State of New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission Sustainable Energy Division 21 S. Fruit Street, Suite 10, Concord, NH 03301-2429

STEP 1: REBATE PRE-APPROVAL APPLICATION FOR NON-RESIDENTIAL BULK-FUEL FED WOOD PELLET BOILERS AND FURNACES Revised 07-06-16

PROGRAM SUMMARY
The Public Utilities Commission (the Commission) will provide a rebate payment of 40% of the heating appliance(s) and installation cost, up to a maximum of $65,000, for investments in non-residential bulk-fuel fed wood pellet boilers and furnaces of 2.5 million BTU or less (based on boiler output capacity), that become operational, serving designed intent and installer-certified on or after December 18, 2013. The following additional rebates are also available: A rebate of 30% of the thermal storage tank and related components, up to $5,000 is available. A rebate of $5,000 is available to assist in the cost of meters for systems that become REC eligible. (The application for REC eligibility must be received by the PUC before payment of the Step 2 rebate.)
Qualifying boilers and furnaces must meet the following requirements: Efficiency of 80% or greater measured using the higher heat value of the fuel. Participation in the EPA Portfolio Manager program, or equivalent program*, to benchmark the building’s energy use. A minimum of three tons of wood pellet storage, capable of bulk delivery. Compliance with the Terms & Conditions outlined below.
Pre-approval is required to reserve your place in the funding queue. Once the facility has been installed at the site, the applicant must then complete and submit the Step 2 application to receive a rebate.
The rebate pre-approval expires nine months from the date this application is pre-approved and funding is reserved.
When all available program funding has been reserved for approved projects, applicants that meet all program and project requirements will be placed on a waitlist. Projects placed on the waitlist are not guaranteed funding.
*Benchmarking programs other than the EPA Portfolio Manager must be submitted for approval in conjunction with the Step 1 application.

Please submit application and all associated documents to: Sustainable Energy Division New Hampshire Public Utilities Commission 21 S. Fruit Street, Suite 10 Concord, NH 03301-2429

Funds for this program are made available through New Hampshire's RPS statute, RSA 362-F, which requires each electricity provider to meet a percentage of customer load by purchasing or acquiring certificates representing generation from renewable energy based on total megawatt-hours supplied.

PROGRAM RECOMMENDATIONS
Thermal Storage – Applicants are strongly encouraged to discuss the benefits of thermal storage with their installer, which may include: Greatly improved seasonal efficiency; Greatly reduced emissions; Decreased boiler run time; Decreased wear and tear on moving parts; Decreased power consumption for motors and fuel ignition; and, Higher occupant comfort because a boiler and tank respond immediately to heating loads. (If the pellet boiler must first light itself and heat up before it supplies heat there can be a lag.) The ideal volume of thermal storage for pellet boilers is 20 gallons per 10,000 Btus. It is essential that the thermal storage tank and the pipes between the boiler and tank be extremely well insulated.
Heating Appliance Warranties – Carefully review all warranties for the parts, labor and the pressure vessel and/or heat exchanger. Ensure that the system is handled and maintained according to manufacturer’s specifications.
Pellet Fuel Institute Graded Fuel with the Quality Mark – Warranties for many heating appliances require the use of premium pellets. Low quality fuel will increase operation and maintenance costs of the system. For more information on pellet fuel standards, and the PFI Quality Mark visit the Pellet Fuels Institute website.
Properly Sized Systems – Applicants are strongly encouraged to have contractors perform a thorough analysis of the heat load. Oversized appliances create unnecessary expense and can cause the system to be unusable during mild weather conditions during Fall and Spring—causing unnecessary use of more expensive oil or propane in the back up or peaking boilers. In pellet space heating systems, multiple staged boilers may provide added output flexibility.
Maintenance – Routine maintenance should be performed annually, or more often as recommended by the manufacturer. In addition, applicants are strongly encouraged to install only heating appliances that automatically clean the burn chamber and the heat exchanger according to manufacturer’s guidelines.
Ash – The ash from non-residential wood pellet heating systems should be recycled or disposed of following NH DES rule Env-Sw 1700.

