CDI-2008 Frequently asked Questions about the September 1, 2008 Program Changes

1. Does the program end August 31, 2008?

The program will end March 31, 2011. However the Terms and Conditions of the program have been redesigned with the new Terms and Conditions coming into effect September 1, 2008.

Applications received by NRCan after September 1, 2008 will be evaluated against the new Terms and Conditions.

Applications received by NRCan before August 31, 2008 will be evaluated against the previous Terms and Conditions.

2. My contribution agreement was signed before August 31, 2008. Which Payment Request form should I use?

If your contribution agreement was signed before August 31, 2008 you must use the suite of documents that are based on the Terms and Conditions for that period. Those documents include the Payment Request Form. You must also supply a Commissioning Report. For solar air systems, you must also submit the collector warranty from your manufacturer.

If your contribution agreement was signed after Sept. 1, 2008 you must use the suite of documents that are based on the Terms and Conditions for that period. These documents include the Payment Request form (Solar Air; Solar Water) and the Commissioning Report template. For solar air systems, you must also submit the collector warranty from your manufacturer.

As of September 1, 2008 program documents are identified by CDI-2008.

3. I’d like to do another project. Will I be eligible?

If your business has already completed projects under this program you may still be eligible if the project you intend to install meets eligibility criteria and if you haven’t already reached the $2 million limit over the life of the program.

You must use the technology-specific application form identified with CDI-2008.

4. What are the major changes to the program? Is it just the forms that have changed?

The most significant program change is the level and basis of payment as to how NRCan will contribute to your project. Whereas under the old Terms and Conditions the program paid on a percentage of the project cost, the program now pays solely based on the collector area, its performance factors, and the incentive rate attributed to the technology you intend to use.

Other program changes are explained in the Changes to the ecoENERGY for Renewable Heat effective September, 2008 and March, 2009.  You should also familiarize yourself with the new Terms and Conditions for the program.

5. Where can I find the Performance Factor and Incentive Rate?

These numbers are predetermined and provided by NRCan. Once you have determined the type of technology you intend to use, select the appropriate collector rate from the Incentive Rate chart and include it in your formula. Then identify the collector model you would like to install and find its Performance Factor and Collector Area.

The performance factor attributed to the collector that you have indicated on your application will be valid as of date of reception of the application by NRCan.

With the Performance Factor, the Incentive Rate and the Collector Area (m²) you can now complete the formula.

6. If NRCan will determine its contribution based only on the formula, why do I need to include all my budget items on the application? Do I have to send receipts once the project gets going?

We ask you to detail your complete budget so that we may determine the entire cost of the project. We ask that you identify all of your funding for this project and if the project exceeds $100,000 that you also identify in-kind funding. In cases where you have received or intend to receive funding from other government sources, this funding must be identified. This is one mechanism for NRCan to exercise due diligence.

You do not have to send us your receipts but it is mandatory that you retain your files for a period of 5 years, in the event that we perform an audit.