Conservation Applied Research & Development

Conservation Applied Research and Development or CARD funds projects to help Minnesota utilities identify new technologies or strategies to maximize energy savings, improve the effectiveness of energy conservation programs, or document the carbon dioxide reductions from energy conservation projects to enhance their Energy Conservation and Optimization programs.

Research & Results

CARD projects quantify the savings, cost-effectiveness and field performance of advanced technologies; characterize market potential of products and technologies in the State; and investigate and pilot innovative program strategies. Completed CARD projects provide utilities with informative and timely information to enhance energy efficiency program designs within their ECO  portfolios. Learn about specific CARD projects and project results below.

Background

The Next Generation Energy Act of 2007 (the Act) established energy conservation as a primary resource for meeting Minnesota’s energy needs while reducing greenhouse gases and other harmful emissions. The Act also established a savings goal of 1.5 percent of annual retail electricity and natural gas sales for all utilities in the state. The utilities may reach this annual goal directly through its utility Energy Conservation and Optimization (ECO) Program and, indirectly, through energy codes, appliance standards, behavioral and other market transformation programs.

To help utilities reach their energy savings goal, the Act authorizes the commissioner to assess utilities $3,600,000 annually for grants for applied research and development projects:

• $2,600,000 for the Conservation Applied Research and Development (CARD) program through which Commerce awards grants in a competitive Request for Proposal (RFP) process.
• $500,000 for the Center for Sustainable Building Research to coordinate activities related to Sustainable Building 2030 (SB2030)
• $500,000 for the Clean Energy Resources Teams (CERTs) for community energy technical assistance and outreach.

Grantee Information

RFP Process

Commerce typically publishes one or more RFP annually, based on a review of current ECO needs with input from utilities and other stakeholders. All RFPs are publicly posted, often during the spring, although not necessarily. Competition for funding is high and all proposals undergo evaluation based on explicit criteria outlined in the RFP.

Eligibility

Eligible responders to CARD RFPs may be any individual, public or private entity who is actively involved in electricity and/or natural gas efficiency program design, implementation or research and development. Minnesota residency is not a requirement for eligibility but responders must demonstrate that they have an understanding of Minnesota issues related to utility ECO programs. Responders may seek appropriate collaborators or partners. Eligible projects are those that reflect the funding topics and standards detailed in the specific RFP.

Final Report Guidance

Use the CARD Report Format and Content Guidelines (final report guidance) to develop the final report structure and content as well as determine format. Review the final report guidance document upon contract award, and remain familiar with its contents throughout the project through to delivery of final deliverables. Current grantees are required to use the CARD Report Template (.docx) for creating all CARD grant reports. In addition, grantees must create a separate alternative text list for all figures and tables in the final report, and the Figure and Table Alternative Text form (.docx)  can be used to generate that list. Consult the CARD Report Format and Content Guidelines (.pdf) for further instructions on using the template, or alternative text form, and for details on meeting the State’s American’s with Disability Act (ADA) accessibility standards, and complying with the State’s Plain Language Initiative.