NEW ENGLAND CLEAN ENERGY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL APPLICATION...

NEW ENGLAND CLEAN ENERGY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL APPLICATION FORM

APPLICANT INFORMATION

Applicant: Ameresco, Inc. Address: 111 Speen St, Suite 410

Framingham, MA 01701

Contact: James Walker, P.E. Phone: 508-598-3030

email: [email protected]

New England Clean Energy Request For Proposal

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SECTION 1 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – CERTIFICATION, PROJECT AND

PRICING DATA

The Certification, Project and Pricing Data (“CPPD”) document is a Microsoft Excel workbook

that is provided on the website at www.cleanenergyrfp.com.


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SECTION 2 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – EXECUTIVE SUMMARY PROPOSAL

(INCLUDING THE BASE PROPOSAL AND ANY ALTERNATIVE PROPOSALS)

The bidder is required to provide an executive summary of the project proposal that includes a

complete description of the proposed project, the proposed contract term and pricing schedule,

and other factors the bidder deems to be important.

Candlewood Solar Project

Ameresco: A financially strong, experienced, and reliable project developer/owner

1) Financially strong: Ameresco is a profitable, public company (AMRC) that has built

more than $3 billion of renewable energy and energy efficiency projects. Our total backlog

was $1.2 billion in fiscal year 2014. Our fiscal year 2014 revenues were $593 million.

Ameresco for year end 2014 had total assets of approximately $629 million, cash in excess

of $23 million and a $100 million credit facility. 2) Experienced: We design, engineer,

finance, own, and operate solar PV projects as well as landfill gas generators and other

power plants, including the 20 MW Savannah River biomass cogeneration plant. We have

constructed 221 solar PV projects or 64 MW, with 56 MW under construction, and an

additional 87 MW awarded. We recently completed an 18.6 MW solar PV project for Fort

Detrick in Maryland. 3) Reliable: Ameresco has built 100% of its awarded solar PV

projects.

Project Description: 20 MW Solar PV Project in New Milford, CT

1) Project Size: 20 MW AC power; 25 MW DC; 32,815 MWH in year 1; 2) Interconnection

Point: Rocky River Substation (New Milford, CT); 3) Point of Delivery (ISO-NE PTF

Node): Rocky River Substation; 4) Interconnection Application: Application filed with

Eversource on January 27, 2016; 5) Major Equipment: a) Solar PV modules - 320 watt JA

Solar, b) Inverters: Schneider Electric 680 kW (quantity 30); System Voltage: 1000 volts

DC at the solar PV array, 380 V AC from the Inverter; 23 KV leaving the on-site

transformer and delivered to the Rocky River Substation, which will interconnect the solar

PV generated power to the 115 KV transmission grid.

Project Siting

The Candlewood Solar Project is a ground-mounted solar PV project located on 98 acres of

privately owned land in New Milford, CT. The edge of the array is located within 1 mile

along an Eversource right of way to the Rocky River Substation. Ameresco and its

construction contractors and environmental consultant have conducted technical analysis

of the suitability of this property for solar development. Based on the positive results of this

site evaluation, we executed a Letter of Intent to lease a portion of the parcel with New

Milford Clean Power LLC. New Milford Clean Power LLC has exclusive development

rights with the land owner.

Project Implementation and Financing


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Ameresco is the sole developer, construction manager, and operator of the project.

Ameresco has financed more than $1.8 billion in energy projects since 2000, and will fully

self-finance the development, permitting and construction of the project through available

cash and bank credit lines. We anticipate using a Partnership Flip structure to finance

project operation, similar to our completed 18.6MW solar PV project at Ft. Detrick in

Fredericksburg, MD. In this financial structure, Ameresco and a tax equity partner will

share in the tax equity benefits with a project lender providing the secondary sources of

capital.

Proposed Contract Term: 20 Year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) for energy and

RECs.

Ameresco has reviewed the terms of the draft Power Purchase Agreement and finds the

applicable material terms generally acceptable. However, if awarded the project,

Ameresco intends to negotiate the power purchase agreement with the EDC and will

require revisions to reflect the proposed purchase and sale of intermittent unit contingent

solar power and RECs as set forth in this bid.

Proposed Price: 1) Energy:

; 2) RECs: .


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SECTION 3 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – OPERATIONAL PARAMETERS

3.1 Maintenance Outage Requirements - Specify partial and complete planned outage

requirements in weeks or days. Also, list the number of months required for the cycle to

repeat (e.g., list time interval of minor and major overhauls, and the duration of

overhauls). (Not applicable for bids for Firm Qualified Clean Energy from a Large Scale

Hydro Resource)

Except for the replacement of inverters in year 12, there are no planned outage

requirements for the solar PV system. During the replacement of inverters in year 12,

we expect only 10% of the array will be shut down at any one time for a maximum of

two days for each power skid. The project is comprised of ten power skids, in each

power skid there are three 680 kW inverters and one 2,040 kVA transformer. Shutting

down one power skid will result in the expeted 10% array loss during interver

replacment.

3.2 Operating Constraints - Specify all the expected operating constraints and operational

restrictions for the project (i.e., limits on the number of hours a unit may be operated per

year or unit of time). (Not applicable for bids for Firm Qualified Clean Energy from a

Large Scale Hydro Resource)

There are no operating constraints or operational restrictions, except those caused by

solar incidence. We expect the solar PV array will be unit contingent because it is an

intermittent resource subject to available sunlight.

3.3 Reliability - Describe how the proposal would provide enhanced electricity reliability

within the States of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island, including its impact

on transmission constraints.

As long as the sun is shining, solar PV units have high reliability because there are no

moving parts in the power generation system. Ameresco's fleet of solar PV systems have

high reliability after start-up. Since the PV array is connected to the New Milford,

Rocky River substation in southwest Connecticut, a constrained ISO-NE zone, the

array will contribute to reducing transmission constraints during summer peak hours.

3.4 Moderation of System Peak Load - Describe how the proposal would contribute to

moderating system peak load requirements. If the project is an intermittent resource,

please provide the following information:

i) Estimated average output for each summer period (June- September) from 1:00 -

6:00 pm

ii) Estimated average output for each winter period (October-May) from 5:00 – 7:00

pm


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The system will generate it highest energy output during summer peak hours. 1)

Estimated average output for each summer period (June-September) from 1:00-6:00

pm: 41 MWh / summer period. 2) Estimated average output for each winter period

(October-May) from 5:00-7:00 pm: 0.6 MWh / winter period. (Note: These estimates

assume an approximate P50 estimate. We simulated the P50 methodology with the

NREL System Advisor Model (SAM) and, separately modeled the generation output

with the PVSYST model. The annual P50 result and the PVSYST result were within

1/2% of each other. Due to the closeness of the results, we used the hourly output of the

PVSyst model since the SAM model does not permit hourly data extracts.

Appendix 1 shows the PVSyst and P50 outputs.

3.5 Development Stage of Facility - Describe whether the project is in operation, in

construction or in the development phase.

(a) If in operation, when did the project achieve initial operation and commercial

operation?

(b) If in construction, when did construction commence and what are the projected

dates for initial testing commercial operation.

(c) If the project is partly in one development stage and partly in another, please

explain in detail the status of the project.

The project is in the development phase. The project team has conducted/completed the

following activities:

• Site control: Acquisition of exclusive site control of the land parcel where the system is

to be sited, in the form of a purchase option between the current and prospective land

owner (New Milford Clean Power, LLC), and a Letter of Intent to Lease a portion of

the property between Ameresco and New Milford Clean Power, LLC for construction

and operation of the solar PV system. See Appendix 2 for executed site control

documents.

• System Design: Completion of the 30% panel design layout and one-line electrical

drawings, including specification of number of solar PV panels, inverters, racking type,

and transformers.

• Interconnection Application: Preparation and submittal to Eversource of the

Interconnection Application including stamped electrical one line diagram.


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• Local property taxes and project acceptance by town. Initial meetings with the Town

of New Milford local government, including meetings with the Mayor and Town

Council to review the project. We have received preliminary acceptance of the project.

• Connecticut Siting Council: Initial discussion with the Connecticut Siting Council.

• Environmental Permitting. Initial environmental siting and permitting review by

Ameresco's environmental consultant, AMEC Foster Wheeler

If the proposed project is an expansion, repowering, environmental investment or other

modification of an existing Facility, please describe the project in detail, the total installed cost

and cost on a $/kW basis specifying the existing project and the proposed expansion, repowering

or other modification. Indicate any incremental or decremental capacity.


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SECTION 4 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – ENERGY RESOURCE PLAN

For Eligible Facilities, the bidder is required to provide an energy resource or fuel supply plan

for its proposed project, including supporting documentation. The fuel supply/energy resource

profile information should be consistent with the type of technology/resource option proposed

and the term proposed. The information requested is organized according to the type of project

or energy resource. Bidders should respond only to relevant questions.

4.1 Wind Energy Projects

Provide a summary of all collected wind data for the proposed site. Identify when the data

was collected and by whom.

Not applicable

Indicate where the data was collected and its proximity to the proposed site. Include an

identification of the location and height for the anemometers that were used to arrive at an

assessment of the site generation capability.

Not applicable

Provide (a) at least one year of hourly wind resource data, or (b) a wind resource assessment

report from a qualified resource assessment firm or meteorologist, or (c) - both. Include an

analysis of the available wind data which addresses the relationship between wind conditions

and electrical output. Provide a projection of net annual energy production, including

projections of average net hourly energy production, based on the wind resource data (a 12 x

24 energy projection).

Not applicable

Provide a site-adjusted power curve. Each curve should list the elevation, temperature and

air density used.

Not applicable

Identify the assumptions for losses in the calculation of projected annual energy production,

including each element in the calculation of losses.

Not applicable

4.2 Landfill Gas


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Provide a gas production forecast for each landfill. Provide a table that shows the annual,

monthly and hourly projection of gas flow and energy export from each landfill.

Not applicable

Provide supporting data that illustrates the expected generation from each landfill based on

the projected gas production.

Not applicable

Describe any contingencies or constraints that could affect the availability of fuel or the

energy resource for the project and any contingency plans for meeting projected generation

levels.

Not applicable

If the landfill gas is provided by pipeline, provide information related to gas pipeline

delivery, including gas pipeline interconnection points of the landfills delivering the gas into

the pipeline system.

Not applicable

4.3 Biomass

Describe specifically how the project will conform to: (1) Conn. Gen. Stat. Sec. 16-1(26) and

Connecticut Public Act 13-303, An Act Concerning Connecticut’s Clean Energy Goals,

governing resources using biomass fuel, including how your fuel source complies with Conn.

