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Utility in Oregon issues RFP for 50 MW renewable power capacity – incl. geothermal

Utility in Oregon issues RFP for 50 MW renewable power capacity – incl. geothermal Raft River geothermal plant, Idaho (source: U.S. Geothermal Inc.)
Alexander Richter 10 Jun 2018

A local utility serving Oregon, Idaho and Washington has issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) for up to 50 MW in renewable energy power generation capacity, including geothermal energy.

Avista Utilities is a utility company providing energy services and electricity to 375,000 customers and natural gas to 336,000 customers in a service territory that covers 30,000 square miles in eastern Washington, northern Idaho and parts of southern and eastern Oregon, with a population of 1.6 million.

The company now through a request for proposal (RFP), is seeking proposals from renewable energy project developers who are capable of constructing, owning, and operating up to 50 average MW’s (aMW’s) (alternating current, or AC) whether through one or multiple proposals with a minimum net annual output of 5 aMW alternating current (AC).

Avista’s intent is to secure the output from renewable generation resources, including electricity, capacity and associated environmental attributes.  Avista’s interest in acquiring new renewable energy resources is to offset market purchases and fossil-fuel thermal generation. This interest is consistent with Avista’s 2017 Integrated Resource Plan which identifies that the utility will consider acquiring additional resources if such resources have lower long-term cost than electric market alternatives.

The RFP is open to parties who currently own, propose to develop, or hold rights to new renewable resource generating facilities. Avista has engaged a third-party consultant to gain an outside perspective as it relates to the RFP.  Avista will not accept proposals for renewable energy certificates only. Avista is not considering a self-build option for this facility or facilities.

Proposals must satisfy the requirements of the RFP, including that any new renewable generating resource submitted for consideration in this RFP must be a new “eligible renewable resource” as defined by RCW 19.285, including:

  • Wind
  • Solar
  • Geothermal
  • Biomass
  • Hydroelectric
  • Other eligible renewable resources

Avista will consider proposals that include storage associated with any of the above listed eligible renewable resources.

RFP responses are due by Wednesday, June 20, 2018. The RFP and bid instructions are available on the Avista website at: myavista.com/2018RenewablesRFP

Source: AvisaCorp