1. Choosing the Right Project

2. 5 Operations & Maintenance1
Potential 2
Options 3
Refinement 4
Implementation

3. Step Zero: Make a Plan
Purpose: Determine whether basic elements for a successful project are in place
Tasks:
Consider current reality and local resources
Consider hurdles/challenges to energy projects
Sets key criteria by which to choose projects
Clarifies key performance indicators
Documents the game plan for short- and long-term success

4. Reduce tribal office energy use by 15%
Example Goals
Reduce tribal office energy use by 15%
Reduce average household energy costs by 20%
Increase energy independence and resilience
Create jobs and training for young people
Create income for the local community

5. Example Criteria Project payback period is less than 5 years
At least two part time local jobs are created
At least one community member receives technical training
Project can be completed by the community with little to no outside help needed
Energy generation projects use local energy resources
Project can be implemented within one building season

6. Step 1: Understanding Needs and Resources
Purpose: Determine whether basic elements for a successful project are in place
Tasks:
Assess the energy load/demand using past electric bills, PCE reports, power house data, and fuel logs
Where can efficiency be improved?
Identify possible sites for project locations
Confirm energy resources

7. Assess Energy Needs Document the community baseline:
Determine energy use including government, residential, school, commercial
Use available tools:
Energy audits
PCE reporting documents
Powerhouse data
Photo by Alex Dane, NREL 22724

8. Rampart Energy Baseline

9. Resource Assessment https://maps.nrel.gov/tribal-energy-atlas/
Maps.nrel.gov/tribal-energy-atlas

10. What skills are already present in the community?
Community Assessment
What skills are already present in the community?
Utility clerks
Power plant operators
Laborers
Tribal administrators
What skills are needed for possible projects?
Electricians?
Energy efficiency technicians?
Operations and maintenance for new projects?

11. 5 Operations & Maintenance2
Options
Slide 11
Now lets move on to step 2 in the process: project options!
5 Operations & Maintenance 1
Potential 2
Design 3
Refinement 4
Implementation

12. Step 2: Options Analysis
Purpose: Determine which option is best for your community Tasks:
Determine the lifecycle costs of project options
Fuel
Operations and Maintenance
Determine the lifecycle benefits of project options
Jobs
Offset fuel costs
Stable energy costs
Identify permitting needs and site use considerations (if any)
Identify integration procedures with the power plant
Utilize goals and criteria to weigh each potential project

13. Alternative Generation
Hierarchy of Needs
Alternative Generation
Energy Efficiency
Energy System
Safety & Stability

14. Lifecycle Costs: Tools for Analysis
Identify and evaluate policies and options

15. Lifecycle Costs: Tools for Analysis
Great use of Technical Assistance!
Identify and evaluate policies and options

16. Priorities and Decisions: Identify Financing Options
Tribal funding (energy.gov/indianenergy/fedprograms)
DOE Technical Assistance (TA) Program
Other federal agency TA and grant programs
State programs
Non-governmental organizations (NGOs)
Photo by Alex Dane, NREL

17. Best Projects
Meet community energy goals and needs
Best match community project criteria
Are financeable / can access funding
Have champions in the community

18. Sherry Stout
Questions?