Gen. Stat. Sec. 16-1(26); (2) the Massachusetts biomass laws and regulations M.G.L. c. 25A,

§ 11F, and 225 CMR 14.00; and/or Chapter 39-26 of the Rhode Island General Laws.

Not applicable

Provide a resource assessment of available biomass fuel for the proposed project and its

proximity to the project site.

Not applicable

Provide a plan for obtaining the biomass fuel, including a transportation plan.

Not applicable


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Provide any contracts or letters of intent to acquire and transport the biomass fuel.

Not applicable

Demonstrate that projected energy output for the project over the term of the contract is

consistent with the energy supply available.

Not applicable

Describe any contingencies or constraints that could affect the availability of fuel or the

energy resource for the project and any contingency plans for meeting projected generation

levels.

Not applicable

4.4 Solar

Provide an assessment of the available solar incidence or resource. Describe any trends in

generation capability over time (i.e., annual decline rate of expected output).

The available annual solar incidence or resource is estimated to be approximately 1,419

kWh/m2 (Global Horizontal Irradiance) on a horizontal flat surface. This value comes

from the geographically closest National Solar Radiation Data Base (NSRDB) Class 1

TMY3 Dataset in Bridgeport, CT. The available annual incident energy on the modules

is 1,584 kWh/m2 after taking the module orientation and 20 degree tilt angle into

account.

Ameresco uses only typical meteorological year (TMY) data sets from Class I facilities

in our production modeling to incorporate the highest quality data in our analysis. The

TMY3s are data sets of hourly values of solar radiation and meteorological elements for

a typical 1-year period.

Generation capability is assumed to decline at an annual rate 0.5% of expected output

due to expected annual panel degradation. This assumption is based on NREL's

"Photovoltaic Degradation Rates- An Analytical Review" published in June 2012.

Describe the methodology used to generate the projected generation and describe the in-

house or consulting expertise used to arrive at the generation estimates.

Ameresco utilized PVSyst and P50 modeling software to generate the projected

generation of the project using our in-house solar PV design engineers. Ameresco's


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senior engineers hold professional engineering licenses and/or North American Board

of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) certifications.

We have conducted a PVSyst analysis of the designed solar PV system, using typical

meteorological year (TMY3) Class I meteorological data from Bridgeport, CT. The

detailed losses and other assumptions used in the PVSyst modeling are derived from

industry standards, collaboration with independent engineers, and calculations based

on actual design conditions. Additionally, the snow related soiling losses are calculated

using an Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) peer-reviewed snow

soiling method and historical snowfall data from National Oceanic and Atmospheric

Administration (NOAA) database at the nearby Danbury, CT weather station.

A P50 analysis was also performed using 30 consecutive individual years of weather

data through NREL's System Advisor Model (SAM) to determine the P50/P90

production value estimates, however due to limitations of both PVSyst and SAM

modeling tools, hourly information of the P50/P90 results are not possible to export.

The hourly data contained in the 12 x 24 profile is therefore taken from the PVSyst

model. The annual P50/P90 estimates of production are: P50 = 32,959,000 kWh. The

PVSyst output provides the following projected output from the system on an annual

basis, in close agreement with the P50 value from above: Predicted Year 1 Generation:

32,815 MWh

Appendix 1 shows the PVSyst and P50 outputs.

4.5 Hydropower

Describe the project characteristics in terms of water flow (on a monthly basis) and head, and

state the assumptions regarding seasonal variations, and a conversion of such flow into

megawatts and megawatt-hours.

Not applicable

Provide monthly flow duration curves based upon daily stream flow records.

Not applicable

Identify if the project is run-of-river or has storage capability.

Run-of-river Storage capability

Specify if the project is new, or an expansion of an existing facility.


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New Expansion

Specify if the energy would qualify as Tier I Renewable Generation. If the project already

has Tier I certification, provide or reference the documentation providing such qualification.

If the project does not have Tier I certification; (1) describe the actions proposed to be taken

by the bidder to accomplish such qualification; or (2) describe how the project meets the

requirements of Section 4 of the Connecticut Public Act 13-303 or Section 1(c) of

Connecticut Public Act 15-107.

Tier I Renewable Generation or Description:

Not applicable

The bidder must disclose in its bid how they propose to certify that the environmental

attributes are included with the energy delivered.

Not applicable

4.6 Fuel Cell

Describe how the natural gas for the Fuel Cell will be procured and whether its energy will

be delivered on a firm or non-firm basis for the term of the agreement.

Natural gas source(s) Not applicable

Firm Non-firm

Provide supporting data that illustrates the expected generation from the fuel cell considering

the need for restacking.

Not applicable

4.7 Other

Identification of fuel supply (if applicable).

What is the availability of the fuel supply?

Does the bidder have any firm commitments from fuel suppliers? If so, please provide a

copy of any agreements with confidential information redacted if necessary. Yes: No:


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Not applicable


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SECTION 5 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – FINANCIAL/LEGAL

Bidders are required to demonstrate the financial viability of their proposed project. Bidders

should provide the following information:

5.1 Provide a description of the business entity structure of the bidder’s organization from a

financial and legal perspective, including any general and limited partners, officers,

directors, managers, members and shareholders, involvement of any subsidiaries

supporting the project, and the providers of equity and debt during project development.

Provide an organization chart showing the relationship between the equity participants and

an explanation of the relationships. For jointly owned facilities, identify all owners and

their respective interests, and document the bidder’s right to submit a binding proposal.

Ameresco, Inc. (NYSE: AMRC) is a public corporation. A full description of

financial results, officers, and major shareholders is contained in Ameresco's annual

report filed on form 10-K. These documents are available at the SEC EDGAR

website (http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-

edgar?company=Ameresco&owner=exclude&action=getcompany).

Subsidiaries: Ameresco has set up a wholly-owned special purpose entity for this

project: Candlewood Solar LLC, a Delaware corporation. Ameresco, Inc. will

provide all project development, engineering, financial services, and maintenance

services to the subsidiary.

Project Development:

to

fund the project’s development and construction. There will be no other

subsidiaries, equity partners or joint ventures during the development and

construction period.

Organizational Chart. Since Ameresco will not rely on third parties for development

and construction financing, except through its existing lines of bank credit, no

organizational chart is required.

5.2 For projects that include new facilities or capital investment, provide a description of the

financing plan for the project, including construction and term financing. The financing

plan should address the following:

i. Who will finance the project and how it will be financed

As described in answer 5.1, Ameresco will use

for development and construction financing.


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For long-term financing, Ameresco will use the for

solar PV financing. We have not yet picked out our financing partner for this

project, but for our recent for the 18.6 MW Fort

Detrick project, our tax equity partner was a .

A Deloitte Tax LLP presentation on the can be

found here:

ii. The project’s projected financial structure

Due to the size of this particular transaction, we anticipate using a

,

. Per the diagram in Appendix 3

Ameresco and a tax equity partner will share in the tax equity benefits with a

project lender providing the secondary sources of capital.

iii. Expected sources of debt and equity financing

Ameresco will confirm the specific parties that will finance this project after

a competitive solicitation. As stated above, our on

project with providing tax

equity financing. Prior Ameresco lenders, who have the capability to provide

secondary source debt,

iv. Estimated construction costs

, excluding long-term financing structure costs

v. The projected capital structure

Under a Ameresco and a Tax Equity partner

provide approximately in the project with a secondary

source of debt to provide the remaining capital.

vi. Describe any agreements entered into with respect to equity ownership in the

proposed project and any other financing arrangement.


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As stated above, Ameresco has entered into a with

for the tax equity portion of the

. We have not yet entered into long-term financing agreements for this

proposed project. We expect we will be able to readily enter into such an

agreement for this proposed project after we execute the Power Purchase

Agreement with the participating utility and finalize all other necessary and

required permits and agreements.

With respect to financing arrangements, under a

Ameresco will provide as

equity; and a tax equity partner

The two partners will share the and a

for a period of 6 years at which point Ameresco will

buy out the tax equity provider and become the sole equity holder.

In addition, the financing plan should address the status of the above activities as well

as the financing of development and permitting costs. All bidders are required to

provide this information.

Financing development and permitting costs: As stated above Ameresco already

has the cash and bank lines of credit with to begin construction

as soon as the PPA is executed and all permits and other agreements, including the

interconnection service agreement are executed.

Long-term financing: As stated above, Ameresco's project finance group has not

yet secured the long-term partnership financing for this project. Given our track

record of raising $1.8 billion in project finance funds, we see no delays or

constraints on our ability to raise the financing once the PPA is executed.

5.3 Provide documentation illustrating the experience of the project sponsor in securing

financing for projects of similar size and technology. For each project previously financed

provide the following information:

i. Project name and location

ii. Project type and size

iii. Date of construction and permanent financing

iv. Form of debt and equity financing

Representative renewable energy financings include:


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a. $195.0 million for the single largest federal Energy Service Performance

Contract (“ESPC”) to build a biomass plant in Savannah, GA.

b. $59.0 million Certificate of Participation (“COP”) for a Massachusetts

housing authority.

c. $50 million solar financing (Sales Leaseback) for Northeast projects.

d. $23.3 million Qualified Energy Conservation Bond financing for a combined

solar PV (3.1MW) and energy efficiency project for a Minnesota airport.

e. $14.5 million Tax Exempt Lease Purchase (“TELP”) for a South Carolina

university.

Three project descriptions are shown below:

1) NAME: Fort Detrick, Frederick, MD

PROJECT TYPE: Ground-mount solar PV, micro grid ready

PROJECT SIZE: 18.6 MW-dc

CONSTRUCTION VALUE: $35 million

CONTRACT TYPE: 25-year Power Purchase Agreement.

YEAR COMPLETED: Construction completed, expect to be operational by

March 2016

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION FINANCING: Ameresco with its

bank credit lines

LONG-TERM FINANCING STRUCTURE:

2) NAME: Minneapolis St. Paul International Airport (MSP)

PROJECT TYPE: Parking garage solar PV, electric vehicle charging stations, and

LED lighting retrofits

PROJECT SIZE: 3 MW solar PV


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CONSTRUCTION VALUE: $25.4 million

CONTRACT TYPE: Energy Services Performance Contract

YEAR COMPLETED: 2015

DEVELOPMENT AND CONSTRUCTION FINANCING: Ameresco with its

bank credit LINES

LONG-TERM FINANCING: Qualified Energy Conservation Bonds (QECBs)

3) NAME: Savannah River Biomass Power Plant, Aiken South Carolina

PROJECT TYPE: Biomass Power Plant

PROJECT SIZE: 20 MW and 240,000 pounds of steam per hour

CONSTRUCTION VALUE: $195 million

CONTRACT TYPE: Energy Services Performance Contract

YEAR COMPLETED: January 2012

DEVELOPMENT FINANCING: Ameresco internally funded the preliminary

development and engineering of this project.

