Frequently Asked Questions

I submitted my application before the new CEPP Version 2.2 rules were posted and my application has not been reviewed yet. Is my application subject to the new rules?

No. Applications submitted prior to October 18, 2013 will remain subject to version 2.1 of the CEPP Rules. Applications submitted on or after October 18, 2013 are subject to version 2.2 of the CEPP Rules.

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What kinds of costs will be eligible for funding under the Community Energy Partnerships Program (CEPP) Project Development Grants?

Under the Pre-FIT Organizational Development stream, assistance for 80 percent of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $40,000 may be provided for legal costs associated with developing an offering statement for the purposes of developing a co-op. For more details, see the CEPP Rules.

Applicants are eligible for 50 perecent of actual project costs up to a maximum of $100,000 per application for Small Projects with a FIT Contract (between 10 kilowatts and up to and including 500 kilowatts in size). An Applicant with a Project greater than 500 kilowatts in size with a FIT Contract that was signed on or before December 13, 2012, may be eligible for up to $500,000.00 per Project, less any previous CEPP funding received for the project. Eligible activities can include resource assessments, legal services, engineering and design studies, and required regulatory approvals, among others.

Please see the CEPP rules for more information about eligible costs.

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How much can we receive?

Funding is divided into two streams; Pre-FIT Organizational Development and Development & Approvals for the following amounts:

· Pre-FIT Organizational Development stream: 80 percent of actual costs up to a maximum of $20,000 if the applicant is pursuing a single project, a maximum of $30,000 if the applicant is pursuing two projects and a maximum of $40,000 if the applicant is pursuing three or more projects.

· Development and Approvals stream: 50 percent of actual project costs up to a maximum of $100,000 per application for Small Projects with a FIT Contract (between 10 kilowatts and up to and including 500 kilowatts in size). An Applicant with a project greater than 500 kilowatts in size with a FIT Contract that was signed on or before December 13, 2012, may be eligible for up to $500,000.00 per Project, less any previous CEPP funding received for the project.

Please see the CEPP Rules for more information about funding levels for each stream.

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What is eligible for funding under the Pre-FIT Organizational Development stream?

Under the organizational development stream, assistance of for 80 percent of eligible project costs up to a maximum of $20,000 for a single project, a maximum of $30,000 for two projects and a maximum of $40,000 for three or more projects. Eligible costs include legal costs associated with developing an offering statement for the purposes of developing a co-op. For more details, see the CEPP Rules.

Please see the CEPP Rules at communityenergyprogram.ca for more details about eligible funding expenses.

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What is eligible for funding under the Development & Approvals stream?

Under the development and approvals stream, 50 percent of actual project costs up to a maximum of $100,000 per application for Small Projects with a FIT Contract (between 10 kilowatts and up to and including 500 kilowatts in size). An Applicant with a project greater than 500 kilowatts in size with a FIT Contract that was signed on or before December 13, 2012, may be eligible for up to $500,000.00 per Project, less any previous CEPP funding received for the project. Eligible activities can include resource assessments, legal services, engineering and design studies, and required regulatory approvals, among others.

Please see the CEPP Rules at communityenergyprogram.ca for more details about eligible funding expenses.

How do I know if we are eligible for the CEPP?

Funding under the CEPP and entry into a funding agreement is available to a community in the province of Ontario that is a “co-operative corporation,” as defined in the Co-operative Corporations Act (Ontario), all of whose members are resident in Ontario.

Eligible applicants may also enter into joint ventures with partners who do meet not meet the CEPP definition of community. CEPP will only provide funding for the eligible partner's share of project costs.

Please see the CEPP Rules for more information about eligibility.

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What types of projects are eligible for funding?

Co-ops that are developing or partnering in a renewable energy project greater than 10 kilowatts in size may be eligible to apply. Eligible renewable energy technologies include solar photovoltaic, waterpower, bioenergy and wind power projects. The fund supports projects that have or intend to have a FIT contract. Please see the CEPP rules at communityenergyprogram.ca for more details.

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Is the application process competitive?

Applications to the Development & Approvals stream are accepted continuously, in a non-competitive manner. However, the CEPP program has a maximum of $500,000 per program year to allocate to Pre-FIT Organizational Development stream funding. This funding will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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How is the maximum funding of $500,000 for the Pre-FIT Organizational Development stream allocated?

The Organizational Development and Partnership Stream funding has a maximum funding amount of $500,000 per program year. The funding for Pre-FIT Organizational Development stream is allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

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If we applied for CEPP funding, can we also apply for other funds and grants?

Yes, projects are very costly and we recognize that CEPP funding will not cover all of the costs associated with project development. We encourage applicants to look for other sources of funding to cover additional costs. However, the CEPP will not fund activities that have already been fully covered by other funding sources.

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Is my co-op eligible for funding if we will be pursuing a power purchase agreement other than a FIT Contract?

The CEPP is a support program for the FIT Program. To be eligible for CEPP funding, the co-op must intend on applying to the FIT Program. If your co-op intends to enter into a power purchase agreement other than FIT, the co-op is not eligible for the CEPP.

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Are microFIT projects (10 kilowatts or less) eligible for CEPP?

No, the CEPP only provides support to projects that are greater than 10 kilowatts in size and that meet other eligibility criteria as outlined in the CEPP rules.

Does the CEPP cover costs associated with transmission and connections (i.e., studies and connection assessments)?

Connection Impact Assessments (CIAs) or other studies, assessments or costs associated with connecting your project to the electricity grid are not eligible for funding. The CEPP is also not intended for costs associated with developing, upgrading or expanding transmission and/or distribution lines.

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Who can I contact for more information about the CEPP?

For inquiries about the CEPP, including submitted applications to the Pre-FIT Organizational Development stream or Development and Approvals stream, please contact the CEPP Program or email at . You can also visit communityenergyprogram.ca for more information.

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