Renewables & Resilience Incentive Program for Human Service Providers
| Location: | Colorado |
|---|---|
| Posted: | Apr 28, 2023 |
| Due: | Dec 31, 2024 |
| Agency: | City of Denver |
| Type of Government: | State & Local |
| Category: |
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| Publication URL: | To access bid details, please log in. |
Closing date December 31, 2024, 12:00 AM
Human Service Providers can request funding to install:
- Solar panels
- Battery storage
- Vehicle-to-building electric vehicle charging
Denver’s Office of Climate Action, Sustainability, and Resiliency (CASR)’s Renewables and Resilience Program can fund up to 100% of the costs associated with installing solar panels, battery storage and EV charging. This program supports
Denver’s goal of a 100% carbon-free electric grid by 2030
.
Human Service Providers can:
- Reduce utility costs: Lower operating costs allow more funding for critical support services.
- Reduce fossil fuel consumption: A solar system that covers 100% of electricity costs would avoid 1,185 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions.
- Protect public health: Burning less fossil fuel improves both indoor and outdoor air quality Increase resiliency: Solar, battery storage, and vehicle-to-building EV charging can provide backup power to buildings during power outages, avoiding higher utility costs during heavy demand.
The Path to 100% Renewable Energy in Denver
Denver is working towards a 100% renewable energy future by 2030. The city is working with Xcel Energy, the first investor-owned utility to announce a
voluntary target
, to reach that goal.
- 100% carbon-free electricity by 2050
- 80% renewable electricity on their electric grid by 2030
However, there is still a gap that Denver must close between Xcel Energy’s carbon reduction trajectory and the city’s goal of 100% renewable energy. Denver has significant untapped potential that can help close this gap, a key component of the city’s 100% Renewable Electricity Action Plan .
The deployment, integration, and management of solar, battery storage, and vehicle-to-building (V2B) electric vehicle (EV) charging, is essential to support a 100% carbon-free electric grid. However, these upgrades can be cost-prohibitive for non-profit Human Service Providers and low- and moderate-income residents in Denver. CASR’s goal is to reduce the electricity-associated greenhouse gas emissions from each Human Service Provider funded by this program by at least 20%.
Investing in Solar, Battery Storage, and EV Charging for Human Service Providers
CASR intends to meet this goal by offering a financial incentive to human service providers. The incentive can fund up to 100% of the costs associated with installation. This program will also accelerate market adoption, leading to greater emissions reductions more quickly. The technologies included and the levels of incentives offered will be updated as market conditions change.
CASR has determined that the incentive program aligns with the Legislative Declaration establishing the Office of Climate Action, Sustainability and Resiliency (Sec. 2-404 D.R.M.C.) as well as the Permitted Uses of Revenue in the Climate Protection Fund (Sec. 2-405 of the D.R.M.C.).
Applicants must meet the following criteria to be eligible for consideration:
-
The proposed projects must serve a building owned and occupied by the applying Human Service Provider. Eligible installations must include consideration of the following components:
- Renewable power generation (e.g. solar photovoltaics)
- Resiliency (e.g. battery storage and/or V2B EV charging)
-
The applicant must be a Human Service Provider, defined as a non-profit entity that offers critical services, examples of which may include but are not limited to:
- Advocacy organizations (e.g., Community Advocacy, Social Service Advocacy, or similar)
- Affordable housing providers
- After-school providers
- Childcare centers
- Community centers
- Community financial institutions (e.g., credit unions, non-profit lenders)
- Disability service providers
- Domestic Violence Centers
- Emergency service organizations
- Family support organizations
- Food pantries
- Homeless shelters
- Hospitals, health care facilities, and clinics
- Housing service providers Immigration service providers
- Job training and workforce development services
- Law/legal centers (non-profit/pro-bono services to income-qualified communities)
- Libraries
- Mental and behavioral health facilities
- Places of worship
- Rehabilitation providers
- Senior centers
- Transitional or supportive housing (including for teens and LGBTQ)
- Women’s or children’s shelters
- The applicant must have a demonstrable connection to and input from the local community.
- The building must be an Xcel Energy customer located within the City and County of Denver.
Applications are completed in two steps:
Step 1:
Confirmation of Applicant Eligibility
Step 2: Installation Project Scope and Quote
Step 1 applications may be submitted on a rolling basis. Step 1 applicants will be notified if they are invited to submit a Step 2 application and will receive a direct link to the submission form.
Step 1 Application Required Document Uploads:
- Proof of building ownership
- Proof of non-profit status
- Recent Xcel Energy bill for the building
- At least two letters of support from partner community-based organizations or members served by the applicant
If a Step 1 application is approved to move to Step 2, the applicant can choose any of the following Step 2 application deadlines to submit to:
- March 7
- June 7
- September 7
- December 7
Step 2 Application Required Document Uploads:
- Project quote (must contain 1) equipment costs; 2) labor costs; 3) estimate from Xcel Energy and/or qualified contractor as applicable to provide additional electric service)
- Supporting documentation related to the solar photovoltaic system
- Diversity and Inclusiveness in city Solicitations Request Form
- W-9
- Current Certificate of Good Standing from the Colorado Secretary of State
All required forms and supporting documentation must be included at the time the application is submitted. Please review the Sample Agreement with the city’s standard language and insurance requirements and the Full Program Description before submitting your application.