CONSTRUCTION FINANCING AND LONG-TERM FINANCING

STRUCTURE: Ameresco closed a $195M financing facility to fund the

construction of the project.

were the financing partners. Following

construction, the loan was transferred to the federal government with payments

guaranteed out of the savings from Ameresco's operation of the facility.

5.4 For projects that include new facilities or capital investment, provide evidence that the

bidder has the financial resources and financial strength to complete and operate the project

as planned.

As shown in the previous question, Ameresco has a proven track record of

financing the all its construction projects.

Ameresco (NYSE: AMRC) has been in business for more 15 years and has

acquired companies with as many as 40 years of operating history.


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Ameresco is one of the largest independent energy services companies in the

United States with 2014 revenues of more than $593 million and a construction

backlog exceeding $1.2 billion. As of September 30, 2015 we had total assets of

$694 million, liabilities of $408 million and equity of $287 million. We had cash

and equivalents of $36 million and working capital of $74 million.

Ameresco’s debt consists of term loans and senior secured credit facilities

negotiated with major finance companies. Ameresco has adequate liquidity to

service its debt and ample capacity to continue raising significant project

financing.

Approximately $77 million of the company’s outstanding long-term debt as of

December 31, 2014 is structured as limited recourse financing associated with the

construction of 180 MW of landfill gas and solar assets the company has retained

on its balance sheet.

In addition, the company maintains a $1.4 billion surety credit facility through

two corporate providers, both with an AM Best Rating of “A Excellent”.

Under Ameresco's credit agreements, the company is required to maintain

minimum EBITDA of $27M on a trailing 4-quarter basis, a maximum debt-to-

EBITDA ratio of 2.0x and a minimum ratio of cash flow to debt service for the

trailing 4 fiscal quarters as a result of the company’s credit facilities and term

loans. As of December 31, 2014 Ameresco was in compliance with all the financial

and operational covenants in the senior credit facility and does not consider it

likely that it will fail to comply with these covenants for the next twelve months.

For the year ending December 31, 2014 Ameresco generated adjusted EBITDA of

$39 million and adjusted cash from operations of $51 million, compared to its

interest expense of $5.9 million. 44% of the company’s long term debt is due

beyond 2020.

As a NYSE-listed company with a proven track record and strong balance sheet,

Ameresco also retains the option to raise equity capital in the public markets.

5.5 Provide copies of the most recent audited financial statement or annual report for each

bidder for each of the past three years; including affiliates of the bidder (if audited

statements are not available, unaudited statements are to be provided). Also, provide the

credit ratings from Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s (the senior unsecured long term debt

rating or if not available, the corporate rating) of the bidder and any affiliates and partners.

See Ameresco's annual report filed on form 10-K in 2014 in Appendix 4. Copies

of previous years annual reports are available at the SEC EDGAR website


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(http://www.sec.gov/cgi-bin/browse-

edgar?company=Ameresco&owner=exclude&action=getcompany).

5.6 The bidder should demonstrate its ability (and/or the ability of its credit support provider)

to provide the required security, including its plan for doing so.

As stated in sectioon 5.4, as of September 30, 2015 Ameresco had total assets of

$694 million, liabilities of $408 million and equity of $287 million. We had cash

and equivalents of $36 million and working capital of $74 million. .

5.7 Provide a description of any current or recent credit issues/ credit rating downgrade events

regarding the bidder or affiliate entities raised by rating agencies, banks, or accounting

firms.

Not applicable. Ameresco’s obligations are not rated by the major credit ratings

agencies. We have years of audited financial reports, and remain in good standing

with our auditors, creditors and shareholders.

McGladrey LLP, our independent auditors, most recently found that our

“consolidated financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the

financial position of Ameresco, Inc. and Subsidiaries as of December 31,

2014…and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the years

in the three-year period ended December 31, 2014, in conformity with accounting

principles generally accepted in the United States of America. Also in our opinion,

Ameresco, Inc. and Subsidiaries maintained, in all material respects, effective

internal control over financial reporting.”

5.8 Describe the role of the Federal Production Tax Credit or Investment Tax Credit (or other

incentives) on the financing of the project.

The Investment Tax Credit (ITC) is vital to supporting this solar project. This

incentive allows Ameresco or a third party to monetize certain tax attributes in

addition to contracted cash flows. The 30% ITC was recently extended in

December 2015 for projects that have commenced construction as of December 31,

2019 – ensuring a robust tax equity financing market and providing ample time to

execute this project.

5.9 Bidders must disclose any pending (currently or in the past three years) or threatened

litigation or disputes related to projects developed, owned or managed by bidder or any of

its affiliates in the United States, or related to any energy product sale agreement.

Although Ameresco cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of any

pending or threatened proceedings, lawsuits, investigations or any claims against


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us, Ameresco does not believe the ultimate resolution of any of the existing or

threatened claims, actions, suits, investigations, or other proceedings pending or,

to the knowledge, of Ameresco, threatened, matters to which we are a party,

which, if adversely decided, would prevent or impair, in whole or in part,

performance by Ameresco of its obligations under this proposed agreement or

would have a material adverse effect on its financial condition or results of

operations. A further discussion of Ameresco's pending or threatened litigations

may be found in our most recent 10 – K and 10 – Q reports, which are located on

the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission website as follows:

10 – K:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1488139/000148813915000011/amrc12312

01410-k.htm

10- Q:

http://www.sec.gov/Archives/edgar/data/1488139/000148813915000075/amrc93020

1510-qq315.htm

5.10 What is the expected operating life of the proposed project?

We are proposing a 20-year power purchase agreement, but solar PV facilities if

properly maintained, have been demonstrated to show operating lifetimes in

excess of 30 years.

5.11 For projects that include new facilities or capital investment, has the bidder already

obtained financing, or a commitment of financing, for the project? Is such financing or

financing commitment contingent on obtaining a long-term agreement, such as one that

would be obtained if the bidder’s proposal is accepted? If financing has not been obtained,

explain how obtaining a long-term agreement as proposed will help you in obtaining

financing for the proposed project or in obtaining more favorable terms for the financing of

the proposed project.

As stated above, Ameresco has not yet sought or obtained long-term financing for

this proposed solar project. Ameresco already has in place the financing for

development and construction financing.

Due to our bank relationships, we will not start the financing process until after

the PPA is signed. Our financing partners prefer not to begin the expensive legal

process to structure a partnership flip financing until the project is proven real

and viable following execution of the necessary PPA agreement, lease agreement,

and interconnection services agreement. The project financing will be contingent

on normal and customary due diligence and closing procedures of the banks.


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5.12 State whether the bidder or its affiliates have executed agreements with respect to energy,

RECs and/or capacity for the project (including any agreements that have been terminated)

and provide information regarding the associated term and quantities, and whether bidder

has been alleged to have defaulted under or breached any such agreement.

This project is still in development and we have not executed energy and REC

agreements. We reserve the right to offer the generation products from this

proposed project to other utility solicitations until a PPA is executed.

Under any other project agreements for energy or RECs delivery, Ameresco has

not defaulted or breached any of its delivery agreements.

5.13 Description of bidder and all affiliated entities and joint ventures transacting business in the

energy sector.

Founded in 2000, Ameresco, Inc., headquartered in Framingham, MA, is a leading

independent provider of comprehensive services, energy efficiency, infrastructure

upgrades, asset sustainability and renewable energy solutions for businesses and

organizations throughout North America and Europe.

Ameresco’s sustainability services include upgrades to a facility’s energy

infrastructure and the development, construction and operation of renewable

energy plants. Ameresco has successfully completed energy saving,

environmentally responsible projects with Federal, state and local governments,

healthcare and educational institutions, housing authorities, and commercial and

industrial customers. With its corporate headquarters in Framingham, MA,

Ameresco has more than 1,000 employees providing local expertise in the United

States, Canada, and the United Kingdom.

Strategic acquisitions of complementary businesses and assets have been an

important part of our historical development. Since inception, we have completed

numerous acquisitions, which have enabled us to broaden our service offerings

and expand our geographical reach.

With respect to renewable energy assets that we build, own, operate, and

maintain, our projects include the following technologies: solar PV, biomass,

anaerobic digestion, combined heat and power, and landfill gas generation plants.

5.14 Has bidder, or any affiliate of bidder, in the last five years, (a) consented to the

appointment of, or was taken in possession by, a receiver, trustee, custodian or liquidator of

a substantial part of its assets, (b) filed a bankruptcy petition in any bankruptcy court

proceeding, (c) answered, consented or sought relief under any bankruptcy or similar law


23

or failed to obtain a dismissal of an involuntary petition, (d) admitted in writing of its

inability to pay its debts when due, (e) made a general assignment for the benefit of

creditors, (f) was the subject of an involuntary proceeding seeking to adjudicate that Party

bankrupt or insolvent, (g) sought reorganization, arrangement, adjustment, or composition

of it or its debt under any law relating to bankruptcy, insolvency or reorganization or relief

of debtors.

No, to all of the above.

5.15 Briefly describe any known conflicts of interest between bidder or an affiliate of bidder and

any Soliciting Party, or any affiliates of the foregoing.

There are no known conflicts of interest between bidder or an affiliate of bidder

and any Soliciting Party.

5.16 Describe any litigation, disputes, claims or complaints involving the bidder or an affiliate

of bidder, against any Soliciting Party or any affiliate of any Soliciting Party.

None.

5.17 Describe any litigation, disputes, claims or complaints, or events of default or other failure

to satisfy contract obligations, or failure to deliver products, involving bidder or an affiliate

of bidder, and relating to the purchase or sale of energy, capacity or renewable energy

certificates or products.

None.

5.18 Confirm that bidder, and the directors, employees and agents of bidder and any affiliate of

bidder are not currently under investigation by any governmental agency and have not in

the last four years been convicted or found liable for any act prohibited by State or Federal

law in any jurisdiction involving conspiracy, collusion or other impropriety with respect to

bidding on any contract, or have been the subject of any debarment action (detail any

exceptions).

To the best of the Company’s belief, none of the Company, its directors, employees

and agents and affiliates have been convicted or been found liable during the last

four years for any act prohibited by State or Federal law in any jurisdiction

involving conspiracy, collusion or other impropriety with respect to bidding on

any contract, and none of the Company, its directors, employees and agents and

affiliates have been subject to any debarment action.


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In the ordinary conduct of the Company’s business, the Company and its affiliates

are subject to periodic investigations and claims by government agencies.

