Technical Assistance for the Development of a Super ESCO for Advancing Energy Efficiency

The National Energy Corporation of Trinidad and Tobago Limited (National Energy), a wholly owned subsidiary of The National Gas Company of Trinidad and Tobago Limited, has been mandated by the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to develop an energy-based and downstream sector and is engaged in the conceptualization, promotion, development, and facilitation of new energy-based and downstream energy industries. National Energy proposed the concept of a Super ESCO to accelerate the implementation of a local energy efficiency (EE) program to provide a mechanism for reducing the volume of natural gas used to generate electricity, provide a possible source of revenue to National Energy, and spur entrepreneurial activity in this emerging sector. National Energy elected to utilize the services of Econoler to support the design and implementation of this important initiative.

Under this mandate, Econoler is carrying out the following tasks:   Phase 1: ESCO Industry Commercial Model

• Analyze local EE/ESCO barriers including institutional, fiscal and, stakeholder shortcomings;
• Provide detailed recommendations on a commercial path forward to accelerate the national roll-out of EE;
• Identify opportunities for regional expansion and advise on possible options for market entry.

  Phase 2: Turnkey Solution for a Pilot Program

• Detail the most appropriate Super ESCO structure with associated risk analysis and mitigation options;
• Prepare a business plan including structuring, financing, and implementation plans;
• Provide standardized templates for transactional documents for implementation including performance contracts, risks assessments, project appraisals, monitoring and evaluation, and request for proposal packaging;
• Devise and assist with the promotion and marketing of a Super ESCO pilot program.

  Phase 3: Support to the Pilot Program

• Support the operations of the pilot for one year;
• Prepare a lessons learned report including recommendations to modify any contractual documents based on feedback and experience from the first year of operations.

  Throughout the assignment, Econoler is providing important knowledge transfers and capacity building to National Energy as a continuous activity across all three phases. The support offered by Econoler will be key to National Energy developing its initiative and meeting its national commitment to foster energy efficiency projects.