Energy Performance Contracting Manual: State of Alabama
The goal of energy performance contracting (EPC) is to reduce energy consumption and costs through the acquisition of comprehensive capital energy improvements. A performance contracting agreement is a practical and economical way for public sector entities to obtain and finance needed capital energy projects for their facilities. These agreements provide an opportunity for agencies to free up scarce budget resources for other needed services and activities. This manual, prepared by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA), serves as a “how to” guide to the procurement of performance contracting agreements.
The manual, broken into six parts, walks the reader through the entire performance contracting process. The first portion of the manual introduces the reader to energy performance contracting. The second portion gives guidance for on site selection and project financing. The guide then discusses the request for proposal for the energy performance contractor, the evaluation process for the contractor, the audit process, and final contract development with the energy performance contractor. Finally, the guide discusses savings measurement and verification and provides a list of resources. Throughout the guide general rules-of-thumb and special consideration examples are given.
This guide was developed for Alabama’s public agencies, it also applies to other public officials who need guidance on the procurement of performance contracting agreements. Although sample contracts are not given, this document provides invaluable guidance for a government agency interested in improving the process and outcome of obtaining an agreement with a performance contracting company.
The ability or potential of a physical body to do work. The most common forms of energy are heat, light, mechanical (moving parts), and electrical.
