Introduction

The Commission is offering financial assistance to businesses in the commercial sector that want to improve their electricity efficiency.  To achieve this the Commission has agreements in place with a number of programme partners who contract directly with end-use customers in the commercial sector.  The programmes allow businesses to apply for part-funding from the Commission for electricity efficiency projects where there is a current barrier preventing such projects from proceeding.

The Commission’s financial assistance to businesses for electricity efficiency programmes include measures such as upgrading to more efficient lighting, installing or replacing inefficient HVAC systems, installing and upgrading building management and refrigeration systems, and installing monitoring and targeting systems.

Projects are assessed by the Commission on a case-by-case basis, and in accordance with the Commission’s investment criteria – which focuses on achieving electricity savings at less than the long run marginal cost of new generation. Typically programme partners are required to identify a level of guaranteed electricity savings to be derived from a project and the Commission’s funding is required to be repaid on a pro-rata basis if the savings are not achieved.  The guarantees provide greater certainty when projecting future electricity savings from the Commission’s programmes.

As a result of the commercial sector programmes, the Commission envisages a substantial number of electricity-saving projects will be implemented that would not otherwise have proceeded.  The Commission’s electricity efficiency programmes support the vision set out in the New Zealand Energy Strategy of a sustainable, low emissions energy system.

The programmes that the Commission has identified and contracted for via its programme partners were identified as the key areas of achievable, cost-effective electricity efficiency potential in commercial buildings in a study completed by the Commission last year.

• More information on financial assistance available from the Commission 
• Programmes available and who to contact
• Research on Electricity Efficiency Potentials and Barriers to Uptake in the Commercial sector 

Request for Proposals: Commercial Sector Electricity Efficiency Information and Training Programmes

Following an in depth review of commercial sector electricity efficiency earlier this year, the Commission is seeking to increase the uptake of commercial sector electricity efficiency initiatives by:

Providing an information programme or programmes to raise the awareness of commercial building owners, facilities managers and other key stakeholders of the electricity efficiency technologies available and the potential savings that can be derived from such technologies; and 

Establishing, promoting and providing training and accreditation programmes focusing on electricity management and efficiency in commercial buildings. 

Accordingly, the Commission is seeking proposals for the delivery of the following programmes:

Programme 1 - Commercial sector electricity efficiency information dissemination / promotion (which may include tools such as an industry website)

Programme 2 – Energy efficiency specialists’ training/accreditation programme

Programme 3 - Refrigeration engineers’ training/accreditation programme;

Programme 4 - Facilities managers’ training/accreditation programme; and

Programme 5 - Commercial valuers / real estate agents’ information / training programme.

EECA have been involved in the development of this RFP and will also be assisting with the evaluation of proposals.

• Request for Proposal pdf [182 KB]
  

The RFP closes on Thursday 10 December.

Any enquires should be directed to tenders@electricitycommission.govt.nz

The Commission’s contact for commercial sector electricity efficiency programmes is Terry Stewart:

Email: terry.stewart@electricitycommission.govt.nz

Electricity Commission
PO Box 10041
Wellington 6036
New Zealand
Tel:04 462 0601