Specifications include, but are not limited to: The Commission is seeking proposals for expert consulting services from Bidders with strong and relevant experience in national best practices in financing mechanisms for beneficial electrification products and services. The awarded Bidder’s analysis shall provide a survey of national best practices on consumer financing models for beneficial electrification products and services, such as energy efficiency, home or business energy storage, electric vehicle charging equipment and other distributed energy products. The awarded Bidder’s analysis shall include a summary of the programs currently offered to Maine consumers, both publicly and privately funded. The awarded Bidder’s analysis shall identify opportunities and barriers for rural, islander, low-income, and under-resourced communities. The awarded Bidder’s analysis shall discuss how cost-effectiveness is determined as it relates to financing beneficial electrification products. The awarded Bidder’s analysis shall consider incremental opportunities and potential obstacles of implementing on-bill financing by standard offer service suppliers or competitive energy suppliers. The awarded Bidder’s analysis shall evaluate the advantages and disadvantages of each potential mechanism against those currently offered to Maine consumers. The awarded Bidder’s analysis shall review consumer protection provisions used by other jurisdictions that permit on-bill financing. The awarded Bidder’s analysis shall examine consumer education and product awareness strategies used in other jurisdictions. The analysis must be determined in accordance with the statutory requirements. The awarded Bidder is expected to provide: A report draft report to the Commission by February 28, 2024, and final report by March 31, 2024 to the Commission related to the items detailed in L.D. 1724 (items (2) through (9)). For purposes of the bid in this RFP, Bidders should provide cost information to provide the March 31, 2024, report.
