Customer Contribution Assistance Grant (CCAG)

What is the Customer Contribution Assistance Grant?

The CCAG helps eligible customers cover the required co-pay portion of approved energy-efficiency rebate projects.

How much funding can I receive?

NAECE may cover the remaining co-pay amount, up to program limits, less a required $1 customer contribution.

Do I still need to pay something?

Yes. Customers are required to contribute at least $1 toward the project.

Can I apply if I have already received a utility rebate?

Yes. The CCAG is specifically designed to assist with the remaining customer contribution after approved rebates have been applied.

Is this considered double-dipping?

No. NAECE funding is independent of utility rebate programs and is intended to complement eligible energy-efficiency initiatives, subject to applicable program rules.

Who receives the grant funds?

Depending on program requirements, funds may be paid directly to the customer, contractor, distributor, or other approved project participant.

What documentation is required?

Applicants may be asked to provide rebate approval documents, invoices, proof of installation, proof of payment, and other supporting information.

How long does approval take?

Processing times vary based on application volume and documentation completeness.

Can NAECE funding be combined with utility rebates and government incentives? 

In many cases, yes. The Customer Contribution Assistance Grant (CCAG) is specifically designed to help eligible applicants cover the remaining customer contribution after utility rebates and other qualifying incentives have been applied.

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 NAECE funding originates from separate funding sources, it is generally intended to complement—not duplicate—existing incentive programs.

Eligibility for combined funding remains subject to program requirements, available funding, and any applicable rules governing the underlying rebate or incentive program.

Is receiving NAECE funding considered double-dipping? 

No. NAECE grants are funded independently and are separate from utility, municipal, provincial, state, and federal rebate programs.

The Customer Contribution Assistance Grant is specifically intended to assist with the portion of project costs that remains after eligible rebates and incentives have been applied. Because NAECE funding is not derived from the same rebate pools or funding sources, it is generally designed to complement existing incentive programs rather than duplicate them.

All funding remains subject to program eligibility requirements and any restrictions imposed by the underlying rebate provider.

How do I know NAECE is legitimate?

NAECE is a registered charitable organization focused on advancing energy affordability, energy efficiency, and North American manufacturing. We are committed to transparency, accountability, and responsible stewardship of program funds. Applicants are encouraged to review our programs, eligibility requirements, and contact us directly with any questions.

Is there a deadline to apply?

Application periods vary by program and funding availability. Some programs accept applications on a rolling basis, while others may have specific intake periods. Applicants should check the applicable program page for current details.

Are funds limited?

Yes. All NAECE programs are subject to available funding. Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding approval.

What happens if funding is exhausted?

Applications may be placed on a waiting list, deferred to a future funding cycle, or declined due to funding limitations. Applicants will be notified of the status of their application.

Can nonprofit organizations apply?

Many NAECE programs are open to nonprofit organizations, subject to program-specific eligibility requirements.

Can government entities apply?

Certain public-sector organizations, municipalities, schools, and other government-affiliated entities may be eligible for specific programs. Eligibility varies by program.

Are schools, hospitals, and municipalities eligible?

Yes. Depending on the program, public institutions, educational facilities, healthcare organizations, and municipalities may qualify for funding assistance.

Can landlords apply on behalf of tenants?

In some cases, property owners or building managers may apply for funding related to eligible improvements. Additional documentation may be required to verify ownership and project authorization.

What industries are prioritized?

NAECE supports projects that advance energy efficiency, reduce operating costs, strengthen North American manufacturing, improve supply-chain resilience, or create measurable economic benefits. Priority areas may vary by program.

What happens after I submit an application?

Applications are reviewed for completeness, eligibility, and alignment with program objectives. Applicants may be contacted to provide additional information or supporting documentation before a final decision is made.

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.

How are applications evaluated?

Applications are evaluated based on eligibility, program objectives, available funding, project impact, completeness of documentation, and other criteria established for the specific program.

Can I appeal a funding decision?

Applicants may request a review of a funding decision if they believe relevant information was overlooked or an error occurred during the evaluation process. The review process and available remedies may vary by program.