Energizing Rural Communities Prize - Reviewer Training & Information Guide

Welcome & Introduction

• Presenter: Lance Holly (Prize Administrator from American Made Program, NREL)
• Other Contributors: Michael (Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations), Rory (Finance Lead from INR)

Key Items for Reviewers

• Training Recording: Will be sent to all reviewers.
• Prize Email: Listed on the left side for communications and queries — essential to note.
• HeroX Website: Platform for submissions and scoring. Watch for an email invite from [email protected].
• Prize Rules Direct Link: Especially relevant sections from 5.2 on page 19.

Agenda

1. Overview of Prize (Background and Goals)
2. Phase Two of Finance Track (Specific Details)
3. Submission Requirements and Scoring
4. Navigation of HeroX Platform
5. Reviewer Expectations
6. Q&A Session

Overview of Prize

• Part of American Made Program funded by DOE. Managed by NREL.
• 80+ prizes managed by American Made.
• Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) is keen on an inclusive and equitable transition to a decarbonized energy system with private partnerships.
• Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas program (ERRA) aims to improve energy resilience in the U.S.
• Key Challenges: Developing Partnerships & Securing Financing.
• Justice40 Initiative: 40% of benefits to disadvantaged communities.

Prize Specifics

• $15 million competition. Focuses on developing partnership plans or innovative financing strategies for clean energy projects.
• Definition: Rural or remote areas with populations ≤ 10,000 inhabitants.
• Two Tracks: Partner Track, Finance Track
• Two Phases: End of Phase Two currently. Phase One had 55 Partner Teams and 12 Finance Teams selected as winners.
• Phase Two Outcomes: Up to 30 teams awarded $200,000 each.
• Finance Track: Focus on reducing barriers in financing for clean energy projects in rural or remote communities.
• Key Goals: Demonstrable innovative financial mechanisms, preparation for securing future funding, confidence-building within communities aligning with Justice40 priorities.

Submission Requirements & Scoring

• Primary Beneficiary: Community Location, Cover Page, Summary Slide (Non-scored items).
• Scored Items: Recorded Presentation, Project Packet.
• Scoring Breakdown: Total of 95 points.
  • Presentation: Five statements, 25 points total.
  • Project Packet: Three criteria, 11 statements, 55 points total.
  • Reviewer Recommendation: Single statement, 0 or 15 points.

Scoring Criteria

• Presentation Scoring: Five Statements. Each scored 0 to 5.
• Project Packet Scoring: Three Criteria.
  • Criterion #1: Activities (Example content provided).
  • Criterion #2: Outcomes, Impacts, Success Metrics.
  • Criterion #3: Future Funding Strategy.
• Reviewer Recommendation: Overall assessment, 0 or 15 points.

Navigation of HeroX Platform

• Invitation Email: Accept invite, NDA acceptance, see submissions.
• Submission Details: Title, Team, Location, Components (Cover Page, Video, etc.).
• Scoring: Slider for scores, single comment box for feedback, submit button.
• Changes Revisions: Can revise scores/comments until the review deadline.

Reviewer Expectations

• Role: Provide score & feedback; essential for DOE's final selection.
• Maintain Confidentiality & Sign NDA. Obligation to keep review process information private.
• Bias and Assumptions: Avoid preconceived notions, external research, and discussions with others.
• Specific Comments: Provide detailed, professional feedback corresponding to scores.
• Review Timeline:
  • Training: Concludes today.
  • Submission Deadline: July 12.
  • Review Period: July 17-29.
  • Winner Announcement: End of August.

Contact Information

• Email for Queries: [email protected] (For questions and support).
• Follow-up: Training materials, slides, reminders via team communication.

Thank You

• Acknowledgments: Reviewer involvement is crucial to supporting rural and remote communities for energy projects.