Customer Contribution
Assistance Grant
Your Utility Rebate Covered Most of the Cost. We’ll Help With the Rest.
The Customer Contribution Assistance Grant helps eligible applicants cover their remaining co-pay after approved energy-efficiency rebates have been applied.
Up to $10,000 in funding available.
How the Customer Contribution Assistance Grant (CCAG) Works
Many utility companies offer rebates for energy-efficiency upgrades, but customers are often still responsible for a portion of the project cost. This remaining amount is commonly referred to as the customer contribution or co-pay.
The Customer Contribution Assistance Grant (CCAG) was created to help eligible organizations overcome this final financial barrier.
After an energy-efficiency project is completed and an approved utility rebate has been applied, NAECE may provide funding to cover the customer’s remaining co-pay amount, up to $10,000. Applicants are required to contribute a minimum of $1 toward the project.
Example
Project Cost: $20,000
Utility Rebate: $13,000
Customer Co-Pay: $7,000
CCAG Funding: $6,999
Customer Contribution: $1
This approach allows more organizations to move forward with projects that reduce energy consumption, lower operating costs, and improve facility performance.
What Types of Projects Qualify?
The Customer Contribution Assistance Grant is intended to support energy-efficiency upgrades that have already qualified for an eligible utility rebate program.
Examples may include:
- Commercial indoor lighting retrofits
- Commercial outdoor lighting retrofits
- HVAC equipment upgrades
- Energy-efficient heating systems
- Energy-efficient ventilation systems
Eligibility depends on the underlying utility rebate program, project type, funding availability, and compliance with all program requirements.
Projects must generally have been completed within the previous 12 months and have received an approved utility rebate.
How Projects Are Evaluated
NAECE’s goal is to help organizations implement proven energy-efficiency improvements that reduce energy consumption and operating costs.
Applications are evaluated based on factors such as:
- Eligibility under the applicable utility rebate program
- Completion of the energy-efficiency project
- Verification of rebate approval
- Availability of grant funding
- Compliance with program requirements
NAECE may request supporting documentation, including invoices, rebate approvals, proof of installation, and proof of payment, to verify project eligibility.
Vendor Eligibility Requirements
To help protect grant recipients, products and services funded through the Customer Contribution Assistance Grant must be supplied by manufacturers, distributors, and contractors that meet NAECE participation requirements.
As part of our due diligence process, NAECE may verify factors such as business standing, insurance coverage, warranty policies, customer support procedures, and regulatory compliance.
Organizations that fail to meet these standards may be ineligible for participation in NAECE programs or inclusion within the NAECE vendor network.
These requirements help ensure that grant recipients receive products and services backed by organizations that maintain appropriate protections for consumers and project owners.
How Are Projects Selected?
The Customer Contribution Assistance Grant is designed to support completed energy-efficiency projects that have already qualified for an eligible rebate program.
Applications are reviewed to confirm project eligibility, verify supporting documentation, and ensure compliance with program requirements. Funding is awarded subject to available grant resources and program guidelines.
How Much Funding Is Available?
The Customer Contribution Assistance Grant may provide up to $10,000 in assistance toward an eligible customer contribution amount.
Actual grant awards depend on project costs, rebate amounts, available funding, and program requirements.
All approved applicants are required to contribute a minimum of $1 toward their project.
Who Is Eligible?
Applicants may qualify if:
- The project has received an approved utility rebate
- The project was completed within the past 12 months
- Supporting documentation can be provided
- Funding is still available
- All program requirements are met
What Documents Will I Need?
Applicants may be required to provide:
- Utility rebate approval documentation
- Project invoices
- Proof of installation
- Proof of payment
- Customer contact information
- Any additional information requested during review.
Funding Availability
- CCAG funding is limited and awarded subject to available program resources.
- Submission of an application does not guarantee approval or funding.
- To guarantee funds, please submit a pre-approval application.
Program Terms
- NAECE reserves the right to modify, suspend, or terminate the program at any time.
- Funding decisions are made at NAECE’s sole discretion and are subject to available funding and program requirements.
- Additional verification may be required before funding is approved.
Why Does NAECE Offer This Grant?