Although we cannot predict with certainty the ultimate resolution of such

investigations and claims against us, we do not believe that any currently pending

or threatened legal proceedings to which we are a party will have a material

adverse effect on our business, results of operations or financial condition.

5.19 Identify all regulatory and other approvals needed by bidder to execute a binding sale

agreement.

To the best of Company’s belief, no regulatory approvals are required at this time.

5.20 Describe how the project will conform to FERC’s applicable regulatory requirements,

including, but not limited to, FERC requirements relating to allocation of transmission

capacity and open access, the justness and reasonableness of rates, the potential for undue

preference or discrimination, and affiliate dealings, if any.

Not applicable.


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SECTION 6 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – SITING, INTERCONNECTION, AND

DELIVERABILITY

This section of the proposal addresses project location, siting, real property rights and

interconnection issues. Bidders should ensure that the threshold criteria outlined in Section 2.2

of the RFP for generation and interconnection siting are verified in their responses.

6.1 Provide a site plan including a map of the site that clearly identifies the location of the

Eligible Facility site and/or Transmission Project route, the assumed right-of-way width,

the total acreage for Eligible Facilities, the anticipated interconnection point (or, if

applicable, multiple points for a Transmission Project), and the relationship of the site to

other local infrastructure, including transmission facilities, roadways, and water sources.

In addition to providing the required map, provide a site layout plan which illustrates the

location of all major equipment and facilities on the site.

Site plan included? Yes No If not, please explain:

Please see Appendix 4 for site plan map and interconnection route map.

6.2 Provide evidence (including applicable documentation) of the right to use the Eligible

Facility site and/or Transmission Project route, including, for Eligible Facilities, and any

rights of way needed for interconnection.

i. Does the project have a right to use the Eligible Facility site and/or Transmission

Project route for the entire proposed term of the PPA or tariff (e.g., by virtue of

ownership or land development rights obtained from the owner)?

Yes No If not, please explain:

Ameresco is currently under a letter of intent with the landlord for the exclusive

right to develop parcel ID 26/67.1 in New Milford, Connecticut for a solar PV

installation for the entire term of the PPA.

Ameresco has consulted with Eversource- Connecticut Light& Power

("Eversource") to determine the project's interconnection route to the Rocky

River substation located at the intersection of Rocky River Road and Route 7 in

New Milford, Connecticut. The planned project route will utilize an existing

utility right of way to bisect the adjacent parcels owned by Firstlight Hydro

Generation Company, parcel ID 9/6 and 34/31.1 in New Milford, Connecticut to

deliver the project's energy to the Rocky River substation. The planned

interconnection run will require the installation of approximately 1 mile of 23kV

three phase wire, installed on overhead poles.

Site control for the planned interconnection route will be developed as part of

the interconnection application reviewed by Eversource. The proposed


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interconnection route is Eversource's distributed generation group's preferred

route as discussed in our consultation with them. The interconnection

application, submitted January 27, 2016, is currently in Eversource's 20 day

review period. This proposed route will be verified following completion of the

Eversource application review, which is expected to be completed by February

23, 2016. Eversource will be granted access to this parcel by expanding their

existing easement.

ii. If so, please detail the bidder’s rights to control the Eligible Facility site and/or

Transmission Project route control.

Please see the executed letter of intent executed by Ameresco, the tenant, and

New Milford Clean Power, LLC, the landlord, in Appendix 2.

iii. Identify any real property rights (e.g., fee-owned parcels, rights-of-way, development

rights or easements or leases) that are required for access to the Eligible Facility site

and/or Transmission Project route or for interconnection. Describe the status of

acquisition of real property rights, any options in place for the exercise of these rights

and describe the plan for securing the necessary real property rights, including the

proposed timeline. Include these plans and the timeline in the overall project

timeline.

New Milford Clean Power LLC is under agreement to purchase the subject

parcel of land from 26 Cedar Street Associates LLC, which in turn has an

agreement to purchase multiple parcels, including the PV array parcel, from the

current land owner, Wells Fargo National Association. This land purchase

agreement will be executed at the time of PPA execution.

Eversource will need to acquire additional property rights, in the form of an

easement, to install the three phase utility line from the interconnection of the

proposed PV system to the Rocky River substation.

Ameresco will execute a lease option agreement with the landlord, New Milford

Clean Power, LLC after award of the project in this solicitation. A lease

agreement will be executed with the landlord coincident with eecution of the

Power Purchase Agreement with the awarding authority.

Appendix 2 contains the the following executed site control documents:

1. Letter of Intent for Property Lease in New Milford, CT for Solar PV

Ground- Mount Installation: Ameresco, Inc and New Milford Clean Power LLC


27

2. Purchase Contract: : 26 Cedar Street Associates LLC and New Milford

Clean Power LLC

3. Agreement for Purchase and Sale of Real Property: Wells Fargo National

Association and 26 Cedar Street Associates LLC

6.3 Provide evidence that the Eligible Facility site and/or Transmission Project route is

properly zoned or permitted. If the Eligible Facility site and/or Transmission Project route

is not currently zoned or permitted properly, identify present and required zoning and/or

land use designations and permits and provide a permitting plan and timeline to secure the

necessary approvals.

Detail the zoning and permitting issues:

Per initial conversation with the Zoning Board of Appeals and review of

zoning bylaws in the Town of New Milford, zoning changes are not required.

Permitting plan and timeline:

The Connecticut Siting Council requires a petition for declaratory ruling.

The expected timeline to complete the Siting Council review and approval

process is 6 months to one year.

Start date: Q32016 Completion date: Q42017

6.4 Provide a description of the area surrounding the Eligible Facility site and/or Transmission

Project route, including a description of the local zoning, flood plain information, existing

land use and setting (woodlands, grasslands, agriculture, other).

The eligible facility property ID is: 26/67.1 in the Town of New Milford,

Connecticut, zoned as residential. The area surrounding the eligible facility site

and interconnection route is zoned residential and industrial. The eligible facility

site is currently unoccupied and consists of a combination of woodlands and open

fields.

6.5 For Eligible Facilities, describe and provide a map of the proposed interconnection that

includes the path from the generation site to the ISO-New England Pool Transmission

Facilities (“PTF”). Describe how the bidder plans to gain interconnection site control.

Interconnection map included? Yes No If not, please explain:

Please see Appendix 5.


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Interconnection site control plan:

Interconnection site control will be established as part of the interconnection

agreement with Eversource. The eligible facility interconnection application,

submitted January 27, 2016, will be under review by Eversource.

Eversource will conduct the following studies as part of the interconnection

process.

1. Feasibility Study

2. Impact Study

3. Facilities Study

4. Transmission Impact Study

In addition to the grid impact studies, Eversource will also establish the

requirements to gain site control to access the Eversource transmission

easement.

6.6 Please describe the status of any planned interconnection to the grid. Has the bidder made

a valid interconnection request to ISO-New England Inc. (“ISO-NE”), the applicable New

England Transmission Owner, or any neighboring control areas? Describe the type of

interconnection service requested, i.e., Capacity Network Resource Interconnection

Service, Capacity Network Import Interconnection Service or Network Resource

Interconnection Service or Network Import Service.

The proposed project is to be interconnected to the Eversource network in

acordance with CL&P technical standards and State of Connecticut, ISO-

New England ("ISO-NE"), and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission

("FERC") requirements.

Ameresco has started the process of getting approval from Eversource for

the project. The Interconnection Application has been submitted and

Ameresco has had multiple conversations with the Distributed Generation

group at Eversource regarding the project. The project has been designed to

comply with the written and verbal requirements of Eversource. Due to the

generation size of the project, Eversource will perform a System Impact

Study to define further requirements for the project including customer

requirements, utility interconnection facilities, distribution circuit


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requirements, and potential substation upgrades. In addition to the utility

review, ISO-NE will review the project required for all projects greater than

5MW.

The interconnection will be made in accordance with Eversource Guidelines

for Generator Interconnection. The System Impact Study will include:

• Circuit Modeling

• Power Flow Analysis

• Voltage Impact Study

• Thermal Impact Study

• Short Circuit Study

• Review of Distribution Equipment Interrupting Ratings

• Protection Coordination Review

• Assessment of Transfer Trip Requirements, and

• Review of Protection Schemes.

6.7 Describe the Project’s electrical system performance and its impact to the reliability of the

New England Transmission system. For Transmission Projects provide a description of

how the project would satisfy ISO-NE’s I.3.9 requirements. Provide the status of any

interconnection studies already underway with ISO-NE and/or the transmission owner.

Provide a copy of any studies completed to date. Provide a copy of an interconnection

agreement, if any, executed by the bidder with respect to the proposed project. If an

interconnection agreement has not been executed, please provide the steps that need to be

completed before an interconnection agreement can be executed and the associated

timeline.

Performance and its impact:

This project will utilize inverters that are listed to UL1741 Standard for

Inverters, Converters, Controllers, and Interconnection System Equipment

for Use with Distributed Energy Resources including the requirements of


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IEEE1547 Standard for Interconnection Distributed Resources with Electric

Power Systems. These standards ensure that the inverters will operate

seamlessly with the utility as distributed generators as well as protect utility

line workers in the event of a power failure. In the event of a utility event

such as over/under frequency, over/under voltage, etc. the inverters will shut

down allowing the grid to normalize before restarting. In addition, the

inverters have ride through capability for certain grid events that could be

exacerbated by other generators dropping off the grid. During the study

process, the utility may also indicate additional protection requirements that

will be addressed using the customer installed redundant relay protection.

Ameresco has not conducted a network evaluation to determine the

transmission congestion benefits or other FERC ancillary services benefits to

the transmission grid. Since the proposed solar PV project is located next to

the Rocky River substation in Southwest Connecticut, we expect that the

solar PV generated power will aid the transmission system during summer

peak-hour, constrained periods.

Attachments:

Copy of completed studies attached: If none, please explain:

The eligible facility's interconnection application was submitted to

Eversource on Janueary 27, 2016.

Copy of Interconnection Agreement attached: If none, please explain:

The eligible facility's interconnection application was submitted to

Eversource on Janueary 27, 2016.

6.8 Provide the electrical models of all energy resources supporting the proposed project in

accordance with the filing requirements of the ISO-NE Tariff Schedule 22 and 23.

Electrical models attached: If none, please explain:

Appendix 1 contains the annual energy model for this project in

accordance with the filing requirement of the ISO-NE Tariff Schedule 22

and 23.

6.9 Provide a copy of an electrical one-line diagram showing the interconnection facilities and

the relevant facilities of the transmission provider.

Electrical one-line diagram attached: If none, please explain:


31

Appendix 6 contains the One-Line Electrical Diagram for this project.

