Apply to the IES Program

Phase 2 Evaluation Criteria

All eligible IES projects will receive a Phase 2 application on May 1, 2023. Phase 2 applications will be evaluated through the following criteria and IAC feedback:

Innovation Potential — The project must involve testing a new product, program, tariff, service, or business model that is not widely used in Connecticut and is conductive to scaling, replication, or serving as a potential model for others to adopt or deploy.

Project Implementation Tracking Plan — The project must have an Implementation Tracking Plan that is: (1) Reasonably achievable; (2) Outlines performance metrics; (3) Explicitly states a cadence for data collection; (4) Plots a timeline with execution stages and milestones, tied to cost recovery; and (5) itemizes the frequency and content of periodic progress reporting.

Project Benefits — The project should provide measurable and sustainable benefits for the following Connecticut-based perspectives: (1) Societal/Community; (2) Customer; (3) EDC/Grid.

Focus on Underserved Communities — The project must provide measurable benefits for Connecticut’s underserved communities through the following perspectives: (1) Percentage of participants served that are in identified underserved communities; and (2) Providing energy and non-energy benefits to underserved communities.

Advances Decarbonization — The project must provide measurable and sustainable benefits to support Connecticut’s goals to decarbonize its electric grid by delivering zero-carbon energy to customers by 2040 and reducing greenhouse gas emissions.

Woman and/or Minority-owned Business — Has the project submitted a Connecticut or Federal Certification as a Woman and/or Minority-owned business? Note: This criteria is not a requirement and will not be reflected in the Phase 4 cost-benefit analysis, but is considered a benefit in the Phase 2 selection process.

Cycle 1 Theme Alignment — Does the project fit within the Cycle 1 priority theme of Demand-side Flexibility? Note: This criteria is not a requirement and will not be reflected in the Phase 4 cost-benefit analysis, but is considered a benefit in the Phase 2 selection process.

Pathways to Participate

Who Can Apply

Both Connecticut-based and out-of-state innovators (who become licensed to do business in Connecticut within 30 days of being selected to apply to Phase 2 of the Program) can apply, so long as they fulfill the eligibility criteria. Eligibility for consideration in Phase 2 requires that any project applying to the IES Program: 

• does not present an inappropriate competitive advantage to the EDCs  
• does not unreasonably increase net costs to non-participating electricity customers 
• advances statewide decarbonization goals

There is no limit to the number of projects that can be submitted to the IES Program, and each project application will be evaluated according to the Eligibility and Project Selection criteria.

Prospective applicants can attend or watch recordings of information sessions to learn more.

IES Cycle 1 Priority Theme: Demand-side Flexibility

Innovative Cycle 1 projects should ideally fit within the priority theme of Demand-side Flexibility. Demand-side Flexibility can be defined as the ability to shift or reduce electricity demand or consumption from a device’s normal electricity profile. This includes solutions that will help maximize the grid and end use flexibility (i.e. load control and optimization) to balance the electric system. Projects that fit within this theme will be given the most consideration.

The priority theme for Cycle 1 of the IES Program is Demand-side Flexibility, which may include: 

Other innovation opportunities for Cycle 1 of the IES Program include the priorities identified in Connecticut’s Equitable Modern Grid Framework:

• Energy Affordability 
• Advance metering infrastructure 
• Electric Storage 
• Zero Emission Vehicles 
• Interconnection Standards and Practices 
• Non-wire alternatives 
• Resiliency and Reliability Standards and Programs 
• Distributed Energy Resources Analysis and Program Reviews 
• Building Blocks of Resource Adequacy and Clean Electric Supply 
• New rate designs 

Project Selection Criteria

Relevance: The project must relate to electricity service delivery in Connecticut. 

Innovation: Projects must test a product, service, or business model that is not widely used in the Connecticut utility market.  Projects should be able to scale or serve as a model for future adoption.  

Readiness: The applicant must demonstrate their preparation and readiness for testing their product or service in a live environment. Testing plans must be well-developed and have clear objectives and measures. The tools and resources required to enable pilot testing must be in place at the time of application. 

Economic Benefit: Projects should have a positive impact on the Connecticut economy and ultimately reduce costs for Connecticut electricity customers. 

Cost-Effectiveness: Projects must identify expected costs and benefits to customers, EDCs, and non-participant utility customers. 

Programmatic or Market Gaps: Applicants will be expected to demonstrate how their project addresses one or more gaps in the market and provides clear additionality over existing EDC investments. 

Equity: Participants will be required to develop a credible action plan for prioritizing underserved communities within project implementation. The IES program will require proposals to prioritize hiring and working with vendors from underserved communities wherever possible.