Applications will be evaluated according to the criteria described below, with the weights allocated to each criterion.
- Greenhouse Gas Reduction Assessment (40 points) – There must be a demonstrated reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by comparing the historical, or expected, electricity use of the building vs the estimated annual solar production of the proposed system. CASR will prepare the assessment using data submitted by the applicant.
- Cost Effectiveness (30 points) – Installation should represent a cost-effective opportunity to install electric upgrades when paired with Climate Protection Fund support. The applicant must demonstrate an ability to leverage additional funding sources to minimize the required support from the Climate Protection Fund.
- Resiliency Benefits (15 points) – Installation should capture resiliency benefits such as the ability to provide backup power and continue operations during a grid outage, etc. Additional benefits may include but are not limited to reduction in urban heat island effects through the use of solar carports.
- Community Impact (10 points) – There must be a demonstrated connection to and input from the local community the Human Service Provider serves. Additional benefits may include but are not limited to projects located in a NEST neighborhood .
- Teaming Plan and Workforce Standards (5 points) – Applicants must describe their team and qualifications, as well as any woman- and minority-owned businesses that are part of their team. Applicants should also demonstrate with measurable goals, as applicable, how they utilize high road labor standards such as providing on-the-job training opportunities, wrap-around services, and a workforce from certification or apprenticeship programs; provide benefits such as health care, retirement, and wage standards; use best value/responsible contracting; and have regional targeted and local hire requirements.
The city may request an interview as part of the evaluation process. Any such interviews will take place after CASR has conducted an initial review of submitted applications.
The city reserves the right to negotiate the total contract amount and award all, some, or none of the requested award. The city is not liable for any costs or expenses arising out of preparation of this application and selected applicants may not include any of these costs or expenses as part of their fee, rate, or charge for performing work under the contract.
CASR encourages applicants to utilize small-, minority-, and woman-owned businesses on their project team and, where independent contractors are needed, consider utilizing individuals who identify as people of color, Indigenous peoples, LGBTQ+ people, disabled people, and people whose household income is below the area median.
CASR will make award determinations by the end of each quarter. CASR reserves the right to not award any applications during a quarterly award period.
Selected applicants will receive an award notice via email and should be prepared to collaborate with the city to establish a formal written agreement using the form of the Sample Agreement linked in the Submit an Application section. The agreement will not be effective or binding on the city until it has been fully executed by all required signatories of the City and County of Denver. Note that contracts more than $500,000 require City Council approval and will take longer to process. Contracts will contain reporting and milestone requirements that must be satisfied before the city will reimburse project costs.
Maximum award expenditure for 2022 incentives is $3 million.
The Renewables and Resilience Program has begun its installation for these awardees in 2023.
Colorado Coalition for the Homeless will be installing 30 kW of solar at their new Recuperative Care Center on California Street. The Care Center will meet the immediate healthcare needs for 500 people experiencing homelessness annually through medical respite and recuperative care, while also providing 98 units of affordable and supportive housing.
The Colorado Family Church will be installing 30 kW of solar and an electrical vehicle charging station at their building on Julian Street. The church serves as a place of worship, a community food bank, and hosts Heartland Academy as well as other local community groups.
Denver Rescue Mission will be installing 47 kW of solar at their Lawrence Street Community Center. The Community Center is the hub for their emergency and supportive services and can shelter over 300 people. This project is in partnership with Xcel Energy’s Community Resilience Initiative, which will install 250 kW of battery storage at the day shelter to provide approximately 4 hours of backup power.
Greater Park Hill Community, Inc. will be installing 30 kW of solar at their building on North Fairfax Street. Greater Park Hill facilitates community advocacy and hosts a food pantry, a weekend food program for students, and a free farm stand during growing season.
Servicios de la Raza will be installing 34 kW of solar and an electric vehicle charging station at their building on West 14th Avenue. Servicios serves Latinos and other communities of color by providing behavioral and mental health programs, basic emergency services, support and advocacy for survivors of domestic violence, re-entry services for adults and youth, and employment education and preparation.
The St. Francis Center will be installing 26 kW of solar at the Warren Residences on East 14th Avenue. The St. Francis Center is a refuge for people who are homeless in the Denver metro area, providing shelter along with services to enable people to meet their basic needs for daily survival and to transition out of homelessness. The newly-renovated Warren Residences offer affordable one-bedroom spaces for 48 residents in community.
The Urban Land Conservancy will be installing 67 kW of solar at an office and warehouse space they own on Decatur Street. The building hosts the Energy Resource Center, which provides low-income families with energy-efficient utility improvements, Mile High Youth Corps, which gives youth aged 16-24 paid work experience and career skills focused on conservation and neighborhood improvement, and BlueStar Recyclers, which employs people with autism or other disabilities who work to ethically recycle electronic waste.
Volunteers of America will be installing 70 kW of solar at the Bill Daniels Veterans Service Center. The Veterans Service Center is a central location for veterans and their families to identify and access veteran services including housing, employment, legal services, education, mental health, VA benefits, public benefits, volunteering, peer support, and financial literacy.
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