Xcel Energy’s Energy Design Assistance Program (EDA) incentivizes developers & building owners to design and construct buildings that are more efficient through financial incentives. The program offers a comprehensive approach through energy consulting and energy modeling to predict energy use and analyze the cost savings potential of various energy efficiency strategies. Group14 Engineering has been working with Xcel Energy on the EDA program as a qualified provider since 2008. Our firm has helped over 350 buildings earn millions of dollars in incentives. With Xcel Energy increasing the incentives for the EDA program, we are excited to continue to provide energy consulting while helping building owners achieve higher incentives and increase energy savings.
New Incentive!
For 2017, Xcel Energy has increased their incentive for the Energy Design Assistance Program (EDA) resulting in increased financial incentives for the building owner or developer. The incentive calculation is based on energy savings gained from implementing systems and equipment that perform above code requirements. Xcel Energy increased the incentive for peak demand reduction from $400/kW to $450/kw. That is a 12.5% increase over 2016 – which means more money for your project. The incentive for electricity use ($0.04/kWh) and natural gas ($4/dekatherm) have remained the same.
2015 IECC Adoption
Xcel Energy increased the incentive for the Energy Design Assistance Program due to Denver (and several other jurisdictions in Colorado) adopting the 2015 International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). Xcel Energy’s EDA program compares energy use of the proposed improved design to the local code energy use. In jurisdictions that have adopted the 2015 IECC, the baseline for the program changed from the 2009 IECC, thus reducing the amount of energy savings new building designs are achieving as the 2015 IECC baseline code is more efficient. To continue to incentivize energy efficiency in new construction, EDA increased the incentive for peak demand reduction. Projects that participate in Xcel Energy’s EDA program will also receive assistance from Group14 Engineering in meeting the new requirements of the 2015 IECC. Group14 Engineering helps projects achieve energy code compliance utilizing the Total Building Performance method in the 2015 IECC (Section C407). We have worked on projects in the City of Denver and other jurisdictions in the Denver Metro Area that have adopted the 2015 IECC as the energy code.
Xcel Energy EDA Program Eligibility
The Xcel EDA Program is available for all new construction and major renovation commercial and multifamily projects over 20,000 square feet located in Xcel Energy territory. Projects with aggressive energy goals of over 30% peak electricity demand savings may receive enhanced services to help cover the cost of daylighting modeling, early HVAC analysis, and / or LEED energy submittal documentation. Xcel Energy’s territory includes Denver, Jefferson, Boulder, Adams, Arapahoe, Weld and Douglas Counties. A complete list of the communities Xcel Energy serves in Colorado can be found here. If you are interested in participating please contact Group14 Engineering at info@group14eng.com or visit our EDA page: https://www.group14eng.com/services/energy-efficiency/
