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Direct Install Open Network Trade Ally Training
PSE&G Commercial & Industrial Programs
Overview
This training provides a comprehensive overview of the Direct Install Open Network (DI ON) program, designed to help trade allies understand and implement energy efficiency projects for customers. It covers program eligibility criteria, different customer tiers, available energy-saving measures and incentives, and the detailed application and documentation process. The training emphasizes the importance of accurate data entry in the provided workbook, the role of On-Bill Repayment (OBR), and quality control measures to ensure program compliance. It aims to equip trade allies with the knowledge to effectively guide customers through the program and maximize energy savings.
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Chapters
- The DI ON program aims to simplify energy efficiency upgrades for customers by having trade allies manage the process.
- Training sessions, including this one, are recorded and available for reference.
- A Q&A session is planned for the end, with questions submitted via chat.
- The program is run by TRC and covers prescriptive downstream and custom region 3 projects.
Understanding the program's purpose and structure is crucial for trade allies to effectively engage with customers and navigate the application process.
The training is being recorded and will be available on the Trade Ally SharePoint in the direct install folder.
- Customers must provide 12 months of electricity and gas usage data (peak demand < 300 kW and annual consumption < 40,000 therms).
- The program is divided into three tiers based on electricity demand and gas consumption, with specific criteria for each.
- Tier 1: Peak electric demand <= 100 kW AND annual gas load <= 5,000 therms.
- Tier 2: Projects located in UEE, OZ, OBC, or nonprofit areas.
- Tier 3: Peak electric demand between 101-300 kW OR annual gas load > 5,000 therms up to 40,000 therms.
Accurately determining customer eligibility and tier is fundamental to qualifying for incentives and correctly applying program rules.
A facility with a peak electric demand of 150 kW and an annual gas load of 6,000 therms would fall under Tier 3.
- Incentives are paid directly to trade allies and calculated using a 'double cap' method.
- The program covers a range of energy-efficient measures, including lighting, HVAC, refrigeration, and new additions like ice machines and vending machine controls.
- OBR is an interest-free repayment option for project costs remaining after incentives, covering 100% up to $250,000 and 80% thereafter for projects over $250,000.
- Specific documentation, like AHRI certifications for HVAC measures, is required for measure approval.
Understanding the available incentives and financing options like OBR is key to making projects financially viable for customers and trade allies.
For a project costing $1 million with a $50,000 incentive, OBR covers the first $250,000 fully, and then 80% of the remaining $700,000, leaving the customer with $140,000 in costs.
- Trade allies must use the provided workbook to enter project information and supporting documents.
- Required documents include 12 months of utility bills, cut sheets, QPL listings, and signed scopes of work.
- Digital signatures (e.g., DocuSign) are accepted, provided they include timestamp verification.
- Projects undergo internal review, potential pre-inspections, and require a final closeout package including itemized invoices and completion certificates.
Adhering strictly to the documented application process and submitting complete, accurate paperwork is essential to avoid delays and ensure project approval.
A signed scope of work requires both the customer and trade ally signatures, which must be either wet or verified digital.
- The workbook uses color-coding to indicate required (gray), optional (orange), and auto-calculated (white) fields.
- Specific tabs cover project information, eligibility tiers, lighting, motors, HVAC, and other measures.
- For HVAC, the workbook now requires AHRI certifications and specific submittals, with a new method for splitting costs on rooftop units based on MMBTU savings.
- Accurate input of model numbers, wattages, lumens, and costs is critical for calculations and incentive determination.
Mastering the workbook's structure and data input requirements is fundamental for accurate project scoping, savings calculations, and incentive eligibility.
The RTU cost split is no longer 50/50 but is calculated based on the MMBTU savings of the electric HVAC and gas furnace components.
- Quality control focuses on preventing fraudulent or improper practices, such as falsifying invoices or misrepresenting project details.
- Repeated minor infractions, customer complaints, or dishonest business practices can lead to disqualification.
- Comprehensive scopes of work are expected, and pre-approved equipment cannot be changed post-approval.
- All workbook fields must be filled with specific data; 'TBD' or 'ABC' are not acceptable.
Understanding quality control expectations and program reminders helps trade allies maintain compliance and avoid issues that could jeopardize project incentives or their participation status.
Submitting inaccurate information, such as falsifying invoices or misrepresenting eligibility requirements, is considered an improper practice and subject to quality control review.
Key takeaways
- Accurate and complete 12-month utility data is the first step to determining customer eligibility for the DI ON program.
- Understanding the three distinct customer tiers is crucial for applying the correct program rules and incentive calculations.
- The On-Bill Repayment (OBR) offers a significant financing mechanism for projects, covering a substantial portion of costs after incentives.
- Meticulous data entry in the workbook, including specific model numbers and verified specifications, is paramount for accurate savings calculations and incentive approval.
- Trade allies must adhere to the defined application and closeout procedures, including using verified digital or wet signatures on all required documents.
- Changes to pre-approved equipment or scope are generally not permitted after the pre-approval stage, emphasizing the need for thorough initial planning.
- Maintaining high ethical standards and accurate documentation is essential for quality control and continued participation in the program.
Key terms
Direct Install Open Network (DI ON)Trade AllyPeak DemandAnnual Consumption (Therms)Customer Tiers (Tier 1, Tier 2, Tier 3)MeasuresIncentivesOn-Bill Repayment (OBR)WorkbookAHRI CertificationDLC ListingScope of WorkPre-inspectionCloseout DocumentationQuality Control
Test your understanding
- What are the primary eligibility requirements for a customer to participate in the DI ON program regarding their energy usage?
- How do the three customer tiers differ, and why is it important for a trade ally to correctly identify a customer's tier?
- Explain the On-Bill Repayment (OBR) program: what it covers, its limits, and how it functions for project costs exceeding the initial incentive.
- What are the key pieces of documentation required for both the initial project application and the final closeout package?
- How does the workbook's color-coding system guide trade allies in data entry, and what are the implications of using 'TBD' or 'ABC' in required fields?