PROGRAM ELIGIBILITY, TERMS AND CONDITIONS
Please read the Terms and Conditions carefully prior to completing the form.
This program is administered in accordance with RSA 362-F:10 and Puc 2500 (administrative rules). Any applicant requesting a rebate payment for any renewable energy system is responsible for meeting all terms and conditions of the program.
Only systems that become operational after December 18, 2013 are eligible. Systems that were installed and became operational before the official commencement date are not eligible.
Projects must be located in New Hampshire. Applicant must be a project owner and an end-use customer of a provider of electricity located in New Hampshire, pursuant to Puc 2507.04. Shared-ownership projects or projects on leased space will be eligible for this program provided that the building owner gives written consent for the project and/or the building owner is a project partner.
Applicants receiving this one-time only rebate may combine other local, state, or federal financial incentives with this rebate, but must meet the requirements of this rebate program.
The rebate covers the entire installed system, including pellet storage and conveyance, boiler or furnace, controls, thermal storage tank, and installation, up to the point where the system interconnects with the building’s heat distribution system.
Multiple staged boilers or furnaces may be included in an eligible heating system to provide greater output flexibility, but the entire system would only be eligible for a single incentive payment.
The rebate payment is 40% of the wood pellet boiler or furnace system cost and installation up to $65,000, for systems of 2.5 million BTU or less (based on boiler output capacity). The following additional rebates are also available: A rebate of 30% of the thermal storage tank and related components, up to $5,000 is available. A rebate of $5,000 is available to assist in the cost of meters for systems that become REC eligible. The application for REC eligibility must be received by the PUC before payment of the Step 2 rebate.
Rebates are subject to the availability of funds received by the Commission under RSA 362-F and appropriated by the legislature. Complete applications will be processed in the order in which they are received. Applications that meet all program requirements will be approved as such. In a separate step by the Commission, funding will be reserved up to the total amount allocated and on hand for this program. Once all allocated funds are reserved, approved applications will be placed in a funding queue waitlist, again, in the order received and approved. The 9 month deadline for completion of the installation and submission of the Step 2 Form will not be triggered until funding is reserved for the project and the applicant is notified of such. If installation is not complete and the Step 2 Form is not received by the Commission within 9 months of funding reservation, the funding may be released to the next approved applicant in any funding queue waitlist. There is no guarantee that funding will be available when applications are approved.
An extension may be secured by contacting the Sustainable Energy Division provided funding is available and the applicant is able to make a reasonable case for the need for an extension.
The Step 2 Final Rebate Request Form must be submitted after the installation is complete and within nine months of the date that this rebate pre-approval form is approved and funding for the project is reserved. Applicants may submit both forms together if the installation is already complete but the rebate payment is conditioned on meeting the requirements listed herein.
The bulk-fuel fed wood pellet boiler or furnace system funded under this program must be located on, or at, the applicant’s New Hampshire non-residential building site, which may include a business, non-profit organization, educational institution, governmental or municipal entity, or multi-family residence of 4 units or greater, and does not qualify for a rebate under the residential wood pellet rebate program.
Applicants must show evidence of participation in the EPA’s Portfolio Manager Program, or equivalent and approved program, to benchmark building energy use. Benchmarking programs other than the EPA Portfolio Manager must be submitted to the Commission for approval in conjunction with the Step 1 application.
This rebate payment must be used for the installation of new, commercially available, high thermal efficiency, bulk-delivery capable wood pellet boilers and furnaces utilized in a central heating system or industrial process where: The system has a thermal efficiency rating of 80% or greater. The total particulate matter emissions rating is 0.10 lb/MMBtu heat output or less. Basic attributes of allowed boilers or furnaces include: The heating appliance(s) turns itself on in response to a demand for heat. The heating appliance(s) modulates to lower output and/or turns itself off when the heating load decreases or is satisfied. Fuel is automatically conveyed from the bulk storage container/area (device) to the burn chamber in a planned/integrated path without operator intervention of any sort. Bulk fuel capability features include: The boiler or furnace system has built-in fuel conveyance capability that can be pneumatic (suction) or mechanical (auger) or a combination of two transport mechanisms from the bulk storage device. The fuel conveyance can also be an add-on feature as long as it allows for seamless and safe conveyance of fuel from the storage device to the burn chamber without operator intervention of any sort; The boiler or furnace system can convey fuel from almost any appropriately adapted bulk storage device to allow flexibility in placement and design. The heating system shall not be restricted to any one bulk storage device, for instance