To support the procurement of capacity, energy, and associated renewable energy credits, CRA’s client, a large midwestern investor-owned utility, identified over 1,000 MW of resource needs pursuant to an Integrated Resource Plan (IRP). Whenever there is a possibility of utility ownership or potential for participation by a utility affiliate in a competitive bidding process for generation or new transmission resources, a robust process and set of guidelines established by the FERC and/or state utility commissions must be followed.
CRA’s team of Energy consultants, leveraging its experience with the design, development, execution, and oversight of power generation resource RFPs, assisted the client with various parts of the RFP process. CRA hosted a website portal to provide communication amongst all potential respondents. Along with the client, we executed and managed an engaging stakeholder process which resulted in the incorporation of valuable feedback specific to the market area. Refinement of the design and scope of the RFP and evaluation process to maximize participation and streamline the evaluation process was critical.
CRA developed the process, timeline, and protocols necessary to follow regulatory guidelines. We also assisted with expert testimony relating to procurement, market conditions, and resource acquisition generally.
The solicitation resulted in a selection of solar, storage, and capacity resources which met the company’s capacity obligations and reduced customer exposure to soaring market prices for purchased power.
