We are excited to announce that in March 2024, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) approved Frontier Energy as an Industrial Assessment Centers (IAC)-equivalent third-party assessor. This means clients that have received an audit from Frontier Energy (2021 and onwards) are eligible to apply for the DOE IAC Implementation Grant Program.
The DOE IAC Implementation Grant Program, funded by section 40521 of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, 42 USC 17116, is part of the Industrial Research and Assessment Program, which aims to help small and medium-sized manufacturers (SMMs) save energy, improve productivity, reduce waste, and qualify for implementation grants by providing technical assessments conducted by university-based teams. Audits provided by IACs are limited as they typically do not travel further than 150 miles from campus (see map below). Frontier Energy performs audits nationwide but is the only IAC-equivalent assessor based in Minnesota and has now unlocked this funding opportunity for manufacturers previously out of range.
The DOE IAC Implementation Grant Program provides up to $300,000 to SMMs to implement recommendations made by Frontier Energy since 2021, or by IAC or Combined Heat and Power Technical Assistance Partnership (CHP TAP) assessments since 2018.
Eligibility
To qualify, manufactures must:
- Be a SMM
- Have received an energy audit from:
- Frontier Energy since 2021, or
- IAC or CHP TAP since 2018
- Have at least one year of utility bill data (i.e. not a new construction)
SMM Definition
A SMM must have the following:
- Be within Standard Industrial Codes (SIC) 20–39
- Gross annual sales below $100 million
- Fewer than 500 employees at the plant site
- Annual energy bills more than $100,000 and less than $3.5 million
- No professional in house staff to perform the assessment
Process for Audits
Gather Information and Scheduling
Request site plans and equipment specifications then schedule an in-person or virtual site visit with an on-site employee with knowledge of the building.
Benchmarking
Access the last 1–2 years of electric, gas, and steam (if applicable) consumption and identify any end-use concerns.
Site Visit
Walk-through of the entire facility and record any new information on building envelope, lighting, HVAC, process equipment, etc.
Generate and Review Report
Comprehensive recommendations for site improvements organized by payback, energy savings, and potential utility rebate amounts.
Post Project Implementation
Follow up with project support to provide payback estimates for various projects and assist with IAC implementation grant and process utility rebates.*
*Contact Frontier Energy to see if we collaborate with your utility
Typical Areas of Improvement
Recommendations can detail projects for:
- LEDs
- Process optimization
- HVAC/furnace/boiler/thermostats
- Onsite power
- VFDs
- Power factor upgrade
- Other ancillary upgrades (i.e. pipes, fans, blowers, and compressors)
What’s Next
Reach out to Tanuj Gulati or Alice Lesch for more information about the grant program or to schedule an audit with our Minnesota team.