Blue Sky fund awards – evaluation and selection

Typically Rocky Mountain Power is unable to provide funding to all project applicants - the following provides an overview of the evaluation and selection process:

Applications are reviewed and evaluated by a team of company representatives and subject matter experts using the information provided via the application form and as well as any supplemental materials provided by the applicant. This team reviews each application according to the eligibility guidelines, preferred project standards and evaluation criteria to determine which projects will be supported (subject to the availability of funds).
All applicants will be notified of the status of their application in writing and successful applicants will be required to meet conditions such as those outlined in the application form.

The goal of the review team is to:

Assist in the creation of new renewable electricity sources within Rocky Mountain Power service areas
Stimulate renewable energy development by increasing the capacity of individuals, community groups or other organizations to undertake and support renewable energy development in their respective communities
Encourage research and development of renewable energy sources
Promote education in the community on new renewable energy generation

Evaluation criteria

Timeframe – How quickly will it move forward? Is the proposed installation timeframe reasonable?
Site – Is the project sponsor ready to proceed with the project (i.e. efforts undertaken related to feasibility, financial agreements, permitting). Can the site effectively host a renewable energy project? Is permitting required? Have rights, options or leases been granted to secure site control? What is the probability of the project being built?
Financing – Is there an adequate financial structure that will ensure it’s completion within two years? Is the customer or vendor a reliable business partner? Do they have longevity at the site or in the technology? Are there undue project risks which would put it in jeopardy?
Project champion – Is there a champion involved in the project that will work to overcome obstacles in making this happen? What is the experience of the developer?
Additionality– Can these funds be used to make the difference in bringing additional renewable resources on line?
Fuel Source – Is the fuel source one that is listed under the eligibility requirements above?
Technology – Is the product available in the current year?
Availability – Are the green tags produced available for purchase?
Cost– Are the total project costs and cost-share requested reasonable based on industry standards? What is the proposed cost for green tags purchased from the project?
Geography – Proportional contribution to Rocky Mountain Power service areas: ID, UT, WY based on Blue Sky option customer subscription levels
Community benefit – Can benefits be leveraged for the benefit of the community and Blue Sky customers? What are the secondary environmental and economic benefits?
Best practice standards– Does the project meet regional Green-e standards or state specific legislation/standards or other applicable governmental environmental impact criteria?

Award selection

Rocky Mountain Power will make funding decisions annually.
All applicants are informed of the status of their application in writing.
Successful applicants will be notified for any special conditions* of the funding
Those projects not selected will also be notified in writing.

Please note: submitting an application by the published deadline and meeting the eligibility criteria does not necessarily translate to funding.

* We may require the return of monies if the project is not completed within the two-year timeframe and that funding award recipients understand their obligations upfront – keeping us informed through quarterly updates and advising of us any scope, size or location changes – given the monies were awarded based on the information provided in their application and if their project changes this may result in the return of monies.