Engineering Assistance

The Energy & Design Assistance (EDA) program is for new construction or major renovation projects targeting 5,000 square feet or larger. EDA is a comprehensive approach to energy savings modeling above and beyond code requirements. A third-party engineering firm models energy savings based on specked building equipment and materials. A pre-construction design meeting and final report are required.

Members must obtain pre-approval qualification to participate. Members interested in participating should be approved for the program before breaking ground. An engineering fee is paid by the cooperative to the third-party engineering firm to render the services free to the member. Energy savings above and beyond energy code are then rebated using the custom conservation rebate application. Alternatively, the end-use member may provide a third-party energy model from their contracted design firm.

Willdan has become an industry leader in EDA utility programs with support from the Minnesota Department of Commerce, Division of Energy Resources on their MNeeo energy model. Their services include vetting projects with energy and demand savings opportunities, as well as organizing energy design meetings with the developer and utility to review and maximize energy efficient design. Based on discussions with the developer, Willdan models, verifies implementation, and provides a report of findings which includes a detailed breakdown of total energy and demand savings based on design choices and implementation. Willdan can also help coordinate program cost share and rebate incentives with members’ gas company (specifically, but not limited to, Xcel Energy and CenterPoint Energy).

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