Utility rebates often cover a significant portion of an energy-efficiency project, but the remaining customer contribution can still prevent organizations from moving forward.
CCAG was created to eliminate this final barrier by helping eligible applicants cover their remaining contribution amount, allowing more energy-saving projects to be completed and delivering greater economic and environmental benefits across North America.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Customer Contribution Assistance Grant (CCAG)?
The Customer Contribution Assistance Grant (CCAG) is a NAECE program designed to help eligible applicants cover the remaining customer contribution required after approved energy-efficiency rebates have been applied.
How much funding can I receive?
Eligible applicants may receive up to $10,000 in grant funding. Actual award amounts depend on the customer’s remaining contribution, available funding, and program requirements.
Do I still need to contribute toward the project?
Yes. All approved applicants are required to contribute a minimum of $1 toward their project.
Is the CCAG a loan?
No. The CCAG is a grant program. Approved funding does not need to be repaid unless otherwise specified in a program agreement.
Who can apply?
Eligibility varies by project type and program requirements. Businesses, nonprofit organizations, schools, healthcare facilities, municipalities, and other eligible organizations may qualify.
What types of projects qualify?
The CCAG is intended to support eligible energy-efficiency projects that have received an approved utility rebate. Examples may include lighting upgrades, HVAC improvements, heating and cooling equipment upgrades, and other qualifying energy-efficiency measures.
Does my project need to receive a utility rebate first?
Yes. The CCAG is designed to assist with the remaining customer contribution after an approved utility rebate or qualifying incentive has been applied.
Can NAECE funding be combined with utility rebates and government incentives?
In many cases, yes. NAECE funding is independently sourced and is not administered through, derived from, or funded by utility rebate programs or government energy-efficiency rebate funds. Because CCAG funding originates from separate funding sources, it is intended to complement eligible rebate programs by helping cover the remaining customer contribution.
Is receiving CCAG funding considered double-dipping?
No. NAECE grants are funded independently and separately from utility, municipal, provincial, state, and federal rebate programs. The CCAG is specifically designed to help cover costs that remain after eligible rebates and incentives have already been applied.
How do I apply?
Applicants must submit a completed application along with all required supporting documentation. Applications are reviewed based on eligibility, funding availability, and compliance with program requirements.
What documentation will I need?
Applicants may be required to provide utility rebate approval documentation, project invoices, proof of installation, proof of payment, customer information, and any additional documentation requested during the review process.
How are applications evaluated?
Applications are evaluated based on project eligibility, supporting documentation, program compliance, available funding, and alignment with the objectives of the CCAG program.
How long does the review process take?
Review times vary depending on application volume and the completeness of submitted documentation. Applicants may be contacted if additional information is required.
Does submitting an application guarantee funding?
No. Submission of an application does not guarantee approval. Funding is awarded subject to eligibility requirements, program guidelines, and available funding.
Are funds limited?
Yes. CCAG funding is limited and may be fully allocated. Applicants are encouraged to apply as early as possible.
What happens if funding is exhausted?
Applications may be deferred, placed on a waiting list, or declined based on funding availability.
Can I submit more than one project?
Applicants may submit multiple projects, subject to program requirements and funding availability. Each project will be evaluated independently.
Will my information be kept confidential?
NAECE takes reasonable measures to protect applicant information and uses submitted information solely for program administration, evaluation, compliance, and reporting purposes, subject to applicable laws and program requirements.
Can I appeal a funding decision?
Applicants may request a review if they believe relevant information was overlooked during the evaluation process. Final funding decisions remain at NAECE’s discretion.
Why does NAECE offer this grant?
Many energy-efficiency projects qualify for rebates but still require a customer contribution that can prevent the project from moving forward. The CCAG was created to help remove this final financial barrier, allowing more organizations to benefit from energy-saving improvements and lower operating costs.
Why does NAECE review manufacturers, distributors, and contractors?
NAECE is committed to protecting grant recipients and promoting responsible business practices. Before products or services become eligible for NAECE-supported funding, participating organizations may be reviewed to verify appropriate insurance coverage, warranty protections, business practices, and compliance with applicable requirements.
This review process helps reduce risk for applicants and encourages higher standards throughout the supply chain.
