Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Energy Innovation Program Smart Grid Demonstration Call for Proposals

Question:

Can we get a copy of the EOI without having to login into the portal?

Answer:

Yes, you can request a PDF version of the EOI by emailing sg-ri@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca. However, note that submissions must be made through the portal; PDFs cannot be submitted.

Question:

When applicants submit the EOI, can the contents of the EOI be subject to a confidentiality agreement (e.g. not publicly releasing the EOI before receipt of FPP comes in?)

Answer:

All information that is submitted as part of your Expression of Interest is considered private and confidential and is not shared publicly.

Question:

Is there somewhere where we can download this PPT or access a recording of the presentation?

Answer:

The recordings of the information session are still being processed and uploaded to YouTube.  We will email a link to all attendees as soon as they are ready. 

Question:

Since this project is looking at pilot scale solutions, what happens in the event the project is cancelled before the end of the expected project period? i.e. are there clawbacks of NRCan funds paid to date?

Answer:

The Energy Innovation Program provides non-repayable contributions for projects with the expectation that Proponents will adhere to their signed Contribution Agreement in good faith and execute their projects to the best of their ability.

If a Proponent is unable to complete their project and withdraws before the completion date in the Agreement – several factors will be taken into consideration for terminating the Project including:

• Since this is a reimbursement of eligible expenditures model, it is seldom that a Proponent would be ‘overpaid’ and have to reimburse NRCan.
• NRCan employs a % holdback (usually 5% or 10%). If necessary, NRCan could keep the amount in holdback if the project is terminated and the Proponent was overpaid.
• Ultimately, depending on the circumstance, the Minister is able to direct the Proponent to repay all or part of the Contribution which has been paid to the Proponent, together with interest from the date of demand.

Question:

Could you speak more to the points system in the EOI?

Answer:

Please use the wording of the question, the character limits in the application form, and the objectives of the program (outlined in the Applicant Guide) to guide your answer.  There are no further details that we can provide on how each question will be evaluated, other than each application is scored by a committee of technical reviewers, with relevant subject matter expertise, and scores are reached by consensus. 

Question:

Can NRCan extend the deadline for applications?

Answer:

No. The program is open for intake until Jan 10, 2024 only.

Question:

Section 1.3.1 Sector Objectives states, as a mandatory criteria for the program, that projects must involve the electricity distribution system. Utility involvement is not mandatory.

Answer:

We allow for modifications to the scope and budget between Expression of Interest and the Full Project Proposal.  Significant modifications must be justified in the FPP.

Question:

Is there a limit of the number of projects an organization can submit

Answer:

Applicants can only submit more than one application for projects that have disntict objectives and scope. 

Question:

When considering applications to both streams, is there risk in them being seen as a double application if they are feeding into the same ultimate purpose/use?

Answer:

Applicants are welcome to apply to both focus areas (streams).  The processes are independent of one another.  Receiving funding from one Focus Area does not affect one's ability, or NRCan's maximum contribution, from the other Focus Area. 

Question:

Will the regional distribution of projects be considered in the evaluation, in an effort to support the distribution of projects across the country (eastern/central/western/northern)?

Answer:

NRCan reserves the right to apply the following additional criteria when selecting projects at the EOI and FPP stages:

Projects that support departmental priorities such as regional balance in Canada, advancing IDEA in the natural resources sector, and socio-economic considerations

Projects that support departmental priorities such as regional balance in Canada, advancing IDEA in the natural resources sector, and socio-economic considerations

Question:

Can projects end at TRL9?

Answer:

Yes, projects can end at Technology Readiness Level (TRL) 9.

Question:

Hello, for projects such as battery storage, I understand the actual cost of the batteries cannot be reimbursed, but are they considered as eligible for the project budget?

Answer:

Please note the following under Section 5.2 Ineligible expenditures in the Applicant’s Guide:

“Ineligible expenditures count toward total project costs and are included in the calculation of a program’s contribution to a project; however, their costs cannot be reimbursed by the program.

"Purchase costs for commercially available, stand-alone assets for electricity generation, storage, or loads are ineligible for reimbursement under this call for proposals. This call for proposals will only reimburse the costs (and/or incremental costs) associated with the innovative integration of these assets.”

Question:

For the TRLs, is it the equipment that will be evaluated within the 5-8 range or HOW the equipment is integrated into the grid that might be novel that will be evaluated?

Answer:

TRL will be evaluated on the overall solution, not the individual components, (i.e., how the equipment is integrated together).

Question:

Are projects that are outside the current regulatory framework eligible? In such cases would a Letter of Support from the Provincial regulator be needed?

Answer:

Being outside the current regulatory framework does not disqualify a project. Note that projects should satisfy at least one criterion in Section 1.3.2.

Question:

Are projects working primarily on off-grid solutions (remote diesel powered communities) but with a grid-connectivity element eligible?

Answer:

Yes, such projects are eligible. Ensure all other eligibility criteria and objectives are met in your EOI.

