The Nicor Gas Emerging Technology Program (ETP) uses a screening, scoring, and selection system (4S) or Ready, Set, Go for simplicity. The 4S system will process a range of project applications and help determine which are developed into pilot assessment projects. All emerging technologies submitted to the Nicor Gas ETP must be in compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations.
First, every application is analyzed through the Ready, Set, Go (4S) process, and then it is determined if the application is eligible for a pilot assessment. The process is briefly explained in the diagram below.
If you are not ready to apply, but would like to preview the forms, PDFs are available in links below.
READY: The Ready process is a short, mostly yes/no questionnaire that can be completed in approximately 5 minutes or less. It gathers basic information about the emerging technology proposed for inclusion in the Nicor Gas Emerging Technology Program. After completing and submitting this questionnaire, it will be automatically reviewed to determine if it meets the necessary program requirements. If it does, the applicant will immediately be directed to the Set stage. If not, the applicant will receive automatic feedback on any areas of concern.
SET: The Set process requests further details about the emerging technology under consideration. The data request form at the Set stage asks for specific quantitative information, such as the installed price of the technology, its estimated service life, estimated annual natural gas savings, and other key questions. Once the applicant completes this form, they will be directed to a customer feedback survey to solicit any user feedback and help identify any needed improvements. The information gathered in the Set process will be reviewed by an Emerging Technology Program team member. The applicant will be informed about the status of their application within 2 to 4 weeks after submittal if the Emerging Technology Program team plans to recommend their application to proceed to the Go stage.
GO: The Go process is handled jointly by the applicant and the Emerging Technology Program team. Information gathered at the Set stage is reviewed and additional, third-party data sources are used to make the review even more robust. Within 4 to 8 weeks of initial submittal, the applicant will be informed if the Emerging Technology Program team plans to recommend their application for an Emerging Technology Program pilot assessment project. The Emerging Technology Program team presents final recommendations and proposed Action Plans to the Technical Review Committee, which will make the final endorsement on the selection of pilot assessment projects. Applicants will be notified promptly of the final decisions.
PROJECT: After an application is selected for a pilot assessment, ETP team will undertake one or a combination of the following approaches based on application specific requirements to execute the pilot assessment.
- Field evaluation
- Laboratory evaluation
- Energy modeling
Pilot assessment test plan will be shared and coordinated with the vendor/applicant prior to the commencement of the project
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RESULTS: Pilot assessment will involve data collection and streaming as per the test plan to be able to view continuous progress and provide early insights to the vendor. After completion of the project, a full analysis will be performed, and results will be shared with the applicant/vendor for review
and a final pilot assessment report will be made publicly available and will also be provided to the applicant/ vendor.