Every good coach knows that finding the right players can mean the difference between success and failure. As it turns out, building a program to finance clean energy projects is no exception. A few key players can be instrumental in successfully designing and implementing the financing for any program of this sort. This blog post provides a list of key positions that can ensure success in running energy efficiency and renewable energy (EE/RE) programs.

The roles and responsibilities listed below may be split among several different partners who are involved in the finance program. Internal staffing requirements for government entities that operate this type of a program can be minimal as long as the program has sufficient partners in other organizations.

Building a Clean Energy Finance Team:

  • EE/RE Program Lead and Program Designers – These positions lead the overall effort at the local level. Every EE/RE program needs a person or group of people who are willing and able to spearhead and organize the various components of the program. In many instances, staff at a local nonprofit takes on the lead role, which can often overlap with other roles such as Marketing Lead. In other cases, the program lead within the municipal government spearheads the effort.

  • Program Lead – A person in this position champions the EE/RE program within a grantee or subgrantee municipal government, assists in drafting council resolutions or state legislation, coordinates with legal staff, drafts or oversees drafting of the request for proposal (RFP) for selecting a financial institution (FI) partner, negotiates with the FI, and coordinates contract execution with the FI and among other program partners.

  • Legal Staff – The legal staff ensures that all local actions and elements of the program meet municipal, state, and federal laws.

  • Marketing Lead – A marketing lead ensures that the community is aware of the EE/RE program and its potential benefits, and coordinates with the chosen FI, which will also market the program to its existing customers. Marketing efforts are intended to generate a steady flow of investment-ready projects.

  • Utility Liaison – This liaison makes sure that existing utility rebate programs are accessed fully, and helps maximize utility involvement.

  • Contractor Coordinator – The contractor coordinator ensures that a pool of qualified EE/RE contractors exists and is aware of the program and prepared to take on the work. In some cases, existing community action agencies can help in this role.

  • Finance Lead – A finance lead designs the program’s finance options, drafts the Loan Loss Reserve Fund (LRF) Agreement, serves as a financial resource, and testifies before municipal councils or state legislatures when needed. This person helps secure funding for the program, which can include:
    • preparing/writing grants and working with state and federal officials
    • helping in the drafting of the RFP to select FI(s) and during the FI selection process
    • assisting (if experienced) in drafting the LRF and overall program agreements that delineate roles and responsibilities.

No clean energy financing program is complete without a roster of capable individuals fulfilling these key roles. A well-drafted team can make all the difference in how successful a program will be.

For questions related to financial program roles and responsibilities, post a comment to this Blog or contact a Technical Assistance Services provider.

Content for this Blog post courtesy of The Cadmus Group