Applied Research and Development

Funds projects to 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.

Project Info
Stakeholder Info
Grantee Info

CARD Project Information

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 CIP portfolios.

To learn about specific CARD projects and project results you can:
- Use our CARD Grant Search tool to see a list of all CARD projects or to find the most relevant CARD projects and final reports for your applications(s).
- Go to our CARD Webinars page to view a webinar on the results of a completed CARD project or program event.
CARD Stakeholder Information

Current Funding/Input Opportunities

A general topics CARD Request for Proposals (RFP) was posted on August 27th, 2018. Notice of Intents were due Friday September 28th, 2018 and Full Proposals are due Monday December 10, 2018.

A Request for Information (RFI) on the topic of the Internet of Things was posted on September 24th, 2018. Responses to this RFI are due Monday November 12th, 2018.

For more information on either, visit the Department’s Request for Proposals page.

Email updates

Subscribe to Commerce Email Updates to stay informed on CARD activities including: articles on CARD projects in the CIP Newsletter, announcements of posted RFPs, and notices on upcoming stakeholder meetings.
CARD Grantee Information

RFP Process

Commerce typically publishes one or more RFP annually, based on a review of current CIP needs with input from utilities and other stakeholders. All RFPs are publically 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. A normal funding cycle takes eight to nine months from posting of the RFP until work begins on selected projects.

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 CIP programs. Responders may seek appropriate collaborators or partners. Eligible projects are those that reflect the funding topics and standards detailed in the specific RFP.

Past RFP, Proposal, and Evaluation Documents

Copies of RFPs, proposals and evaluations from past CARD grant cycles are part of the public record and can be accessed as follows:

Documents since 2013 are available electronically in the Commerce Actions and Regulatory Documents Search tool. Select “Energy Request for Proposals” from the dropdown menu. You can search for documents by a specific RFP or responder, or by date or document type.

Documents from 2012 and older are available only as paper versions. To set up an appointment, contact Energy Contracts staff directly.

Final Report Guidance

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.