Local Funding for Renewable Projects
Renewable Generation Funds Grants available to not-for-profits
DURANGO, Colo. – In an effort to support area not-for-profit organizations and encourage new renewable electricity generation projects in its service territory, La Plata Electric Association (LPEA) has established a Renewable Generation Funds Grants Program. Not-for-profit organizations that are current consumer-members in-good-standing and based within LPEA’s service territory qualify to apply. Application deadline is Nov. 1, 2018.
“Our Board of Directors is very enthusiastic about increasing distributed, renewable generation projects in La Plata and Archuleta counties,” said Ron Meier, manager of engineering and member relations. “Cost is often a barrier for our consumer-members – especially not-for-profits. For these organizations, a grant such as this is win-win because by installing renewable generation, they will reduce their electric bills, enabling their valuable dollars to go to serving the community.”
The LPEA grant funds will be distributed from the Local Renewable Generation Fund – a separate, opt-in fund to which consumer-members can contribute to support development of renewable generation projects in the region. LPEA’s Board of Directors endeavors to put those amassed dollars back into the community for the greatest consumer-member benefit.
Limited funds will be available for this and any future grant cycles. For 2018, LPEA anticipates granting a total of $40,000. Grants could range between $5,000 and $40,000, and preference will be given to projects securing up to 50 percent matching funds. Partial grants may also be awarded.
“We ask that applicants request funds for a specific project,” said Dan Harms, manager of rates, technology and energy policy. “Define the project. For example, installation of solar panels to provide electricity for a homeless shelter or a church, or something as small as solar panels on the dog kennels at our rescue locations to keep the pups warm in the winter, or power a water pump at a non-profit community garden.”
All applicants must provide documentation of not-for-profit tax status, as well as proof of easement or title to the property where the renewable generation project will be installed.
Additionally, prior to acceptance and installation of any renewable project, an engineering review is required to identify the system impact at any given location. The review can be made prior to or following application submission but must be completed prior to release of the grant funds.
“All renewable projects seeking interconnection with LPEA’s grid, be they individual homes or businesses – or now with this grant – must undergo an engineering review,” said Meier. “It’s purely to ensure that LPEA’s equipment and that section of our system can manage the new distributed generation load. We also want to help our consumer-members understand the nuances of producing their own electricity.”
Detailed requirements are outlined on the grant application, available for download on LPEA’s website, www.lpea.coop. Non-profit organizations with questions regarding the grant application process are asked to contact Jeannie Bennett, 970.382.3505 or jbennett@lpea.coop.
To learn more about supporting LPEA’s Local Renewable Generation Fund, call 970.247.5786.
LPEA, a Touchstone Energy Cooperative established in 1939, provides to its more than 30,000 consumer-members, with in excess of 42,000 meters, safe, reliable electricity at the lowest reasonable cost, while being environmentally responsible
Customers wishing to provide funding to local renewable resource generated power can select this option. Purchased blocks will be used to fund installation of solar PV panels for local educational, charitable, low-income and public safety purposes. It's an educational effort for our communities, and a step toward locally generated electricity.
Renewable Generation Funds Grant Application (PDF file)
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