one made by the same manufacturer as the appliance; The pellet-fuel storage bin shall have a minimum capacity of three tons; and, Pellet fuel storage bin access (by pipe or auger or both) is located 100 feet or less from the street or driveway. Contact your local distributor of wood pellets to ensure that delivery is possible to your location. Key safety features include: There is a positive closure and/or fire extinguishing device and/or emergency disconnection device between the burn chamber and the bulk storage device to keep the fire from reaching the bulk pellets. The fuel fill pipe to the storage bin must be grounded or anti-static. A placard is attached to the bin with safety precautions. A carbon monoxide (CO) detector is installed in the room with the pellet boiler or furnace and internal pellet storage or hopper. If the wood pellet boiler or furnace and the storage bin are in the different, indoor locations, multiple CO detectors are required.
The Step 2 application must include a paid-in-full invoice demonstrating that the applicant has purchased a delivery of premium wood pellets comparable to the size of the installed bin.
The wood-pellet central boiler and furnace system must be installed by a qualified installer who is a sole proprietorship, company, corporation, limited liability company, or other organization authorized to conduct business in the State of New Hampshire that is normally commercially engaged in the installation of wood-pellet central boiler and furnace systems, or who is a licensed New Hampshire plumber, and in each case who has received training from the manufacturer in the installation of the system installed.
Outdoor wood-pellet boilers are eligible for this program if they meet the efficiency requirements listed on page 3. Wood- pellet stoves, regular stick or cord wood stoves, and cord wood boilers and furnaces are not eligible for this program. Dual-fuel boilers or furnaces capable of burning wood pellets or other woody biomass are eligible if the owner certifies that the fuel used will be wood pellets.
Replacement or expansion of system components does not constitute an eligible project unless it includes installation of a new eligible boiler.
Do-It-Yourself installations do not qualify.
Used parts cannot be included in the cost of the wood pellet boiler or furnace system or thermal storage system used to calculate the rebate payment. The boiler or furnace and conveyance system must be new.
Applicants who choose to install systems, in whole or in part, prior to Step 1 approval by the Commission may still apply for this rebate payment by submitting both the Step 1 and Step 2 applications, but the rebate payment is conditioned on meeting the requirements listed herein and available funding.
Any wood pellet boiler or furnace system must comply with all manufacturers’ requirements and the State Building Code pursuant to RSA 155-A:1, IV and any applicable local codes or ordinances. Manufacturers must provide third-party testing data to verify that their systems meet the efficiency requirements specified on page 2.
Any wood pellet boiler or furnace system is subject to inspection and monitoring by the Commission, the State Fire Marshal and local code authorities or their agents for safety and performance.
Rebates are subject to the availability of funds; complete applications will be processed in the order in which they are received.
All program requirements and documentation must be complete and submitted in order to receive approval for a rebate payment. A list of program requirements for Step 2 approval is provided on page 8 of 8 of this application. Payment of the rebate may be subject to inspection of the facility by an agent of the Commission to confirm that the system is operational and consistent with the application, with appropriate advance notice to the owner.
Certain information concerning the performance and effect of this rebate program, including system details, name, address, zip code, and total installed costs of systems installed with program support may be available to the public and may be publicly posted. Additional information may be released upon official request. Specific personal information in which the applicant has a strong privacy interest, including Social Security numbers, telephone numbers and email addresses will remain confidential to the extent permitted under the NH Right-to-Know law, RSA 91-A.
The Commission reserves the right to request system performance data for a period of ten (10) years after issuing the rebate. Such information may include fuel use, equipment service needs, and boiler cycling information.
If it is determined that the rebate was obtained fraudulently, the recipient, in addition to other penalties or charges, may be liable to the State of New Hampshire for the entire amount of the rebate.
Any rebate received under this program may be treated as taxable income by the IRS. It is the responsibility of the recipient of this rebate payment to consult with his or her tax advisor to determine the correct tax treatment of these payments. Applicants who do not provide their Federal Taxpayer ID, Employer ID, or Social Security Number on the Step 2: Final Rebate Request Form will not be eligible for reimbursement.
Any installer who fails to complete installations in a workmanlike manner, consistent with generally accepted industry practices and generally free of material defects, including failure to comply with applicable building and fire safety codes, as may be evidenced by an objective third party inspection and evaluation, may be barred from future program participation.
The Commission reserves the right to modify the program terms, conditions, or technical requirements when it is deemed to be in the public interest.
Incomplete, inaccurate, or ineligible applications will be rejected and removed from the queue.