Question:

Are software based technologies eligible for funding?

Answer:

Yes, software based technologies are eligible for funding.

Question:

Are grid connected energy storage or 'peak shaving'  projects elligible?

Answer:

Yes, provided that all other mandatory criteria are met.

Question:

If I understand correctly - The contribution agreement will be signed Fall/Winter 2024, but the project has to start no later then September 1, 2024?

Answer:

Costs incurred will only be eligible for reimbursement during the program’s financial authority (Sept 1st, 2024 – March 31st, 2028).  Please note that Sept 1st is the earliest estimated start date, and this is subject to change.

Project activities and related project expenditure can contribute to the total project costs between the end of the eligible expenditure period (March 31st, 2028) and the completion date but would be ineligible for reimbursement from the Program. Your organization would still be subject to financial reporting during the ineligible expenditure period between the eligible expenditure end date and the completion date.

Question:

If any projects already in progress, does it qualify for funding under this call for application?

Answer:

Projects currently under contract with NRCan are ineligible for funding.

Question:

How will it be ensured that projects which have a lower intensity grid be measured equally with those in other jurisdictions when they will deliver lower GHG reductions but may work on other higher intensity grids too?

Answer:

The different carbon intensities of the electricity grids across Canada are taken into consideration.  Applicants may speak to how smart grid innovation enables the decarbonization of other parts of the economy (e.g., transport, industry).

Question:

NRCan states that the project must "Involve the electricity distribution system.  Please quantify what you define as "medium voltage" in kV (i.e., what the upper voltage threshold of the distribution system is for eligibility for this fund.)

Answer:

'Section 1.3.1 Sector objectives of the Applicant Guide states as a mandatory criteria: “proposals must involve the distribution system”, and a question in the Expression of Interest form asks: “Describe how your project involves the electricity distribution system.” 

The distribution system is also defined in the Applicant Guide under Section 7 Definitions:

“Distribution system: is the portion of the electric system that is composed of medium voltage (or lower) sub-transmission lines, substations, feeders, and related equipment that transport the electricity commodity to and from customer homes and businesses and that links customers to the high-voltage transmission system.”

The precise voltage limits of the distribution system vary from jurisdiction to jurisdiction in Canada.  If you are unsure whether you project involves the distribution system, please email us the location of your project and a brief description of the system that your project is on, and we will help you define the distribution system boundaries for your jurisdiction.

Question:

Do the project require the involvement of utility companies?

Answer:

Section 1.3.1 Sector Objectives states, as a mandatory criteria for the program, that projects must involve the electricity distribution system. The involvement of utilities that are not electricity distribution systems, is not mandatory.

Question:

What is the total fund for this program?  Or how many anticipated projects will be approved?

Answer:

We cannot speak to the total funding for this program nor can we estimate how many applications we will receive.

Question:

Are demonstration topics that have been previously funded by NRCAN in the past less likely to be funded by this new funding?

Answer:

There is no consideration for topics previously funded by NRCan. Project applications must meet the mandatory criteria in Section 1.3.1 and should strive to meet the sector objectives also in Section 1.3.1.

Question:

Is there going to be funding for a second round in 2024?

Answer:

We cannot speak to future funding at this time.

Question:

Can you please remind us of the rules regarding stacking?   Example,   if we have ARD funding, it can be used to leverage 1:1,  correct?

Answer:

This call has no stacking limits on funding. This means that applicants may leverage other government support to a maximum of 100% of eligible expenditures. However, please be mindful of two things in the context of stacking of funding. Firstly, other funding sources (e.g., NSERC) may have different restrictions on stacking of funding. Secondly, be careful about overlapping activities and funding, as it is not permitted to receive funding twice for the same activity.

Question:

Do the 50% partner contributions have to be in cash or can be in kind?

Answer:

50% partner contributions can be cash and/or in kind.

Question:

Can a consulting firm partner with more than one recipients and propose different innovation topics?

Answer:

Yes, partners are free to partner with more than one applicant.

Question:

How exactly are partner orgs and key team members scored? Amount of participants included?

Answer:

Team members are evaluated based on experience that is relevant to the project.  Partners are not required.  Partners are evaluated based on experience that is relevant to the project, and also based on their commitment to the project, as is demonstrated with letters of support.  email sg-ri@nrcan-rncan.gc.ca for more information.

Question:

For a partnership between a consulting firm and government agency, can you provide guidance on which entity should be the applicant / project lead?

Answer:

The applicant should be the entitiy that is leading the project and doing most of the work on the project. There is no preferential treatment for whether the partner is the agency or the consulting firm. 

Question:

Will projects having a customer partner scored higher/given priority?

Answer:

Partners are not required.  There is no preferential treatment for including partners.

Question:

If the applicant is a Canadian private or public company, can a partner be from outside Canada?

Answer:

Yes a partner can be outside Canada.  The applicant must be a legally registered entity within Canada and the project must take place in Canada.