6.10 Specify and describe the current or new interconnection facilities (lines, transformers,

switching equipment, system control protection, etc.) that bidder owns or is intending to

construct or have constructed in order to deliver the proposed energy.

This project is proposed to connect directly to the Eversource-owned Rocky River

Substation located one mile from the proposed solar PV array. The project will

connect directly to the substation utilizing a utility installed and owned overhead

three phase, 23kV circuit. The 23kV line will follow the existing utility right of

way to the site. At the site, Ameresco will build, own, and operate transformers to

convert the 380V power to 23kV as well as redundant relay protection devices,

load break devices, and inverters listed to UL1741. The utility will install a pad

mounted primary metering cluster and meter, a pole mounted recloser and

minimal SCADA equipment. Ameresco retains Consulting Engineers Group

(CEG) for the design of its medium voltage and protective relay systems.

6.11 Incremental data requirements for Projects that include Transmission facilities;

1. IDV file(s) in PSSE v32 format modeling only the new/modified Transmission

components of the project: If none, please explain.

Not applicable.

2. If the bidder does not use PSSE, provide in text format necessary modeling data as

follows:

- Line Data:

Voltage Thermal Ratings Impedances (R, X and B)

Line: From To

(bus numbers and names)

Not applicable.

- Transformer data: (including Phase shifting transformers if applicable):

Terminal Voltages Thermal Ratings Impedance

From To (bus numbers and names)

Not applicable.


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- Reactive compensation models as necessary:

Not applicable.

- Other changes to the model that would occur due to a Project such as terminal

changes for lines/transformer/generator leads/loads etc.:

Not applicable.


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SECTION 7 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT, PERMIT ACQUISITION PLAN AND TIER 1 CERTIFICATION

This section addresses environmental and other regulatory issues associated with project siting,

development and operations.

7.1 Provide a list of all the permits, licenses, and environmental assessments and/or

environmental impact statements required. If a bidder has secured any permit or has

applied for a permit, please identify in the response.

i. Provide a list of all Federal, state and local permits, licenses, and environmental

assessments and/or environmental impact statements required to construct and

operate the project.

A full scope of environmental assessment and permit acquisition activities will be those that

support a Petition to the Connecticut Siting Council for a Declaratory Ruling that a

Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need (“CECPN”) is not required.

Please see Appendix 7 for a list of all permits, licenses, and environmental assessments

required for the project.

ii. Identify the governmental agencies that will issue or approve the required permits,

licenses, and environmental assessments and/or environmental impact statements.

Ameresco anticipates permitting will take between 6 months and one year to

complete with the Connecticut Siting Council. Appendix 7 shows the expected

schedule for all required permits and approvals.

7.2 Provide the anticipated timeline for seeking and receiving the required permits, licenses,

and environmental assessments and/or environmental impact statements. Include a project

approval assessment which describes, in narrative form, each segment of the process, the

required permit or approval, the status of the request or application and the basis for

projection of success by the milestone date. All requirements should be included on the

project schedule in Section 10.

Connecticut Siting Council

As an electric generating facility utilizing renewable energy sources with a

generating capacity of more than one megawatt (MW) of electricity, the proposed

New Milford solar facility is subject to review and approval by the Connecticut

Siting Council (CSC) in accordance with Section 16-50j of the Regulations of

Connecticut State Agencies (RCSA). Among other things the CSC is charged

with:


34

“…balancing the need for adequate and reliable public utility services at the

lowest reasonable cost to consumers with the need to protect the environment and

ecology of the state and to minimize damage to scenic, historic, and recreational

values” (Sec. 16-50j-1(a)(1), RCSA)

As part of the full CSC review process, applicants are required to submit to

municipal review prior to filing an application for a Certificate with the CSC.

Further, under Section 16-50x of Chapter 277a of the Connecticut General

Statutes (Public Utility Environmental Standards Act):

In ruling on applications for certificates or petitions for a declaratory ruling for

facilities and on requests for shared use of facilities, the council shall give such

consideration to other state laws and municipal regulations as it shall deem

appropriate. Whenever the council certifies a facility pursuant to this chapter,

such certification shall satisfy and be in lieu of all certifications, approvals and

other requirements of state and municipal agencies in regard to any questions of

public need, convenience and necessity for such facility.

As a renewable energy facility with a generating capacity less than 65 MW, the

project may file a Petition for Declaratory Ruling with the CSC rather than

undergoing the full Certification process. Under such an approach, the Petition

will establish that the project met the air and water quality standards of the state

and also would not result in any adverse impacts to listed species, cultural

resources or cause adverse impact to other natural resources or the community.

For this process, information will be provided to address the full range of

potential facility impacts, including information regarding listed species, protected

habitat, cultural resources, wetland impacts and consistency with local land use

laws. Consultation with state and federal agencies on potential impacts to listed

species and cultural resources will need to be conducted to support the submittal.

U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Coverage under CT State General Permit; CT

DEEP 401 WQC

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) has issued a General Permit (PGP)

for Connecticut which addresses impacts to waters of the U.S. subject to the

jurisdiction of the USACE under Section 404 of the federal Clean Water Act or

Section 10 of the federal Rivers and Harbors Act. Online mapping identifies

potential wetland / stream resources in portions of the overall site. Should

temporary or permanent impacts to these resources be required (such as for

access roads) it is possible that such impacts would meet the conditions for

coverage under the USACE CT GP. Impacts which meet Category 1 do not

require an application. Category 2 projects require review to determine if an


35

Individual Permit will be required. Delineation of on-site resource areas and

development of site plan will be conducted to determine if USACE authorization

will be required, and if so, what level of permitting will be triggered. Depending

on the level of review an individual 401 WQC may be required from CT DEEP.

Local Approvals

The New Milford site is located on a single parcel zoned Major Planned

Residential Development District #1. Ameresco and the property owner are

working with the Town of New Milford Zoning Board of Appeals to determine

any necessary actions relative to zoning of the property. As noted above, the CSC

has the authority to override local zoning. It is assumed that at a minimum a site

plan review, including landscaping plan review at the local level will be required,

and potentially a Special Permit. In our discussions the Town of New Milford

Zoning Board of Appeals has not expressed any issue related to the changing the

parcel's zone, if necessary, for this project.

In addition to any local zoning or planning approvals, any impacts to wetlands

will require review by the New Milford Inland Wetlands Commission. Ameresco

and its Environmental Consultant, AMEC/Foster Wheeler, will conduct wetlands

delineation and reporting as necessary during the permitting phase. Currently the

project is not located in or within 100 feet of any wetlands, based on the initial

technical feasibility evaluations.

CT DEEP General Permit for the Discharge of Stormwater and Dewatering

Wastewaters Associated with Construction Activities.

Ameresco will file for a General Permit with CT DEEP prior to construction and

in accordance with EPA and State requirements.

7.3 Provide a preliminary environmental assessment of the site and project, including both

construction and operation, as applicable. In addition, the bidder should identify

environmental impacts associated with the proposed project, any potential impediments to

development, and its plan to mitigate such impacts or impediments. The analysis should

address each of the major environmental areas presented below, as applicable to the

proposed project:


36

i. Impacts during site development

ii. Transportation infrastructure

iii. Air quality impacts

iv. Access to water resources/water quality impacts

v. Ecological and natural resources impacts

vi. Land use impacts

vii. Cultural resources

viii. Previous site use (e.g., greenfield, brownfield, industrial, etc.)

ix. Noise level impacts

x. Aesthetic/visual impacts

xi. Transmission infrastructure impacts

xii. Fuel supply access, where applicable

xiii. Interconnection facilities

i. Impacts during site development:

• Vegetation removal and grading

• Construction related traffic

• Construction related noise

• Storm water management to prevent water quality impacts to receiving

waters

• Potential impacts to wildlife from disturbance of habitat and construction

activities, to be determined pending agency consultations

ii. Transportation infrastructure - site located off of / accessible by Candlewood

Mountain Road and Kent Road / Route 7. No impacts to, or upgrades of existing

transportation infrastructure anticipated for construction. Limited construction

related traffic. No impacts due to operations.

ii. Air quality impacts – Construction impacts only, controlled through vehicle

emission controls and idling limits and dust suppression.


37

iv. Access to water resources/water quality impacts – No water supplies required

for operation, limited water demands for construction to be supplied by water

trucks brought to site. Potential impacts to water quality to be managed by

appropriate storm water Best Management Practices during construction and

operation.

v. Ecological and natural resources impacts – Potential impacts to listed species

habitat will be addressed as part of permitting review. Site will be developed in a

manner to avoid and minimize impacts to ecological and natural resource impacts

including listed species and wetland / stream resources. If impacts cannot be

avoided, mitigation for impacts will be conducted in accordance with applicable

regulatory and permit requirements.

vi. Land use impacts – Property partially zoned Industrial and partially zoned

Major Planned Residential Development District #1. Surrounding land use is

residential and open space / recreational. Due to size of site, ample wooded buffer

will be maintained between solar development and surrounding land uses.

vii. Cultural resources – no known historic resources will be impacted, potential

for impacts to unknown archeological resources pending response to initial

consultation with SHPO. Project would comply with requirements for survey and

mitigation of impacts if resources identified.

viii. Previous site use (e.g., greenfield, brownfield, industrial, etc.) – site is

currently undeveloped and largely wooded.

ix. Noise level impacts – limited to construction noise impacts, due to size of site

and distance from construction location to nearby sensitive noise receptors,

construction impacts expected to be minimal. No operational noise impacts.

x. Aesthetic/visual impacts – Site is on hillside. Panels may be visible from a

distance in certain locations, however, due to size of site ample wooded buffer will

be maintained between solar development and surrounding land use providing

adequate visual screening from most viewpoints. Visual impact analyses will be

included in CSC submittal.

xi. Transmission infrastructure impacts - Interconnection route will be included as

part of the Connecticut Siting Counsel review and order of conditions. The

proposed route for interconnection utilizes existing utility easements and is not

expected to add complications to the siting council approval process.

xii. Fuel supply access, where applicable – Not Applicable


38

7.4 Provide documentation identifying the level of public support for the project including

letters from public officials, newspaper articles, etc. Include information on specific

localized support and/or opposition to the project of which the bidder is aware. Provide

copies of any agreements with communities and other constituencies impacted by the

project, and a plan for community outreach activities, and discuss the status of that plan.

Ameresco, Inc and New Milford Clean Power, LLC. have approached the local

community in several meetings to discuss the project and gain local support from

residents and the local government. To date, the eligible project does not have any

formal ducomentation identifying the level of public support for the project.