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APPLICATION
**Because this application requires original signatures, no electronic copies will be accepted**
APPLICANT CONTACT INFORMATION
Business/Organization Name:	Contact Name:
Mailing Address:	City:	State:	Zip:
Facility Address (if different than Mailing Address):	City:	State:	Zip:
Telephone:	Cell:
Email Address:	County:

☐	Please check if you would like to receive periodic updates from the PUC’s Sustainable Energy Division through the Email Alert List regarding grant opportunities, educational events and news about renewable energy and energy efficiency in New Hampshire.

BUILDING INFORMATION
Please describe the primary use of the building. (e.g. business, non-profit, educational institution, government/municipal entity, multi-family unit of 4 units or greater, or other.)

Briefly list past energy audits, energy efficiency upgrades, and benchmarking activities completed for this specific location.

Year of original building:	Building Size (Sq Ft)	Approximate age of heating appliance:	Rated heating appliance efficiency:	Source of rating: (e.g. your oil service company or your new heating system installer):

Fuel Used:	Oil	Natural Gas	Propane	Wood	Electric	Other: (Please describe.)
☐	☐	☐	☐	☐	☐

Installation Information ON THE NEW WOOD PELLET bOILER OR FURNACE
Anticipated start date:	Anticipated date of completion:	Rated efficiency of new boiler or furnace:

New Heating system information
Manufacturer:	Product name(s):	Model #(s)
Please indicate if your new appliance(s) will be a boiler or a furnace and the number of units being installed.	Number of appliance(s) being installed	What size is the total new heating system (Btu/hour)?
Boiler(s): ☐	Furnace(s): ☐	If thermal storage is included, complete the following:
Tank name and product identification	Size (gallons)
(For purposes of data collection only) are you removing your old heating system?	Yes	No
☐	☐

Pellet fuel storage system information
Manufacturer:	Product Identification #:	Capacity (tons):
Conveyance: (how the pellets get from the storage vessel to the heating system)

INSTALLER
Installer Name:	Company:
Mailing Address:	City	State	Zip
Phone	Email
Duns # or Employer ID	Company Type:
HVAC	Plumbing	Other	If other, please describe:
☐	☐	☐
Has the installer completed approved manufacturer or distributor installation training?	If the installation is being completed by a NH licensed plumber, provide the license number.
Yes	No
☐	☐

REBATE CALCULATION
Project Components	Costs	(Total Cost of Appliances)
# Boiler or Furnace Appliance(s) Utilized by System	#	$
Cost per Appliance	$
Fuel Storage Bin	$	Please provide cost breakdown for each of the project components listed.
Fuel Conveyance	$
Controls & Circulators	$
Indirect Hot Water Heater	$
Labor	$
Carbon Monoxide Detector	$
Other*	$	REBATE CALCULATION Rebate Subtotal x 40% up to a Maximum of $65,000
Project Subtotal
$
$
REBATE ADDERS
Thermal Storage Tank	+ Tank Components	= Total Thermal Storage	X 30% up to $5,000 if applicable
$	$	$
For systems over 500,000 Btu/hr, REC eligibility is required. A $5,000 adder is available for all systems that choose to become REC eligible.	Add $5,000 if applicable
$
REBATE TOTAL	$

*The rebate covers the entire installed system, including pellet storage and conveyance, boiler or furnace, controls, thermal storage tank, and installation, up to the point where the system interconnects with the building’s heat distribution system.

NON-RESIDENTIAL BULK-FUEL FED WOOD PELLET CENTRAL BOILERS & FURNACES REBATE REQUIRED ATTACHMENTS
ATTACHED
☐	Signed contract with qualified installer
☐	Photographs of the old system
☐	Installer’s certification or approved authorization from the manufacturer or distributor

Note: For the STEP 2: REBATE REQUEST FORM you will be expected to provide the following:
Paid invoice(s) indicating total costs for parts and labor.
A paid-in-full invoice for a delivery of Pellet Fuels Institute certified wood pellets.
Documentation that the system was installed by a qualified installer who is a sole proprietorship, company, corporation, limited liability company, or other organization authorized to conduct business in the State of New Hampshire that is normally commercially engaged in the installation of wood-pellet central boiler and furnace systems, or who is a licensed New Hampshire plumber, and in each case who has received training from the manufacturer in the installation of the system installed.
Pictures of the installed heating system.
Pictures of the installed bulk storage system, including a picture of the safety placard.
Picture of the carbon monoxide detector.
Documentation of the rated BTU/hr of the system.
Documentation of thermal efficiency.
Building permit or other documentation that the facility meets local zoning regulations. (If none, please explain).
Evidence of participation in the EPA Portfolio Manager program or equivalent benchmarking program.
Documentation that the installed system has been inspected by a NH licensed plumber (if a boiler), or, a NH licensed electrician (if a furnace).
System approval and sign-off from the municipal fire chief or designee or the State Fire Marshal or designee.

dECLARATION Only one signature needed per facility.

The Undersigned applicant declares under penalty of perjury that:

the applicant intends to purchase and install the wood pellet central boiler or furnace system described in this application;

the applicant has read and understands the terms and conditions set forth in this application with attachments and has agreed to abide by those requirements;

the information provided in this form is true and correct to the best of the applicant’s knowledge;

4)	the applicant agrees that the system and documents supporting the application may be audited and inspected by the Commission or an agent of the Commission; and,

5)	the applicant gives permission to the PUC to contact the applicant’s installer in order to notify the installer of pre-approval of the rebate.

Applicant’s Signature:	Date:

Subscribed and sworn before me this	(day) of	(month) in the year

County of	State of

Notary Public/Justice of the Peace
My Commission expires

For the purposes of this program, high efficiency is defined as boilers/furnaces that operate at a minimum thermal efficiency of 80% using the higher heating value (HHV) of the fuel. Efficiency rates may be determined by third party testing laboratories approved and recognized by authorities having jurisdiction in the United States, Canada, and/or the European Union.

Emissions may be determined by third party testing laboratories approved and recognized by authorities having jurisdiction in the United States, Canada, and/or the European Union.

Installers should contact ThermalRebates@puc.nh.gov for an example of a safety placard.

A carbon monoxide detector is not necessary for outdoor storage.