proposals (RFP) document (which, like last round, is the cornerstone of the program) is issued in late January. If you have any questions that remain unanswered, please be sure to send them to Debra.morrell@ct.gov so they can be addressed in the first or a subsequent FAQ document.
2) Request for Proposal (RFP): As referenced above, we are planning to issue the RFP in the late January timeframe. This will kick-off an extended response period, culminating with project proposals being due during the summer of 2014.
3) Matchmaking and other events: We received lots of positive feedback from the last round of the program’s events that allowed Connecticut host sites to learn more about microgrids and meet developers that can assist them as they go through the process of applying for a microgrid grant. We plan on hosting a number of events (including a matchmaking event around the time of the release of the RFP) that will serve to provide as much assistance as possible to program participants. As we made clear in the last round, we see our role as not simply administering the program, but also ensuring that potential Connecticut microgrid host locations receive the level of assistance that they need to submit a high quality project proposal. We will be engaging a wide range of partners from right here in Connecticut and around the country to make sure that interested applicants have access to the resources they need.
4) Financing generation in the second round: Be sure to get in touch with Genevieve Sherman (Genevieve.sherman@ctcleanenergy.com) if you have any questions related to financing of generation for projects in the second round.
As always, if you have any questions on any program topic, you can reach Veronica Szczerkowski at veronica.szczerkowski@ct.gov.
Sincerely,
The DEEP Microgrids Team