Local support is subject to the visibility of the facility from nearby residences and

Candlewood Lake. To speed approvals and citizen acceptance of the project, the

array has been sited behind a ridge to eliminate visbility from the lake and nearby

homes and businesses. We expect local support will be positive with our design

choices.

7.5 For bids that include Tier 1 Qualified Clean Energy, provide documentation demonstrating

that the project was or will be qualified as a Tier 1 Class I renewable energy source under

Conn. Gen. Stat. Section 16-1(20) as amended by Connecticut Public Act 13-303; M.G.L.

c. 25A, § 11F, and 225 CMR 14.00; and/or R.I.G.L. § 39-26-1 and Rules and Regulations

Governing the Implementation of a Renewable Energy Standard. If the facility is already in

operation, please indicate when the facility received such qualification.

By definination, solar PV is a Tier I Class I renewable energy source under

Connecticut state law. The proposed eligible facility is solar PV.

7.6 Identify any existing, preliminary or pending claims or litigation, or matters before any

federal agency or any state legislature or regulatory agency that might affect the feasibility

of the project or the ability to obtain or retain the required permits for the project.

There are no existing or pending claims against the project.


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SECTION 8 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – ENGINEERING AND TECHNOLOGY, COMMERCIAL ACCESS TO EQUIPMENT

This section includes questions pertinent to the engineering design and project technology. This

section must be completed for a project that includes new facilities or capital investments.

Bidders should provide information about the specific technology or equipment including the

track record of the technology and equipment and other information as necessary to demonstrate

that the technology is viable.

8.1 Provide a reasonable but preliminary engineering plan which includes the following

information:

i. Type of generation technology, if applicable

ii. Major equipment to be used

iii. Manufacturer of the equipment

iv. Status of acquisition of the equipment

v. Whether the bidder has a contract for the equipment. If not, describe the bidder’s

plan for securing equipment and the status of any pertinent commercial

arrangements

vi. Equipment vendors selected/considered

vii. History of equipment operations

viii. If the equipment manufacturer has not yet been selected, identify in the equipment

procurement strategy the factors under consideration for selecting the preferred

equipment

The proposed eligible facility is a 20 MW AC (25 MW DC) solar photovoltaic

installation. The system will be ground mounted on approximately 100 acres of

contiguous land on a single parcel in New Milford, Connecticut. The system will

contain skid-mounted central inverters and step-up transformers to interconnect

at 23kV to the Rocky River Substation, approximately one mile from the proposed

site.

Ameresco selected a fixed tilt racking system over single axis trackers due to the

increased reliability of fixed-tilt systems in northern climates.

Ameresco exclusively installs crystalline silicon PV modules from Tier I module

manufacturers for our projects under Power Purchase Agreements. Ameresco

only sources from Tier I suppliers to ensure the quality of the product as well as

the longevity of the manufacturer to ensure the warranty can be upheld for the

duration of their term. With our solar experience, we are currently designing with

the following equipment:


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• Solar Modules: JA Solar 320 watt panel.

• Inverters: Schneider Electric 680 kW (30 units).

• Mounting System: Terrasmart.

• Data Acquisition System: Also Energy.

Ameresco is vendor neutral. At this point Ameresco has Master Sales Agreements

(MSA) with several equipment manufacturers, but has not made a commitment or

guarantee to use any specific equipment manufacturer. The major equipment and

materials above represent likely equipment selections due to the product's

durability, site suitability, and suitability for a utility scale solar PV installation.

This includes: screw driven racking to penetrate near surface ledge and variable

slope found at the site and central inverters to maximize AC wire runs and

minimize voltage losses with DC wiring over long distances. Prior to construction,

Ameresco will select the final Tier 1 manufacturer and procure the equipment

that provides the most cost effective and highest quality solar PV system to be

installed at the site.

8.2 If the bidder has not yet selected the major generation equipment for a project, please

provide a list of the key equipment suppliers under consideration.

The suppliers listed in section 8.1 represent the likely list of key equipment

suppliers for this project.

8.3 Please identify the same or similar equipment by the same manufacturer that are presently

in commercial operation including the number installed, installed capacity and estimated

generation for the past three years.

1. Inverters: Schneider Electric, Schneider Electric inverters have been installed

worldwide in utility scale solar PV power plants. To date Schneider Electric has

installed more than 3 GW of three- phase inverters in more than 100 countries

2. Racking: Terrasmart, Ideally suited for rocky and uneven terrain, Terrasmart

has been install in over 110 MW of projects in the Northeast United States alone.

3. Data Acquisition System: Also Energy, Also Energy is a leading provider of

Data Acquisition Systems. To date Also Energy has been selected by developers

on over 2,000 projects, totaling more than 800 MW


41

4. Modules: JA Solar, JA Solar is a global leader in solar PV module

manufacturing. Total volume manufactured and shipped exceeds 11 GW

worldwide.

8.4 For less mature technologies, provide evidence (including identifying specific applications)

that the technology to be employed for energy production is ready for transfer to the design

and construction phases. Also, address how the status of the technology is being

considered in the financial plan for the project.

Not applicable

8.5 Please indicate if the bidder has secured its equipment for the project. If not, identify the

long-lead equipment options and describe the timing for securing equipment.

As stated above, Ameresco has not secured equipment for the project. Equipment

will be procured when the project achieves notice to proceed to construction.

Notice to proceed will be achieved when all permitting has been approved,

inclauding the Connecticut Siting Council and local permits, interconnection

agreement with the utility has been achieved, and the power purchase agreement

has been executed.


42

SECTION 9 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE

Projects that can demonstrate that the operation and maintenance (“O&M”) plan, level of

funding, and mechanism for funding will ensure reliable operations during the term of the

contract or the tariff are preferred.

9.1 Provide an O&M plan for the project that demonstrates the long term operational viability

of the proposed project. The plan should include a discussion of the staffing levels

proposed for the project, the expected role of the project sponsor or outside contractor,

scheduling of major maintenance activity, and the plan for testing equipment.

Ameresco maintains its own O&M staff and a fleet of vehicles supplied with tools

and equipment. We also maintain and stock replacement parts in our warehouse

facilities. In addition, we enter into extended warranty programs and we contract

with third-party specialty contractors to provide rapid service to our projects.

This capability provides our customers long-term, worry-free service – assuring

that the solar PV systems continue to operate over the 20-year length of its Power

Purchase Agreement terms.

Ameresco’s currently operates and maintains over 17 MW of solar PV and 17

MW of cogeneration and landfill gas plants in New England. Our dedicated staff

of 5 local O&M personnel is located in our Framingham, Massachusetts office.

This local staff hires and coordinates subcontractors to repair or maintain all

systems. The O&M plan includes maintenance of the following main system

components to ensure optimal system performance:

1. Inverters

2. PV Modules & Mounting System

3. Disconnects

4. Wiring

5. Monitoring System & Weather Station

6. Transformers

9.2 Describe in detail the proposed O&M funding mechanism and funding levels to support

planned and unplanned O&M requirements.


43

Ameresco, Inc self funds O&M through the project's revenues from the sales of

energy and RECs. Ameresco maintains project operation at optimal levels

throughout the 20 year period to maximize operating performance and revenues.

The O&M staff conducts regular preventative maintenance and quick response to

service interruptions by monitoring real production time data.

Regardless of the cause of a service interruption, Ameresco will immediately be

notified by the automatic alarm capabilities of our data acquisition system (DAS).

Calls, pager alerts, e-mails, or all of these notifications will be sent to the

appropriate Ameresco O&M staff and on-call person in one of our nearby

operations centers. The on-call person will be the initial point of contact for all

service interruptions. The responding technician will review our DAS alarms via

a remote connection to evaluate the nature of the event. The responding

technician will seek assistance as required from other Ameresco staff or our

contractor partners to ultimately determine cause and fix for the outage.

Service interruptions can be broadly categorized as whether they have occurred

on the utility side of the electric service or on the customer side. Any loss of grid

power from the utility side will automatically trigger a shutdown of the PV system.

This PV system shutdown is to protect the safety of utility workers addressing the

utility gird outage by assuring that there is no back-feed power on the system.

Upon restoration of power by the utility, our PV system will detect a return to

normal grid power and automatically return the PV system to power generation

mode. Generally, shutdowns on the utility side of the grid will not involve

Ameresco. However, as noted above, Ameresco O&M staff are on call via our

24/7 service line and will promptly respond to any utility requests should our

services be required.

In the event that the PV system shuts down due to a problem with Ameresco's side

of the PV system, Ameresco’s on-call O&M staff will immediately receive an

alarm at our central monitoring location. (We will also receive alarms for off-

normal conditions that might not cause a shutdown but might warrant immediate

action.) In such cases, Ameresco staff will diagnose much of the system’s status

remotely in order to respond more efficiently at the site with the appropriate staff,

or contracted support if warranted. After assessing the cause of the shutdown and

the course of correction, Ameresco will coordinate any corrective actions with the

customer and, as necessary, with the utility. The PV system can be isolated

electrically from the utility grid while we are conducting service work and re-

connected when our work is complete.

9.3 Describe the terms (or expected terms) of the warranties and/or guarantees on major

equipment that the bidder is utilizing or proposing to utilize.

Please see Appendix 8 for major equipment warranties.


44

9.4 Describe the status of the project sponsor in securing any O&M agreements or contracts.

Include a discussion of the sponsor’s plan for securing a medium-term or long-term O&M

contract, including the expected provider of O&M services.

Ameresco, Inc will provide all O&M services.

9.5 Provide examples of the bidder’s experience with O&M services for other similar projects.

Appendix 9 contains the list of projects Ameresco's O&M team services.


45

SECTION 10 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – PROJECT SCHEDULE

For Eligible Facilities or Transmission Projects that are not yet in-service, bidders are required to

provide a complete critical path schedule for the project from the notice of selection of the

project for contract consideration to the start of commercial operations. For each project

element, list the start and end date.

10.1 Identify the elements on the critical path. The schedule should include, at a minimum,

facility contracts, start of construction, construction schedule, siting, fuel supply, financing,

engineering and procurement, acquisition of real property rights, Federal, state and/or local

permits, licenses, environmental assessments and/or environmental impact statements

(including anticipated permit submittal and approval dates) and any other requirements that

could influence the project schedule and the commercial operation date, including

requirements pertaining to the generator interconnection process and any transmission

facilities for which the bidder seeks recovery through federal transmission rates.

1. Project Award: October 2016

2. Interconnection Agreement: Q4 2016

3. PPA Execution: Q1 2017

3. Siting Council Declaritory Ruling: Q4 2017

4. Final Design Complete: Q4 2017

5. Equipment Procurement: Q4 2017

6. Start of Construction: Q1 2018

7. Completion of Construction: Q4 2018

8. Commercial Operation: Q4 2018

10.2 Detail the status of all critical path items.

As a critical long-lead time task, Ameresco has submitted an interconnection

application to Eversource for the project. The application was submitted on


46

January 27, 2016. The following timeline is the anticipated path to

interconnection agreement for this application.

