Applying for Provisional Certification

NYSERDA has designed this application process to allow a prospective participant in the RPS program (the Applicant) to review the RPS eligibility rules regarding the various technologies and fuels, and to prepare an application for Provisional Certification for any upcoming RFP. Please note, NYSERDA is not currently accepting applications for Provisional Certification, but the application process can still serve as a tutorial to help assess your eligibility for the RPS program.

To be eligible, wind, solar, hydroelectric, biomass, tidal/ocean, and fuel cell generation facilities must have first commenced commercial operation on or after January 1, 2003. A facility that does not meet this vintage requirement may be eligible if it:

• completes a significant upgrade or repowering after January 1, 2003, and/or
• begins using or increases the use of eligible biomass fuels, biogas, and/or liquid biofuel (hereinafter referred to as biomass).

Certain facilities in operation before January 1, 2003 may qualify as Maintenance Resources.

Application Package Instructions

Downloadable application packages (see below) contain the necessary documents required for each eligible project option. Each renewable energy resource category (biomass, hydroelectric, solar, wind, tidal/ocean, and fuel cells) has its own separate application package. The package is designed to allow Applicants to create a Provisional Certification Application that is specific to their power generation projects.

In addition you may choose either the interactive format or the non-interactive format described below.

1. Interactive Electronic Format (Using Adobe Reader 7.07):
   
   The Applicant will download a package containing interactive forms that guide the Applicant through possible project design/technology choices to a Provisional Certification Application form (with attachments) that is tailored to each Applicant’s specific project. The advantage of this format is that the process is automated, and information links and other user resources are provided throughout the process.
   
   (If you don't have Version 7.0.7 or higher of the FREE Adobe Reader installed, please click on the icon to install. Earlier versions may not function properly.)
   
   
   
2. Non-interactive Format (Using Adobe Reader):
   
   The Applicant can download a single file containing all of the documents and related information needed to find the form and attachments that are appropriate for a specific project. The Applicant must print the file and prepare the application manually.
   
   (If you don't have the FREE Adobe Reader installed, please click on the icon to install.)
   

Download Instructions: Select the download button that corresponds to the resource (Biomass, Wind, Solar, Hydroelectric, Tidal/Ocean and Fuel Cells) applicable to your project. When asked “Do you want to open or save this file?”, select “Save.” The package is downloaded as a compressed file folder. Once the folder is downloaded you must extract the files. To do so, in Windows, simply right-click the folder and select "extract all" or "unzip", or open with WinZip and follow instructions.

Resource Type	Downloadable Forms
Biomass
Wind
Solar
Hydroelectric
Tidal/Ocean
Fuel Cells

Begin navigating the interactive application package by opening "Introduction Page.pdf". As you go through the application process, please read all RPS requirements that apply to your project. Attached to the application form will be all of the applicable RPS requirements based on the choices made in the first part of the application process. If selected for RPS payments, your facility must operate under these requirements in order to maintain Operational Certification. Upon completion, print the Provisional Certification Application Form, attach any requested documentation, sign and have notarized and mail to:

NYSERDA RPS Program
Attention: Liz Hanna
17 Columbia Circle
Albany, New York 12203

17 Columbia Circle, Albany, NY 12203-6399    Toll-Free: 1-866-NYSERDA or Local: 518-862-1090    Fax: 518-862-1091
New York City and Buffalo Regional Offices

© 2004 New York State Energy Research and Development Authority