We are excited to announce that in March 2024, the United States Department of Energy (DOE) approved Frontier Energy as an Industrial Training & Assessment Centers (ITAC)-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 ITAC Implementation Grant Program.
The DOE ITAC 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 ITACs 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 ITAC-equivalent assessor based in Minnesota and has now unlocked this funding opportunity for manufacturers previously out of range.
"Eligible SMMs can now receive a maximum of $300,000 of funding per unique assessment recommendation. Multiple grants per quarter are allowable, provided each grant is dedicated solely to a unique project recommendation from a qualifying assessment. There is no limit to the number of grants per funding round per applicant, provided each assessment recommendation has not been previously funded." (Energywerx: Workstream 1 - Overview of Opportunity, n.d.)
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)
If you are located in MN and meet the IAC eligibility requirements, Frontier Energy has access to MN funds that could cover the cost of an audit.
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.