Application Review 20 business days

Feasibility Study 30 business days

Impact Study 50-60 business days

Facility Study 70 business days.

Transmission Impact Study TBD

Execute Interconnection Agreement 1 month

Ameresco anticipated interconnection agreement execution Q4 2016 based on this

schedule.

Remaining critical task items will be initiated following project award by the

awarding authority.


47

SECTION 11 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – PROJECT MANAGEMENT/EXPERIENCE

Bidders are required to demonstrate project experience and management capability to

successfully develop (for a project that includes new facilities or capital investment) and operate

the project proposed. The Soliciting Parties are particularly interested in project teams that have

demonstrated success in projects of similar type, size and technology and, for projects that

include new facilities or capital investment, can demonstrate an ability to work together

effectively to bring the project to commercial operation in a timely fashion.

11.1 Provide an organizational chart for the project that lists the project participants and

identifies the corporate structure, including general and limited partners.

Appendix 3 contains the project organization chart.

11.2 For a project that includes new facilities or capital investment, provide statements that list

the specific experience of the bidder and each of the project participants (including, when

applicable, the bidder, partners, EPC contractor and proposed contractors), in developing,

financing, owning, and operating generating or transmission facilities (as applicable), other

projects of similar type, size and technology, and any evidence that the project participants

have worked jointly on other projects.

Note: Refer to section 5.3 for specific project examples, in addition to the ones

listed below.

As the developer, owner and operator of the proposed solar PV project, Ameresco

has developed, financed, and constructed more than 100 MW of solar PV projects

for the public and private customers.

For example, for Arizona State University, we designed and built 16 MW of solar

PV on 11 sites (rooftop, ground-mount, garages, and carports). We are

constructing multiple ground-mount facilities for the Massachusetts Department

of Transportation along the Massachusetts Turnpike (Interstate 90) and other

highways in Massachusetts. We have recently completed the development,

financing and construction of an 18.6 megawatt (MW) direct current solar facility

at the Fort Detrick Army installation in Frederick, Maryland.

The following provides additional information on our capabilities and experience

(also refer to sections 5.2, 5.3, and 5.4:

• 100% construction and operation of awarded projects: Ameresco has built

100% of the solar projects we have been awarded. We have the in-house expertise

to design, permit, construct, own, and operate PV facilities. To start construction


48

quickly, Ameresco has the funds and bank credit lines for construction financing

(shown below).

• Ameresco is a financially strong, publicly traded company. Ameresco for

year end 2014 had total assets of approximately $629 million, cash in excess of $23

million and a $100 million credit facility. Our fiscal year 2014 revenues were $593

million. At the end of 2014, Ameresco (AMRC) had a construction backlog

exceeding $1.2 billion.

• Ameresco has built more than $3 billion in renewable energy and energy

efficiency projects. Ameresco and its predecessors built more than $5 billion of

energy projects including solar PV, energy efficiency infrastructure

improvements, landfill gas generation projects, biogas generation projects, bio-

mass generation projects, and geothermal projects. Of these projects,

approximately 47% were designed and built for municipalities, universities, K-12

schools, and hospitals, and another 12% were built for the federal government.

• We have deep in-house expertise to manage the life cycle of energy asset

projects. Ameresco has more than 1,000 employees, comprised of professional

engineers (40% of Ameresco’s engineers are Licensed Professional Engineers),

North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners (NABCEP) in solar

energy design and construction, construction managers, finance and capital

markets professionals, legal and regulatory professionals, and operation and

maintenance staff. Our staff develops and manages projects from the initial

proposal stage to design, construction, financing, and long-term operations.

11.3 For a bid that includes existing facilities, provide statements that list the specific experience

of the bidder and each of the project participants (including, when applicable, the bidder,

partners, EPC contractor and proposed contractors), in owning and operating generating or

transmission facilities (as applicable), other projects of similar type, size and technology,

and any evidence that the project participants have worked jointly on other projects.

Not applicable

11.4 Provide a management chart that lists the key personnel dedicated to this project and

provide resumes of the key personnel. For Eligible Facilities or Transmission Projects that

are not yet in-service, key personnel of the bidder’s development team having substantial

project management responsibilities must have:

i. Successfully developed and/or operated one or more projects of similar size or

complexity or requiring similar skill sets; AND

ii. For a project that includes new facilities or capital investment, experience in

financing one or more projects of a similar size and complexity (or have the

financial means to finance the project on the bidder’s balance sheet).


49

Ameresco possesses the skills required to complete this project including licensed

professional engineers, North American Board of Certified Energy Practitioners

(NABCEP), certified solar PV installers, certified and licensed master electricians,

and certified energy managers.

Ameresco’s Solar PV Grid-Tie group is led by Jim Walker, P.E. and is comprised

of experienced, knowledgeable individuals who are responsible for the

development, execution and operation of our solar PV systems

Please see Appendix 10 for Ameresco's Solar PV Organizational Chart and the

resumes of the key management staff.

11.5 Provide a listing of all projects the project sponsor has successfully developed or that are

currently under construction. Provide the following information as part of the response:

i. Name of the project

ii. Location of the project

iii. Project type, size and technology

iv. Commercial operation date

v. Estimated and actual capacity factor of the project for the past three years

vi. Availability factor of the project for the past three years

vii. References, including the names and current addresses and telephone numbers of

individuals to contact for each reference.

Please see Appendix 11 for the requested reference project information.

11.6 With regard to the bidder’s project team, identify and describe the entity responsible for the

following, as applicable:

i. Construction Period Lender, if any

ii. Operating Period Lender and/or Tax Equity Provider, as applicable

iii. Financial Advisor

iv. Environmental Consultant

v. Facility Operator and Manager

vi. Owner’s Engineer

vii. EPC Contractor (if selected)

viii. Transmission Consultant

ix. Legal Counsel


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i. Construction Period Lender, if any

As discussed in sections 5.1 and 5.2(i), Ameresco will fund the construction period

with its own cash on hand, cash from operations and/or its $100M revolving

construction facility with the Bank of America.

ii. Operating Period Lender and/or Tax Equity Provider, as applicable

As discussed in section 5.2 (iii), Ameresco will confirm the specific parties that will

finance the operating period for this proposed project after a competitive

solicitation. As stated above, on the

18.6MW Fort Detrick project was a

iii. Financial Advisor

Ameresco has an in-house team of finance professionals in its structured finance

group, and will not require the assistance of a financial advisor.

iv. Environmental & Civil Design and Permitting - AMEC Foster Wheeler

AMEC Foster Wheeler is a regional leader in engineering and environmental

consulting, with the expertise to speed permit approvals through various federal,

state and local agencies. AMEC’s team offers a breadth of disciplines, along with

decades of permitting, planning, design, and construction experience for a wide

variety of projects, to develop and execute environmental solutions that meet the

changing environmental regulations. Globally, the company employs over 27,000

people with GBP 4 billion in annual revenue.

Ameresco teamed with AMEC to provide environmental engineering services at

our Bethel, CT, Sudbury, Braintree, Pittsfield, Weston, Acton, and Lowell, MA

landfill solar PV sites. We are also currently working with AMEC on the design

and development of the Lenox, Hampden, and Stockbridge landfill solar PV sites,

and the West Newbury ground mount site in Massachusetts, totaling 10 MW.

Given Ameresco’s successful and continued work with AMEC on those and other

projects, Ameresco continues to choose them as our primary consultant for

ground mount and landfill solar PV projects. Services provided by AMEC on the

solar development on these sites include (as needed):


51

• Investigation: Pre-design investigations – including site

investigation/assessment, wetland investigation/delineation, and utility assessment

• Engineering: a) Civil/environmental engineering – including storm-water

analysis and design, erosion and sediment control plans, access road design, site

layout, and site grading to optimize solar array layout; b) Geotechnical

engineering – including bearing capacity analysis, settlement analysis, slope

stability analysis, sliding and stability analysis of equipment on the landfill surface

and foundation design; c) Structural engineering – including concrete pad design

for electrical equipment installation on landfills and structural analysis of

racking/foundation interface.

• Land surveying: Land surveying – including topographic and boundary

surveys, route and right-of-way surveys, surveys for construction layout, and as-

built surveys.

• Permitting:

a) Connecticut State Historic Preservation Office

b) Connecticut DEEP- Natural Diversity Database, NOI and Storm-water

Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) preparation for coverage under EPA’s

National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) General Permit for

storm-water related to construction activities.

c) Connecticut Siting Council- Petition for Declaratory Ruling or Certificate of

Environmental Compatibility and Public Need

d) Connecticut Inland Wetlands Permit (local)

• Construction Inspections/ Oversight: a) Request for Information (RFI) and

submittal review of information provided by the contractor during the

construction phase; b) Quantity takeoffs of material placed/installed during

construction; c) Cast-in-place concrete testing (rebar inspection, slump test, air

entrainment monitoring)

v. Facility Operator and Manager

Ameresco’s operations group will have responsibility for operations management

of the project. Our operations group for all eastern US projects is headquartered


52

in our Framingham, MA and Portland, ME offices. This group is responsible for

the operation of solar and other renewable energy projects across the Northeast.

vi. Owner’s Engineer

Ameresco, with its financial partners, will be the owner of the project and will

provide its own engineering services.

vii. EPC Contractor

Ameresco, as the developer, designer, and EPC contractor for the projects, has

single-source responsibility for all the installation and site preparation work. We

subcontract with experienced electrical and civil contractors who bring the

appropriate level of expertise and project specific experience to ensure high

quality installation and a trouble free installation process. Ameresco intends to

contract with Miller Brothers, Inc. for the electrical installation and civil work of

the system.

viii. Transmission and Medium Voltage Consultant: CEG Consulting

Since 1994, Consulting Engineering Group (CEG) has been designing utility

substations, distribution & transmission systems (up to 345kV), preparing

contract documents, procurement specifications, planning studies, analytical

studies, construction standards, and reviewing new and existing electrical

equipment. CEG provides engineering and consulting services for the installation,

upgrades and retrofits of medium and high voltage electrical equipment,

substations, distribution systems and transmission interconnects.

CEG’s team of Registered Professional Engineers, designers, technicians and

support staff have extensive knowledge and experience with electrical utilities’

procedures and policies for medium voltage equipment design. CEG works closely

with Ameresco and the utilities to speed interconnection approvals.

ix. Legal Counsel

Ameresco’s internal legal team has extensive experience providing legal services

for our renewable energy projects across the Northeast and the US. For this

project we will rely on our internal legal resources.

