Extension Policy for CORE and REIP Solar Projects

Consistent with the Board Order of June 20, 2011, the Market Manager will grant extensions to CORE and REIP projects under the following circumstances:

• Projects that have not received an extension prior to June 20, 2011 may be eligible for only one extension and must provide documentation to demonstrate the following items:

a.  Engineering and design work has been completed
b.  Construction permits have been approved by the authority having jurisdiction (where applicable)
c.  Project materials including the panels, inverters and mounting system are on site

Projects that meet all requirements for a first extension may be granted an extension from the original project expiration date as determined by the size of the project. Projects less than or equal to 10.0 kW will be eligible for a four month extension and projects greater than 10.0 kW will be eligible for a six month extension.

• Projects greater than 10.0 kW that have already received a first extension may be eligible for one additional extension by providing documentation to demonstrate the following items:

a.  Engineering and design work has been completed
b.  Construction permits have been approved by the authority having jurisdiction (where applicable)
c.  Project materials including the panels, inverters and mounting system are on site
d.  The system must be substantially installed and awaiting final interconnection approval or in the startup and testing phase

Projects that meet all second extension requirements may be granted an extension for a period of six months from the current project expiration date. If the project is not completed within this second extension period, no additional extensions will be granted by the Market Manager.

The Market Manager will consider extension requests in the two cases described above only if the requirements for an extension are satisfied, and where the delay was unavoidable and unforeseeable at the time of the rebate application. Approval of any extension will depend on the totality of circumstances, as demonstrated through documentation provided with the extension request.

Extension Policy for SRP Projects

The following policy pertains to extensions for projects registered under the SREC Registration Program (SRP). This policy is consistent with the Board’s recently proposed rule amendments. It describes the processes for completion deadlines and extensions for all SRP registrations.

• Projects will be given 12 calendar months to be completed, as measured from the date on the acceptance letter to the date the complete Final As-Built Packet is received by the Market Manager.
• If the project is accepted into the ESFI, the expiration date will be 12 months from the date of the signed Board Order approving the bid in the EDC financing solicitation.
• If the project cannot be completed within the initial 12-month period, the registrant/contractor may apply for an extension. Extension requests must be received before 5:00 PM on the expiration date of the initial acceptance letter, and must include detailed documentation regarding the reasons for the delay. Progressive documentation of project issues to the Market Manager as they occur throughout the project will significantly improve the case for a project extension.

Upon conducting a review of all required documents, the Market Manager may grant an extension for a period of six months.

Extension Policy for Approved REIP Wind Systems

The following policy pertains to extension for projects approved under the REIP for wind systems.

Projects that have not received an extension, but expired prior to the opening of the 2012 REIP for wind systems may be eligible for only one extension and must provide documentation to demonstrate the following items:

a.    Engineering and design work has been completed
b.    Construction permits have been approved by the authority having jurisdiction (where applicable)
c.    Project materials including the tower, turbine and inverters are on site

Projects that meet all requirements for an extension may be granted an extension from the original project expiration date as determined by the size of the project. Projects less than or equal to 10.0 kW will be eligible for a four month extension and projects greater than 10.0 kW will be eligible for a six month extension.

The consumer protection measures in discussion for the 2012 REIP program wind systems will not apply to projects approved in previous programs. Once the 2012 REIP program for wind systems is accepting applications, no extensions will be granted for projects under the previous rebate programs. Any project with an existing commitment that does not complete within its commitment length can submit a new application under the improved rebate design to ensure that all projects and program participants benefit from the protections of the proposed program design.

Extension requests including all appropriate documentation must be received by the NJCEP office on or before the expiration date. Mail to:
ATTN: Extension Request
Renewable Energy Program Manager
c/o Conservation Services Group
75 Lincoln Highway, Suite 100
Iselin, NJ 08830