ENERGYWERX: iCRS-D - i2X Interconnection Cost Reduction Solutions for Distribution Program

Who can apply

Applicant must qualify as a domestic entity. To qualify as a domestic entity, the entity must be organized, chartered, or incorporated (or otherwise formed) under the laws of a particular state or territory of the United States. The entity must have majority domestic ownership and control and have a physical place of business in the United States.. Applicant must certify that it is not owned by, controlled by, or subject to the jurisdiction or direction of government of Country of Risk. The U.S. Department of Energy defines Country of Risk to include China, Russia, North Korea, and Iran. This list is subject to change.. Any applicant that is an Investor-Owned Utility will be required to provide a 50% cost share.. The applicant demonstrates a thorough understanding of existing interconnection practices, highlighting limitations and deficiencies.. The proposed project describes solutions that can reduce costs and reduce barriers associated with interconnection services for generators, large loads, and/or hybrid facilities on the distribution grid of the targeted region.. The project team is a multi-stakeholder partnership composed of organizations (e.g. distribution utility, state regulator, state government) with expertise, capabilities, and authority to implement the Lighthouse project.. The applicant demonstrates strong interest from partnering organizations (e.g., letters of intent).. The applicant includes signed partnership agreements or commitments from organizations key to implementing the Lighthouse project (e.g. state government, state regulator, distribution utility).. The project team includes key personnel who have expertise, capabilities, and the decision-making authority to implement the Lighthouse project.. The proposed project aligns well with the goals and priorities of key team member organizations such as distribution utilities and state regulators.. The proposal includes specific and feasible activities for the Lighthouse Project (stakeholder engagement, solution development and implementation, and field demonstration).. The proposal includes specific and feasible milestones for the Lighthouse Project (stakeholder engagement, solution development and implementation, and field demonstration).. The proposal includes specific and feasible outputs for the Lighthouse Project (stakeholder engagement, solution development and implementation, and field demonstration).. The proposal identifies potential risks to project success and provides appropriate mitigation strategies.. The proposal includes key performance indicators/measurable outcomes that are specific and feasible to assess.. The Lighthouse Project, if realized, will sufficiently impact interconnection costs and timelines.. The Lighthouse Project, if realized, will reduce projected interconnection costs by at least 50%.. The Lighthouse Project can be readily adopted locally.. The Lighthouse Project is scalable and can be adopted at state or regional levels.. The proposal clearly defines how the partnership will quantitatively and qualitatively measure the success of the Lighthouse Project.. The proposal includes a plan for sharing the partnership’s findings with a broader audience.. The partnership has a clear vision to sustain the interconnection process improvements beyond the funding period, including strategies for embedding them within existing regulatory and utility practices.. Alignment with i2X Program Objectives: The proposed project strongly aligns with the goals, priorities, and ongoing activities of the Interconnection Innovation e-Xchange (i2X) program.. Support for DOE Priorities: The proposed project advances key DOE energy goals related to grid modernization, streamlining of interconnection processes, cutting of bureaucratic red tape, and energy addition.. Regional Impact and Replicability: The proposed project demonstrates potential for significant regional impact and the ability to be replicated in other regions facing similar interconnection challenges.. Geographic Diversity: The proposed project expands the geographic diversity of organizations and regions participating in DOE-supported interconnection initiatives.. Leveraging Existing Resources: The partnerships effectively leverage existing resources, initiatives, and expertise within the region to maximize the impact of the project.