11.7 Provide details of the bidder’s experience in ISO-NE markets. With regard to bidder’s

experience with ISO-NE markets, please indicate the entity that will assume the duties of


53

Lead Market Participant for your Project. Please provide a summary of the proposed Lead

Market Participant’s experience with each of the ISO-NE markets.

Ameresco has been a member of ISO NE, with two memberships, since 2009. We

are a lead market participant in the forward capacity market for assets that we

own. In addition we work with generation assets owned by other companies on a

consulting basis.

We also participate in the monthly demand response working group meetings and

the markets committee meetings in order to maintain up to date knowledge and

changes in all of the markets.


54

SECTION 12 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – EMISSIONS

12.1 For existing generation facilities, provide emissions estimates based on available

continuous emissions monitoring data. Where continuous emissions monitoring data is not

available, provide emissions estimates based on the most recent stack emissions test

conducted using an EPA reference method approved by the applicable permitting and

enforcement authority. Where continuous emissions data or actual stack emissions test

data are not available, provide emissions estimates based on emissions factors from the

latest edition of EPA’s AP-42, Compilation of Air Pollutant Emissions Factors.

For new generation facilities, provide emissions estimates based on available data from the

unit manufacturer. Alternatively, provide actual emissions data determined in accordance

with the paragraph above for a similar facility built within the past 3 years. Include copies

of supporting documentation for all emissions estimates.

Project Anticipated Emissions, expressed in pounds/megawatt-hour (lbs/MWh)

Source of

Information

Date of Test

(if

applicable)

Greenhouse

Gases

(all except

methane)

Expressed as

Carbon Dioxide

equivalent

(CO2e)

Nitrogen

Oxides

(NOx)

Sulfur

Oxides

(SOx)

Carbon

Monoxide

(CO)

Particulate

Matter

(PM 2.5)

Methane

(CH4)

12.2 Describe any past investments that will, or have been made to your facility to improve its

emissions profile or any planned future investments made to your facility in order to

improve its emissions profile. Pollutant specific emissions improving technologies include,

but are not limited to:

• NOx – Selective/Non-Selective Catalytic Reduction

• SOx – wet/dry scrubbers

• PM – fabric filter/bag house, electrostatic precipitator, cyclone separator

• CO – oxidation catalyst

Investments that improve overall emissions include, but are not limited to:

• equipment tune-ups (improves combustion efficiency and emissions)

• boiler tube replacements (improves heat transfer efficiency and reduces fuel use)


55

• other efficiency improvements (e.g., installing a heat exchanger to use waste heat

to pre-heat feed water to the boiler)

Include control equipment specifications, date(s) of installation, expected life of equipment,

benefits gained from the addition of such equipment, etc.

Not applicable

12.3 Describe how your project will contribute to (i) Connecticut’s goals under Connecticut

Public Act 08-98, An Act Concerning Connecticut Global Warming Solutions (2008),

codified in Section 22a-200a of the Connecticut General Statutes; (ii) the Massachusetts

2008 Global Warming Solutions Act (GWSA) and the 2010 Clean Energy and Climate

Plan for 2020. Describe how your project will contribute both to the short term 2020 goal,

and longer term 2050 goal found in these laws. And (iii) Rhode Island’s purposes under

Chapter 39-31

As a clean, renewable generation source, the proposed solar PV system will

provide locally generated clean power for CT with no emissions. Based on

modeled projections of system output, and use of US EPA's carbon emissions

offset calculator, the clean power generated annually by the proposed system can

offset 22,712 metric tons of CO2 emissions.


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SECTION 13 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – CONTRIBUTION TO EMPLOYMENT AND

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT AND OTHER DIRECT AND INDIRECT BENEFITS

13.1 Please provide an estimate of the number of jobs to be created directly during project

development and construction (for a project that includes new facilities or capital

investment), and during operations, and a general description of the types of jobs created,

estimated annual compensation, the employer(s) for such jobs, and the location. Please

treat the development, construction, and operation periods separately in your response.

Ameresco conduced an economic development study using NREL's Jobs &

Economic Development Impact Model (JEDI) tool. The model projects the

following job creation:

1. Construction: 259 jobs

2. Operation: 38 jobs

Please see Appendix 12 for results of the JEDI study.

13.2 Please provide the same information as provided in response to question 13.1 above but

with respect to jobs that would be indirectly created as a result of the proposed project.

Please see Appendix 12 for the results of the JEDI study, included are indirect

jobs. Examples of indirect jobs include:

1. Professional Services

2. Surveying and Topographical Surveyors

4. Utility line workers

5. Landscape Professionals

13.3 Please describe any other economic development impacts (either positive or negative) that

could result from the proposed project, such as creating property tax revenues or

purchasing capital equipment, materials or services for New England businesses. Please

provide the location(s) where these economic development benefits are expected to occur.


57

The project provides real benefit to the Town of New Milford, Connecticut in the

form of annual tax payments. The annual property tax payment to the Town is

under negoatioation. Negotiations will establish a structured tax agreement for

the full term of the project, tax payments to the Town may exceeed $250,000

annually.

13.4 To the extent not already specified elsewhere in your response, please address the factors

listed in Section 2.3.2.1 and describe any benefits or impacts associated with the proposed

project.

Not Applicable


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SECTION 14 OF APPENDIX B TO THE RFP – ADDITIONAL INFORMATION REQUIRED

FOR TRANSMISSION PROJECTS

Bids that include Transmission Projects must also provide the following information.

14.1 The following information regarding the proposed new Transmission Project:

i. Overall project description:

Not applicable

ii. The operating voltage of the proposed project: kV:

iii. The type of structures (such as steel towers or poles) that would be used for the

proposed project:

Not applicable

iv. The length of the proposed

transmission line and the type(s) of

terrain and land ownership of the

proposed ROW:

Overhead miles:

Underground/

Underwater miles:

Terrain:

Not applicable

v. The substation facilities (number of circuit breakers, transformers, etc.) required

at each terminal of the proposed project and information as to how the new

facilities would interconnect to any existing facilities.

Not applicable

vi. The estimated costs of the proposed project broken out into separate categories

for transmission facilities and substation facilities in nominal year dollars.

Transmission: Substation: Year dollars:

vii. Provide a proposed schedule for project development through release for

operation that includes, as a minimum, key critical path items such as:

a. Develop contracts for project work:

Not applicable


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b. Permitting; R/W and land acquisition:

Not applicable

c. Engineering and design:

Not applicable

d. Material and equipment procurement:

Not applicable

e. Facility construction:

Not applicablee

f. Agreements (interconnection, operating, scheduling, etc.) with other entities:

Not applicablee

g. Pre-operations testing:

Not applicable

h. Project in-service date:

i. Other items identified by the bidder:

Not applicable

14.2 The proposed payment required.

i. If the proposed payment may change during the contract term, then the Eligible

Bidder must also provide the method that transmission owner shall use to

determine the payment for the Transmission Project under the transmission Rate

Schedule or Tariff and Service Agreement to be filed with FERC. If the proposed

payment is a formula rate, the Eligible Bidder must also provide the formula and

its proposed inputs that the transmission owner will file with FERC.

Not applicable


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ii. If the proposed payment is based on the Transmission Project’s cost of service

and may change during the contract term based on changes in the cost of service,

a full revenue requirements model submitted as a working Excel spreadsheet with

the formulas intact. All assumptions must be detailed as follows:

a. Provide the capital cost estimate presented as a buildup of costs by category,

such as environmental, engineering, civil works, materials, equipment,

construction, construction management, physical and price contingencies,

allowance for funds used during construction (AFUDC), and all other

categories for which recovery under FERC would be sought. These

categories are illustrative; aggregate costs into the categories most relevant

to the development of the proposed project. All costs should be provided in

nominal dollars.

Not applicable

b. For projects with transmission and substation components, separate the costs

into two rows (e.g. use one row for substation construction and a second for

transmission construction). Describe the detailed financial plan on a

monthly basis during the construction period, e.g., for 3 years or as long as

necessary. The plan should present the costs and financial outlays in each

month of the construction period, and the corresponding sources of

financing (equity contribution and debt drawdown). Data should include an

estimate of the cost of both physical and price contingencies during the

construction period. The financing plan should indicate the ability to finance

the construction of the proposed project under base case and contingency

scenarios.

Not applicable

c. Describe the proposed financing sources and instruments:

i. Sources of funds for construction and working capital - include name

of entity providing debt financing, loan amounts, interest rates,

repayment period, grace period during construction; and equity

provided by project sponsor:

Not applicable

ii. Sources of funds for unexpected repairs or replacement construction

during the operating period, e.g., replacement of tower. Note: the

operating period is the applicant’s estimate of the useful life or

accounting life of the transmission project element(s):

Not applicable


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d. Provide the annual revenue requirement forecasts for the project - including

assumptions. Provide a draft version of the revenue requirement calculation

in a format that is similar to what would be included in the Rate Schedule or

Tariff and Service Agreement application to FERC, indicating the forecast

revenue requirement amounts and all assumptions used in the calculations.

This should include but not be limited to the assumptions regarding rate of

return, depreciation life, split between debt and capital, AFUDC and

weighted cost of capital, and a detailed estimate of the anticipated average

annual operating and maintenance cost:

Not applicable

iii. If the pricing proposed is based on cost of service, detailed cost

containment commitments such as fixed price components, cost

overrun restrictions, or other cost bandwidth provisions that are

proposed to limit ratepayer risk must be clearly defined:

Not applicable

14.3 The schedule of the payments defined in 14.2 above including when the payments will

commence, how often payments will be required and the length of time over which

payments will be required. In no event may payments commence before the Transmission

Project is placed in service.

Not applicable

14.4 The design life of the project:

Not applicable

14.5 If the bidder is proposing the use of a Performance-Based Tariff in connection with the

Delivery commitment model, the bidder is required to state the proposal for liquidated

damages to compensate the buyer and to keep it financially whole for non-Delivery.

Not applicable

14.6 If the bidder is proposing the use of a Performance-Based Tariff in connection with the

Delivery commitment model, the bidder is required to provide details of the source and

reliability of the Qualified Clean Energy supply along with the rights and ownership of that

energy.

Not applicable


62

14.7 A description of the reliability benefits of the proposed Transmission Project and its impact

on existing transmission constraints:

Not applicable

14.8 For the Delivery commitment model, please describe the process for the transfer of the

environmental attributes associated with the Qualified Clean Energy Delivery

Commitment.

Not applicable

Date post:	20-May-2020
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NEW ENGLAND CLEAN ENERGY REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL APPLICATION...

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