Alternative and Clean Energy Program (ACE)

ACE Overview

The Alternative and Clean Energy Program (ACE) provides financial assistance in the form of grant and loan funds that will be used by eligible applicants for the utilization, development and construction of alternative and clean energy projects in the state. The program is administered jointly by the Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) and the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), under the direction of the Commonwealth Financing Authority (CFA).

Uses

Activities to promote the utilization, development and construction of alternative and clean energy projects, infrastructure associated with compressed natural gas and liquefied natural gas fueling stations, plus energy efficiency and energy conservation projects in the state.

Eligibility
  • Businesses
  • Economic development organizations
  • Political subdivisions; includes municipalities, counties and school districts
Funding
  • Loans:
    Loans for manufacturers of alternative and/or clean energy generation equipment or components shall not exceed $40,000 for every new job created within three years after approval of the loan. Loans for any alternative energy production or clean energy project shall not exceed $5 million or 50 percent of the total project cost, whichever is less.
  • Grants:
    Grants for manufacturers of alternative and/or clean energy generation equipment or components shall not exceed $10,000 for every job projected to be created by the business within three years after approval of the grant. Grants for any alternative energy production or clean energy project shall not exceed $2 million or 30 percent of the total project cost, whichever is less.
  • Guarantees:
    Grants shall not exceed $5 million and have a term of not more than five years. In the event of a default, the grant will pay up to 75 percent of the deficiency.
Terms

There is a matching investment requirement of at least $1 for every $1 of program funds awarded. There is a $100 non-refundable application fee due at the time of submission made payable to the CFA. There is a 1 percent commitment fee on all approved loans.

Additional Information

Alternative and Clean Energy Program Fact Sheet

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